MythTV Build!

[wa77ss]

Alright, so I finally got tired of not having DVR in my room.

My goals -
To be able to record and watch television programs on my PC and play them back on my television if I wish.

Can MythTV do this for me?

Heres what I have hardware wise -
P4 1.8 Willy + Mobo + 512MB RAM + ATI 9600 + 350W PSU Antec

I have also considered getting a cheap 754 setup if needed. Ive installed Linux a few times before, several distributions, so I can get around.

What I need help with -

Picking a compatible TV Tuner
Deciding how much storage will be needed, as well as any extra hardware etc..


Full tower or not, doesn't much matter to me, because it will be in my room, and not frequently looked at.


If you can help me out, great!

Thanks! :D

[Wicked Klown]

It should be able to, myself I use GB PVR. For a tuner card take a look at the Ati TV Wonder 650. Also what size and type tv will you be using?

[wa77ss]

The TV is a 24" Sony Wega CRT.

http://shopper.cnet.com/Sony_KV_24FS120_CRT_TV_24/4014-6481_9-30904895.html

That is a bit of a newer model I think, but the same TV none the less

[Wicked Klown]

Just needed to know in case you were going to use a program like FFDshow for resizing and all. Wanted to make sure your CPU would handle it. With your set up you will be fine.

[wa77ss]

How much storage would I need for standard definition programs?

Say about 100HRs?

[Wicked Klown]

I know on the tv wonder 650 for a 1hour show with best setting it takes up 3.6gigs of space. So for 100 hours that would be 360gigs maybe a little more.

[wa77ss]

Sweet!

500GB is probably where Ill start, and If I fill that up Ill just add an extra :)

[nvidiaOCmaster]

Can I threadjack you wattz?


What would I need to add to my system in sig(besides space) to use my dish network service threw my HTPC? MythTV works, right?

[moz_21]

I recommend Knoppmyth for a fast install of MythTV. It has a nice installer also, and you can use it as a desktop in a pinch.

[wa77ss]

MythTV works, but you have to setup and download guide information VIA online.

You got a tuner already?


I can't decide if I want to get the Hauppauge WINTV-PVR-150 with or without the remote.

Im unsure of the remotes usability with MythTV, maybe someone could inform me.

Thanks

[wa77ss]

Either the first or the second - http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Submit=ENE&N=50001772&Manufactory=1772

[wa77ss]

After some more thought, I want to be able to watch the recorded programs from my HTPC (upstairs) down stairs in my basement on my other computer.

Heres what Im concerned about.

Which PC is considered the front end? The one recording?

I don't have a HD satellite reciever, but can I "upscale" the content to HD? I see that term used a lot around here.


If I want to upscale, do I need better hardware?

[Jon]

Frontend is the part you interface on the television. The backend is always going to be the server.

As far as upscaling goes, doing it in realtime while viewing might force you to upgrade your hardware. You're basically re-encoding to a higher resolution and applying various filters to the video while also decoding it for playback. It's going to take some power to do all that.

As far as what to use to do it with, I don't know on the linux side as I've never attempted. For Windows, you can use almost anything that encodes video on the fly with dozens of mix-and-match application possibilities (Vdubmod, avisynth, ffdhsow, list goes on and on). This (http://www.neowin.net/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t422992.html) is a guide that may get you started in the right direction though.

[wa77ss]

Thankyou!

[wa77ss]

Bah.... the money I was supposed to use for the tv tuner (100$) I just blew on some 5400UL :p

Looks like I am putting it off another week again :(