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Thread: Linux based PVR

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    Linux based PVR

    Does anyone have a recommendation for make a Linux based pvr, ie what distro and software would be best.

    My tv card is a Pinnacle PCTV 100i

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    Comfortably Numb directhex's Avatar
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    Re: Linux based PVR

    more important than picking a distro is getting a better tv card - the pctv 100i appears to be an analog Philips SAA7134-based framegrabber card. This means all recording functionality is done by your host CPU, in a low resolution

    if you can get digital TV where you live (e.g. Freeview in the UK) then get a DVB-T card like a hauppauge nova-t. if not, get an mpeg2 encoder card like a hauppauge pvr-150. check the wiki on linuxtv.org for more info.

    that's the first point to make. beyond that, it all depends on the scope of your project and budget

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    Agent of the System ikonia's Avatar
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    Re: Linux based PVR

    first thing to do is to check what support your card gets - eg: what kernel version its support in - if any or if there are any 3rd party drivers and what their dependencies are. This will have a key part to play in chosing your distribution as nothing else matters if your card doesn't work.

    Second there are many software options for home PVR, but the bottom line is, MythTV is the best - by a long shot.

    So that means you've got to find a distribution that is going to meet your requirments in terms of supporting your card AND has mythtv packaged up for you.

    The easy options are going to be based around KnoppMyth or Mythdora - based on knoppix and fedora respectivly.

    If you want something a little less preconfigured you just have to pick a distribution that has mythtv available to you.

    Fedora
    Ubuntu
    Debian
    Knoppix

    to name a few main ones with good packaging

    Once you've done your home work and narrowed down your options a little come back with some specific questions and we can narrow it down futher
    It is Inevitable.....


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    Senior Member kopite's Avatar
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    Re: Linux based PVR

    Im using kubuntu and mythtv

    http://parker1.co.uk/mythtv_ubuntu.php is a good guide to set it up

    Also with ubuntu if ya go on the ubuntu site there are guides for etting myth up on there

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    Re: Linux based PVR

    Thanks for the advice, I'll soon be getting a freeview card instead, and mythtv looks good, I've even already got the latest build of ubuntu on dvd which is handy.
    In the internets, no one can hear you sarcasm.

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    Senior Member UltraMagnus's Avatar
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    Re: Linux based PVR

    have you considered getting a DVB-S card, you will need to install a satellite dish on the front of your house. but the reception and number of channels will be better

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    Comfortably Numb directhex's Avatar
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    Re: Linux based PVR

    Quote Originally Posted by UltraMagnus View Post
    have you considered getting a DVB-S card, you will need to install a satellite dish on the front of your house. but the reception and number of channels will be better
    currently considering this - i think i know which kit i need to do it, and it should give a decent number of channels

    wish i could pay sky for access to their channels though :/

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    Does he need a reason? Funkstar's Avatar
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    Re: Linux based PVR

    I'm holding out for BBC and ITV to launch FreeSat. Last i read it should be available next summer and essentally be Freeview but in HD and with some more chanels as there will be masses more bandwidth available.

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    Comfortably Numb directhex's Avatar
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    Re: Linux based PVR

    Quote Originally Posted by Funkstar View Post
    I'm holding out for BBC and ITV to launch FreeSat. Last i read it should be available next summer and essentally be Freeview but in HD and with some more chanels as there will be masses more bandwidth available.
    you can already get bbc and itv channels in the clear on astra 2d. including bbc hd. channel 4 will be going unencrylted within 12 months

    http://www.lyngsat.com/28east.html shows the channels you can get with a sky dish - and transponder entry (the first lie in an entry, usually marked sky digital) which is in pale yellow is unencrypted - e.g. itv2+1 is unencrypted, film4+1 isn't
    Last edited by directhex; 30-09-2007 at 10:13 PM.

  10. #10
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    Re: Linux based PVR

    http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/digitalt...d-freesat.html
    Freesat, which is expected to launch in the spring, will have high definition capability, with over 200 channels - including free-to-air HD channels - available for a one-off payment. It is hoped it will appeal to the 27% of the UK population that are currently out of DTT coverage and all those with HD-enabled sets wishing to watch HD for free
    Combined with HD version of ITV1 to launch next Spring and Channel 4 HD to launch in December will mean i'm even more tempted to get a large HD screen to replace my 42" SD Plasma.

    Oh and just spotted this one as well: Arqiva wins Freesat contract

    I appreciate you can get a lot of this already on Astra 2D, but it will be good to have a well branded and publicised alternative to Sky for satelite services in the UK.

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    Comfortably Numb directhex's Avatar
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    Re: Linux based PVR

    Quote Originally Posted by Funkstar View Post
    http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/digitalt...d-freesat.html


    Combined with HD version of ITV1 to launch next Spring and Channel 4 HD to launch in December will mean i'm even more tempted to get a large HD screen to replace my 42" SD Plasma.

    Oh and just spotted this one as well: Arqiva wins Freesat contract

    I appreciate you can get a lot of this already on Astra 2D, but it will be good to have a well branded and publicised alternative to Sky for satelite services in the UK.
    absolutely

    but assuming freesat doesn't go dvb-s2, you can buy kit today & be ready to switch to the new service when it arrives

  12. #12
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    Re: Linux based PVR

    Very true. But i've got enough electronics to spend my money on until then so i'm not in a rush

    Barely here to watch TV anyway....

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