[mythtv-users] Considering a MythTV

[Kent Williams]

I'm also interested to hear people's responses to Jason's questions. I've just got Mythtv running on a p4 1.5ghz, but the video (live tv and playback) is extremely jerky (dma is enabled), however this may be due to the system only having 128mb ram (the problem is that it's rambus, too expensive for more). If the 'normal' Mythtv experience can be considered to be a replacement for a traditional VCR, providing at least equal quality, I was going to go out and buy a new system to be used as a backend/frontend then use the current system as a second front end.

Cheers,
Kent

-----Original Message-----
From: Jason Williams [mailto:jason at crashbox.org] 
Sent: Monday, 25 August 2003 6:26 AM
To: mythtv-users at mythtv.org
Subject: [mythtv-users] Considering a MythTV

Hello everyone.
 
I've just recently discovered the whole DVR concept and have grown quite fond of the idea.  I am now considering setting something up and will be choosing between the 3 viable options I have discovered:  TiVo, MythTV for Linux, or ShowShifter for Windows.

 
I'm leaning to MythTV for many reasons: Linux based, Integrated Program Lineup and Scheduling, Great looking interface, runs on a standardized system which would allow me to pull movies from the drive (via Samba) and edit/clean them up etc..., free programming information vs. ReplayTV subscription basis.  My second choice is TiVo for the fact that it's all configured already and is a known working product (though I've yet to find a store display that will demonstrate it's video quality).  With anything on Windows running a distant and insignificant last.  (I might use ShowShifter in my kids room for it's simplicity, and ease of reinstallation if he hoses it.)
 
Before I go into my questions, let me say that I don't mind spending a little money if it's going to yield some significant benefit and pleasure.  However, I do not wish to waste any money on anything that will only yield marginally beneficial results.
 
Some concerns I have (sorry if any of these are covered, I searched the archive and read a lot but finally my eyes got tired) :
 
1. What is the video quality like?  I'm aware that even a VCR has a lesser quality than broadcast TV, but I don't use my VCR partly for that reason.  VHS looks terrible, especially if the tapes been watched a few times.  I expect that the quality will be near broadcast if not equal to it.  Does anyone have any experience with both MythTV and TiVo?  Can someone describe a comparison using quantifying terms other than those like "awesome" or "sucks"?
 
2. While quality is important, so is file size.  I want to be able to build a system that can store some music and downloaded/ripped movies as well.  I've been unable to locate a good comparison of quality vs size of the rtjpeg vs. mpeg2 vs. mpeg4 codecs.  Can anyone shed some light on this?
 
3. I'm thinking mpeg4 is going to give my quality vs size compromise I'm looking for.  Are the mpeg4 files compatible with Windows?  If not, what can be done to make them compatible?  I'll most likely want copy select programs over my network, clean up commercials etc.. then save it back to the MythTV box so that it will concerve space.  
 
4. I'm assuming that the TV Tuner will stay on one channel (3?) like a VCR does and somehow you control the cable box?  It seems there are ways to remote control the box.  Does anyone have any experience with Comcast Cable in Dallas, TX?  I've had this box since my provider was TCI Cablevision.  I looked up some info on my box.  It is a Motorolla for my Digital Cable.  The menu system indicates that it is a model DCT, SW Ver. 15.22, IR Blast = No, Firmware 07.54, and RF Bypass = On.  It does have a DB9 Female connector on the back of the unit.
 
5. Hardware Selection.  I have some items available to me already. I've not decided if I will recycle them or just build an overpowered system to ensure quality.  The expense will really dictate that.  Available to me is a:  P3-1000, 512+ SDRAM, Guillemot 3D DDR-DVI (GeForce 256 DDR) with TV-Out, various NIC's, and a SB Live!  I figure I'll buy a Avermedia TV Studio for it's high resolution and remote, and either a DVD/CDRW combo or just a DVD for it.  If I end up buying a DVD-RW it will go in my pc =)
 
6. It seems that I need a Ghz per tuner basically if I want to utilize more than one function at a time?  So if I want two cards to be able to watch (timeshift) and record something else, I will need at least 2Ghz CPU?  I would like to be able to watch something and record something else simultaneously if possible.  More than that is not necessary.  Most of my watching will be of programs that ran when I was not home.  As a single parent, I don't get much time for TV until the little man goes to bed.  That's when I'm hoping to make the most use of this system.  Maybe on the weekends also.
 
7. Will the TV out on this card (Guillemot GeForce 256 DDR) be sufficient for my quality concerns, or should I look into something to convert the DVI to TV for me?  Or should I really consider something else that's on the market today?
 
8. I may have missed this in the documentation, but I didn't see where the videos are stored.  I'd like to know this to plan my file system.
 
9. Are there any other concerns that a MythTV n00b should be aware of?
 
Thanks in advance,
 
Jason Williams
 
 
 
 
Jason Williams
 
"I wish none of this had happened."
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"So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide.
All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us."