[mythtv-users] What's the point of MythTV HD?

[George Mari]

Benjamin Carlisle wrote:

[deleted]

> So I am left with the following question:  If I convert to HD (again,
> beyond the broadcast stations), where exactly does MythTV fit in my
> home media setup?  I enjoy the upgradability, flexibility and
> open-source attitude of this project. I enjoy being able to watch the
> content I pay for without fear of being monitored/controlled/mined,
> how and when I choose.  But when I have to switch back-and-forth
> between MythTV and the STB, depending on the channel I choose and
> whether or not it is "premium" or "non-premium" - well, that seems to
> me to be just plain ridiculous.

I agree - that would be ridiculous.  I would guess most people just 
watch the STB for live tv, and use MythTV to watch scheduled recordings.

Based on the fact that your asking the question, I'm guessing this is 
not how would like to or currently use MythTV.

> 
> Let me just confirm the following both for my own knowledge and for
> list posterity:
> 
> Can I not legally record these so-called "premium" HD channels using
> MythTV (without significant expense)?  If not, what is the point of
> MythTV in a setup where you WANT those premium channels in HD?  Why
> not just suck it up and pay these jerks their money for the DVR STBs?
> It seems to be to be either:
> 
> 1) Use MythTV and NOT get these channels *at all*, OR;
> 2) Use their DVR and get these channels, but loose the MythTV.
> 
> Someone please, please tell me that I am wrong or that there is a
> smart third option.  I would love to continue using Myth.
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> 

As someone else already pointed out, you can get the premium channels 
via S-video into MythTV.

I personally value the ability to skip commercials, archive the content 
of my choice in the manner of my choice, expand storage with commodity 
hardware, perform complex searches for certain shows, use TVWish for 
watching tv series in order - I value all that more than the restriction 
of recording those HD channels via S-Video.  However, I'm not saying 
that YOU should also value these abilities more - we're different people 
in different situations, expectations, etc.

I think most cable companies charge a small monthly fee for their HD 
DVRs without a large, initial upfront lease/purchase fee - you could try 
one for a few months to compare to MythTV and see how it goes.  You 
don't have to get rid of your Myth setup as soon as you get the cable 
company's DVR.  See which system's drawbacks you're more willing to live 
with.