[mythtv] Re: DirecTV Question

[mark at zzo.com]

So what us DirecTV users REALLY need is a PCI card that tunes
DirecTV ummm, directly.  Since the satellite is already pumping
mpeg2 it's a shame to convert it to analog to pass it to the computer
to reconvert it back to digital.  Tivo is doing it somehow - I assume
the signal never gets 'analog-ized' until it goes out the back to
the TV - it's too bad we can rip it outta there & smash it onto a PCI card.
I've been poking around but have yet to come across a PCI tuner for
DirecTV - which is a _damn_ shame.  It'd just want a spot to put in
yer access card & maybe a fone jack out the back for PPV.  Then it's
a totally legit receiver as far as DirecTV the company is concerned.
    M

tarek Lubani(tarek at tarek.2y.net)@2003.01.20 18:24:29 +0000:
> Hey Jeff!!!
> 
> Several bigger issues here, so I thought I'd post this response to the 
> list..
> 
> 1) What receiver should I use??
> 
> The only things that really separate receivers in this day and age (other 
> than hdtv/dd5.1 support) are their ability to deal with signal and the 
> front end.. Mythtv *is* a front end, so the latter consideration absolutely 
> *does not matter*.. If you can find a receiver that picks up a good signal, 
> then you are set!
> 
> I personally have almost no experience with IR blasters (look around for 
> actisys postings).. HOWEVER, I do have experience with serial connections 
> to the computer. They are very quick, extremely reliable, and easy to 
> implement. Personally, all of this meant that I gave up my 5th gen Hughes 
> receiver (WITHOUT port) for a 2nd gen Uniden receiver (WITH port). There is 
> absolutely no difference to the viewer, since myth does all the frontend 
> work.
> 
> My uniden receiver cost nothing. In fact, a dude gave me 2 of them just so 
> I would get them out of his face.. this is the current state when you 
> consider that most people aren't running myth (suckers!) and need the 
> higher speed/better looking guides on newer models.. So, i wouldn't spend 
> more than 10-20 bucks USD for another receiver if you were going to go that 
> route..
> 
> 2) What about the option of IR blasting my current receiver?
> LIRC is extremely robust and quite well-supported. When I had problems, the 
> writer of the program supported me much as Isaac does out here.. I spent 
> $15 CDN ($10 USD) making my IR receiver: $5 CDN for the actual IR 
> components, and $10 CDN for the "housing" (http://tarek.2y.net/romote.jpg). 
> as I understand, a transmitter is similar in price.. You can find some 
> really great schematics at http://lirc.org. Just monitor the convo on the 
> myth-dev list and on lirc's list for more information..
> 
> All in all, I think that MythDTV is great. A few bugs (such as local 
> channels) to be worked out, but it's on its way..
> 
> tarek : )
> 
> 
> >Hi, I see from the myth mailing lists, you're doing most of the DirecTV 
> >support.  I haven't yet tried myth, waiting on components to 
> >arrive.  Anyway, since you obviously understand the DirecTV stuff, I have 
> >a question.
> >
> >I have a Philips unit, which has no data port on the back.  As a last 
> >resort I could always buy another unit, but I've already gone over budget 
> >with hardware :)  I've read a bit about lircd, and it seems like you can 
> >have the myth pc / linux operate as both an IR receiver and transmitter, 
> >so it would act as my DirecTV remote control.  But I'm not really a 
> >hardware geek, so this seems tricky.
> >
> >As the DirecTV guru, what would you suggest?
> >
> >Thanks so much!
> >
> >Jeff
> 
> _______________________________________________
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> mythtv-dev at snowman.net
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-- 
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Mark Ethan Trostler	mark at zzo.com
Computing Solutions	http://www.zzo.com
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