[mythtv-users] I'm thinking of switching to windows :(

[Raphael Pooser]

Fredrik Karlsson wrote:

>Hi,
>
>This is of cource not at all the forum for this discussion, but it you
>need Window$, maybe you should try MediaPortal as an alternative.
>
>http://mediaportal.sourceforge.net/
>
>I heard someone calling it a bit on the slow side, but hey, with the
>computers available today, I think that is no problem.
>
>For me MythTV is the best option, but getting it to work has been a
>trip. See my blog for details.
>
>/Fredrik
>
>On 11/30/05, Mike Wafkowski <mikeyw at sohogurus.net> wrote:
>  
>
>>I'll speak the heresy. I'm running both MTV and GBPVR in WIN2000 (the later
>>functioning very well through a Hauppauge MediaMVP) and the Myth box
>>directly plugged into my A/V stuff. Strengths and weaknesses to both
>>solutions but worth taking a look at. Take a look at the forums @ gbpvr.com.
>>
>>Regards,
>>Littlalex
>>
>>    
>>
>
>
>--
>My Gentoo + PVR-350 + IVTV + MythTV blog is on
>http://gentoomythtv.blogspot.com/
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>
>  
>
ahh.  well I would say that mythtv is one of the easiest to set up 
PVRs.  Sure it's a major bitch at first but once you've done it once for 
a particular hardware combination you can at least do it easily if you 
have to again.  The problem isn't mythtv mainly, but drivers for linux.  
Mythtv supports pretty much anything but it has to also be supported by 
the right drivers in linux (like v4l, why can't it support all in 
wonders, wah wah).   Here's a quick tip.  If you have a mythtv box 
running the way you want completely optimized, don't upgrade your distro 
without backing up your system first.
Anyway, my point is that the windows solutions have just as strict, if 
not worse hardware restrictions in general, and are literally not always 
easier to set up.  The only time they're easier to set up is when 
they're made for a specific tuner card.  Plus, in myth you can use 
software cards, with excellent results.  Most of the windows solutions 
leave you in the cold if you have a software card.  I've used media 
portal, slow it is, it's hardware requirements are stricter than mythtv, 
and while it's free, it's way too slow; in the same clock cycles it can 
probably only get about half what mythtv can get done..
Once I had my mythbox up and running in acceptable shape, my friend just 
had to go and build himself a windows MCE 2005 box to show me how "easy" 
it was going to be compared to linux and how much more features and 
superior it was going to be since it was windows.  What a mess.  He 
STILL hasn't got it working 100% optimally with all the features right.  
The damn thing takes 70% cpu to record a show with a hardware encoder!  
He couldn't get hus remote working so he bought the $70 M$ remote 
keyboard combo.  It's a travesty. I already didn't believe the hype, but 
not only was it absolutely not easier for him to get his wondows box 
running than for me to get my myth box up, it took him much much longer 
and he still doesn't have it optimized.
Not telling people don't go to windows or linux - just saying don't 
believe the hype - windows won't be your savior if linux is giving you 
trouble.
Raphael