Mythtv originates from its creator''In fact, Isaac Richardsin my own opinion, who wanted it seems to work on an open-source project to replace cable boxes that didn’t provide quality features such as a colorful programming guide, be moving backwards with multimedia systems embedded into systems like the Wii or the ability to also switch to the Linux OS environment at the same timeXBox360... The name “'''  == Mythtv'''” stems for the “'''mythical convergence box'''” ('''''combining computers and Broadcasting Media''''') that has been talked about for so many years.Features == 

* 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-- Features of Mythtv --up” prior to recording in order to save energy

Watch TVRecord TV ProgramsView ''… and Schedule Recordings from Programming GuideRun Linux apps (for exampleto tell you the truth, those are the only features that I have coded in a shell with transparent background (via compiz) while watching TV at the same time)..am aware of …View Recorded Programs (with commercials skipped)Transcode Recorded Programs in various formats (in a batch job)View Newsfeeds / IRC Chat / Web Conference / View Weather / Browse WebSetup other Linux boxes in the house to access recorded shows… and of course, etcDepending on Linux Box’s BIOS, and have system “Wake-up” prior to recording in order to save energyits free …''

 * Automatically skip Commercials during Playback.* Runs in the Linux OS environmentIt is free!and Mac OSX environments.* Can operate with remotesvarious remote controls.* Best programming Guide I have ever seen on any box (and I have used Bell Express Vu, and Rogers Cable boxes). Only costs $20 US to have schedules automatically downloaded from schedulesdirect.org for one year.* 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 year 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.   '''NOTE: To avoid headaches, I STRONGLY ADVISE that you take the time to read my postings and the mythtv documentation prior to installing Mythtv (or purchasing TV tuner capture cards for that matter)...'''  I have several '''blog postings''' regarding the setup of mythtv (refer to "Previous Entries" at end of page): [http://murraysaul.wordpress.com/category/mythtv/ http://murraysaul.wordpress.com/category/mythtv/]  '''Mythtv Website''': [http://www.mythtv.org/ http://www.mythtv.org/]  '''Mythtv Documentation''': [http://www.mythtv.org/docs/ http://www.mythtv.org/docs/]  Happy viewing with Mythtv!