[mythtv-users] Re:Sell mythtv "set-top" boxes

[MythTV]

I would not propose __selling__ systems, but defining a common stable
hardware platform to enable people to focus on adding features rather than
getting "the right" combination of hardware. People will always vary from
the base system. We would provide a common stable basis for fallback and
testing.

Re: Target Audience

Enthusiasts wanting to focus on software features over hardware hacking
(i.e. trips to Frys, bleeding fingers, nonsense repetative steps like
pulling the right software from the net, etc...)

a) not "consumers", since they need too much hand holding
b) not hardcore hackers wanting all the latest and greatest HW
c) not high end enthusiasts wanting poorly supported features (e.g HD
encode)

- Victor

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Robert Kulagowski" <rkulagowski at thrupoint.net>
To: "'Discussion about mythtv'" <mythtv-users at snowman.net>
Sent: Monday, June 02, 2003 7:38 AM
Subject: RE: [mythtv-users] Re:Sell mythtv "set-top" boxes


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> If you're going to _sell_ systems, you have to realize that you have
> two types of audience:
>
> 1)  hackers / enthusiasts, who want to use the MythTV software
> 2)  consumers, who expect it to just "work".
>
> As a hacker, how much are you really willing to pay?  Lets say that
> I, Robert Kulagowski, want to sell Pundit-based systems.  I say,
> "Guys, here's the hardware list, and oh, by the way, I'll sell you a
> decent system that's been burned in, put together and ready to ship.
> It costs x% more than the cost of the equipment."
>
> Assume that x% is "low", compared to the retail world, and I charge
> 25% to cover costs, time, shipping, stock, etc.  Are you still going
> to buy it, or are you going to say, "screw that, I already know the
> hardware list, and I'm going to put it together myself."
>
> Costs:  (these are retail; from the dealer price we saw for the
> Pundit @ $165 there's < 10% margin on the hardware.)
> Asus Pundit: $180
> DVD drive: $25
> 512MB RAM: $45
> P4 2.4Ghz: $89 (for Celeron core), $154 for standard 2.4Ghz core
> Hauppauge 401 (btaudio): $80
> 80 GB hard drive: $70
>
> OK, we're at close to $500 ($450 if we use the "dealer" costs and
> assume free shipping and no tax) already, more if you use the
> standard 2.4Ghz core.  Throw in shipping and overhead costs and now
> we're at $635 for the Celeron based 2.4 machine.
>
> Still going to buy it?  If you are, email me and I'll give you my
> address so you can send the check. :)  Or are you going to say, "I
> don't want a 2.4, I want a 1.8Ghz machine.  And I don't want a 80GB
> drive, I want a 250GB drive.  And I don't want a Hauppauge 401, I
> want a PVR-250.  And I think he's trying to make a _profit_, the
> bastard!".  So there goes the "ready to ship", because it'll take 3-4
> days for parts to arrive from the wholesaler.
>
> Also, add in IR receiver for remote control, IR blaster for channel
> changing, keyboard, mouse, etc...
>
> Now, lets look at the consumer side.  Assuming that someone is going
> to buy it, sight unseen, then you're going to need to be worried
> about two things:
> 1)  XMLTV / Zap2It
> 2)  General hand-holding support
>
> The first one worries me more than the second.
>
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