Mythtv (TV Digital Video Recorder)

What is Mythtv?

Mythtv originates from its creator, Isaac Richards, who wanted to work on an open-source project to replace cable boxes that didn’t provide quality features such as a colorful programming guide, or the ability to also switch to the Linux OS environment at the same time. The name “Mythtv” stems for the “mythical convergence box” (combining computers and Broadcasting Media) that has been talked about for so many years.

In fact, in my own opinion, it seems to be moving backwards with multimedia systems embedded into systems like the Wii or XBox360...

Mythtv Features

Mythtv has many features including:

• Watch TV
• Record TV Programs
• View and Schedule Recordings from Programming Guide
• Run Linux apps (for example, I have coded in a shell with transparent background (via compiz) while watching TV at the same time)..
• View Recorded Programs (with commercials skipped)
• Transcode Recorded Programs in various formats (in a batch job)
• Archive Recorded Programs to create a DVD with multiple chapter points!
• View Newsfeeds / IRC Chat / Web Conference / View Weather / Browse Web
• Setup other Linux boxes in the house to access recorded shows. This turns other computers (frontends) in your house into Television sets / Entertainment centers...
• Depending on Linux Box’s BIOS, and have system “Wake-up” prior to recording in order to save energy

… and to tell you the truth, those are the only features that I am aware of … … and of course, its free …

Why Use Mythtv?

Here are some of the reasons why I like using Mythtv:

• Automatically skip Commercials during Playback.
• Runs in the Linux and Mac OSX environments.
• Can operate with various remote controls.
• Best programming Guide I have ever seen on any box (and I have used Bell Express Vu, and Rogers Cable boxes).
• Allows switching to other video capture devices (such as FTA satellite cards). I only deal with the unencyrpted signals (I’m not one of those “grey-area dudes” that is giving FTA Satellite users a bad reputation)…
• Can search for shows / movies by letter or name (listing by shows by 300 different categories).
• Can subscribe to schedulesdirect.org for $20 (US) per years to have a 14-day schedule automatically downloaded every day.
• Ability to archive (backup) and transcode into different media including DVDs, etc (with the commercials automatically removed).
• Works just fine on my older 32-bit Pentium IV, 1Gb RAM, 60 GB hard drive.
• Works with both 32-bit and 64-bit architecture.
• It is free!

Mythtv Resources

The only problem with Mythtv is the setup. Fortunately, there are many resources that can help you to prepare for, download & burn, install, and properly configure Mythtv.

I have several Blog postings regarding the setup of mythtv Parts I to VII (refer to "Previous Entries" at end of page):

http://murraysaul.wordpress.com/category/mythtv/

Mythtv Website: http://www.mythtv.org/

Mythtv Documentation: http://www.mythtv.org/docs/