[mythtv-users] Newbie to MythTV

[Ivan Kowalenko]

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On May 22, 2006, at 10.59, Dick Angus wrote:

[snip]

> I know that a lot of shows are available over the Internet and more  
> are coming
> each day. Sites such as iTunes and others offer them for rent or  
> sale. I
> would like to access some of this content and view it on our LCD TV  
> set. I'm
> a real beginner and even though I've tried to read as much as I can  
> I'm still
> a little stumped by all the technology and language used. I am  
> computer
> literate and enjoy playing with my machines.
>
> Recently I've been reading about MythTV and it's capabilities. It  
> might be the
> solution I'm looking for. However, all the reading I've done still  
> leaves me
> somewhat confused. Here is our current hardware situation:
>
[snip]
>
> Computers:
> 1. Intel based 2.8 Ghz, 1Gb ram, 160Gb disk, US Robotics wireless  
> card,
> located about 5m from the router in another room. Kubuntu Linux  
> 5.10 soon to
> be 6.06.
> 2. Original mini-Mac with extra memory and airport express located  
> about 10m
> from the router in a third room. OS-X 10.4.

This is a PowerPC Mac Mini, I take it?

>
> I am prepared to purchase a third computer for the salon that can  
> be wireless
> or Ethernet cabled to the router if required.

When it comes to MythTV, wired ethernet connections are always  
preferred over wireless, thought 802.11g seems to be considered "OK"  
for standard definition signals. Also, your existing systems seem  
good enough for a Standard Def system. If you upgrade your Intel  
system with a good video card, like an nVidia GeForce FX5200, your  
Intel system probably could do High Def.

>
> My thought was to use a new Intel mini-Mac as a MythTV machine and  
> connected
> to various Internet sources use it to store and send content to the  
> LG LCD TV
> set. I don't know if this possible or not.

What you mentioned is possible, but not with MythTV. Myth can't  
handle DRM'd media (IE: anything purchased for download over the  
internet). MythTV's purpose is to act as a PVR (like the TiVo). It  
just records media, and indexes it into a database for easy access.  
Think a smart VCR on steroids.

> Can any one share advice or
> experiences trying to do this? The purpose is to get legal access  
> to our
> favorite English language TV. I don't mind subscribing to a service  
> if it
> will deliver what we want.

MythTV wasn't meant for that. It does have a video playback module  
(MythVideo) that can playback video stored on a source, but it can't  
do DRM. Apple's Front Row is better suited for that, and can also  
handle media purchased from their music/video store. However, the  
catch is that they're all formatted for the Video iPod, so you're not  
getting anything above 320x240.

> Any ideas on hardware/software configurations and
> possible alternatives would be appreciated.
>
> TIA and I look forward hearing what people think about this.
> -- 
> A note from Dick in Spain
> _______________________________________________
> mythtv-users mailing list
> mythtv-users at mythtv.org
> http://mythtv.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/mythtv-users

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