[mythtv-users] New Mac OS X Build Process--MacPorts

[Craig Treleaven]

Why a new build process for OS X; we have osx-packager-sdk.pl?

The current Perl-based build process is great for producing a 
self-contained Mac frontend. But, if you are like me and want to run 
the backend on OS X, then having the essential programs packaged deep 
in an application bundle is less than ideal. The MacPorts 
distribution aims to make it much easier to install the backend and 
run it in a production mode:

=>Full support of the Perl/python bindings. This means that standard 
Myth backup, optimization, and metadata functions will work.

=>Install and run Myth like other 'server-type' software such as 
MySQL, file-sharing, web-serving, etc. Control the Myth backend with 
standard OS X functions (launchctl) and have the system start 
automatically during the boot process.

=>Provide the full suite of myth programs, if you need them, like 
mythmetadatalookup, mythutil, etc.

Why MacPorts?

MacPorts is a stable and mature system for bringing open-source 
software (15,000+ titles) to the Mac platform. Changes are tested and 
reviewed before being committed to MacPorts. MacPorts operates build 
slaves (Lion and Snow Leopard, both on 64 bit machines, currently) 
which automatically build each port after every change in any of its 
dependents. All this means that if you decide to try building with 
MacPorts, there is a strong likelihood that it will just work. And, 
if it doesn't, there is an active support system working to resolve 
any problems.

What works, what is forthcoming?

The MacPorts port ("mythtv-core.25") builds Myth 0.25.2, as of July 
31, and includes support for most everything except Myth's plugins. 
It includes the new Http Live Streaming server as well as the Perl 
and Python bindings mentioned above.  However, there is no Video for 
Linux on OS X so the various versions of the HDHomerun is the primary 
supported tuner.  It _may_ be possible to re-enable Firewire support 
if there is interest.

Regarding the plugins, I have an experimental port that builds all 
plugins except for MythNetvision.  I need another support library 
commited to MacPorts to get MNV working and need to do some testing 
and tweaking.

I intend to work on a port for MythWeb after that.

Please let me know if you try it out.  Several people have built Myth 
successfully (OS X 10.6 through 10.8) but there may still be some 
rough edges that we need to sandpaper.  I make no promises about 
running on PPC hardware or building on 10.5 or older systems.

I've put together a couple of wiki pages to provide some documentation:

http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/Building_Myth_for_Mac_with_MacPorts
http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/Myth_for_Mac_with_MacPorts

Enjoy!

Craig