[mythtv-users] OT: Tivo Users Can, So Can MythTV users?

[Geoff at Hundekeandroyal dot com]

I'm sure we've all seen this article over at slashdot:

http://yro.slashdot.org/yro/04/08/04/2212251.shtml?tid=158&tid=95&tid=103

The short version is, that despite objectionable objections by the MPAA 
and NFL (yes, you read that right, the NFL. They must have some pretty 
dim techies over there if they think thiner arguments even approached 
reality), the FCC as given the nod to TIVO to allow users to share 
recorded videos with up to 9 friends.

Now, having followed the list for quite some time, I know this can be a 
touchy issue, and with all due respect to the list and dev's, is there a 
way to take the idea of this feature from Tivo, and apply it to Myth, 
but pump it up a little?  I realize with Tivo there is some "protection" 
as you have to keep a list of "approved friends" with Tivo.  Obviously 
this is not attractive to MythTV users...not should it even be necessary.

Two ideas:

1)  Mirror exactly what Tivo will be doing.  You record, and send.  I 
know that this can already be done, but it's certainly not a "part" of 
MythTV.

2)  The more attractive option is where a group of friends come together 
and "share" a Program Guide.  On the community program guide, it only 
shows the channels that you ALREADY receive.  You find a recording you 
would like to make, and if for some reason your card can't record it 
(watching live TV, or doing another recording), another "friend" in the 
group "loans" his capture card and records the show for you.  It is then 
sent to you after the recording has finished.

This essentially gives you multiple cards at your disposal, but keeps it 
on the up and up by not allowing you to record shows you don't pay for. 
  No reason why I should be able to get Showtime programs when I don't 
pay for Showtime.

Perhaps you could throttle the uploads too so they don't soak your 
friend who graciously donated his card and his bandwidth for you so you 
didn't miss the one episode of Golden Girls.

I realize there is ample opportunity here for flame, so I've donned my 
Asbestos Suite.  Flame away.

Geoff