[mythtv-users] prebuilt pvrs for developers benefit?

[Peter Lee]

I agree with the idea that the most obvious business potential in MythTV is
in the high-end super-customized home-theater market.  The installation and
configuration would go for $3K-$5K and would provide something truly unique
and very highly personalized to the high-end customer (eg, UI themes
designed specifically for the customer, etc).

The main issue here is that this kind of business goes well beyond just
building linux boxes.  Probably there would be a significant amount of
general contracting involved (to build theater space, racks, lighting
controls, etc), integration, and so on.  So the overheads would be a lot
higher.

Peter


On Tue, 04 May 2004, Tony Maro wrote:
> 
> You're looking at this the wrong way.  MythTV should be considered a
> high-end solution.  I know a guy who just last year spent $3000 on a
> Linux-based MP3 server similar to Myth.  It had TV out to select the
> album, would auto-rip any CD placed in it, automatically downloaded
> cover art from the Internet and played back using digital outs, and was
> rack mounted.  I know it was Linux based because I watched it boot ;-)
> It was in his "theater room".
> 
> And this was JUST for MP3's.
> 
> A MythTV box really is a similar high-end product because it's not
> limited to just a few features.  Most mass-produced products are
> crapped-down to cut corners and save costs.  High-end theater equipment
> however has extra's added and prices tripled.
> 
> If I were to market a MythTV box, I'd offer installation and
> configuration for around $3000 in a package designed for A/V enthusiasts
> with too much money to spend.  I'd then offer a $600 / year maintenance
> agreement that covers maintaining the software, updates when the cable
> TV adds channels, etc.  I might even consider offering a service to rip
> their own DVD collections at $20 / DVD and placing it on the HD for easy
> viewing.
> 
> In a town like Atlanta or NY, you should be able to easily sell two or
> more a month with your eyes closed.  As long as the case is pretty.