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| − | {{User Manual New TOC}}
| + | == User Manual == |
| − | {{UpToDate 0.27}}
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| − | | |
| − | ==Introduction==
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| − | Here ''"setting up"'' means connecting your box to the outside world.
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| − | Some things are explained in-depth for the benefit of less-technical users.
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| − | Connections:
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| − | *AC power
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| − | *Video out
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| − | *Audio out
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| − | *Video source(s)
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| − | *Networking
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| − | | |
| − | Let's talk about each of these connections and what you do with it.
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| − | | |
| − | For information on High Definition systems go to [[Configuring HDTV]].
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| − | ==Frontend and Backend==
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| − | MythTV can run both the recording and the playback on one machine, or you can use separate machines, known as the Frontend and the Backend. In the descriptions below we indicate what is needed on each. If you are using a combined system both will apply.
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| − | ==AC power==
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| − | It doesn't hurt to check whether your AC "IEC connector" is set to 120 or 240 VAC already.
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| − | Since your Backend needs to be running most of the time to record scheduled programs at inconvenient hours, it's well to use a UPS — an Uninterruptible Power Supply, or 'battery backup'. Surge suppression is a good idea, not only for the power, but for the TV cable, too, if you're using cable TV to feed your box.
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| − | You do not need to leave a computer running 24-hours a day. MythTV's has built-in capabilities to powerdown and automatically wake up in time for the next schedule recording -- documented here: [[ACPI_Wakeup]].
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| − | At the least, a good surge protector is cheap insurance.
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| − | ==Graphics cards==
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| − | To connect our MythBox to a display we need a graphics card.
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| − | ===Manufacturers===
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| − | ====nVidia====
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| − | For the past several years, nVidia network cards have been the recommended video hardware for use under Linux. While their closed source binary drivers must be used for proper accelerated support, they are generally easy to install and reliable. Preferred hardware is anything 8000-series or newer. Please check the [[VDPAU]] page for supported cards. If you get one that is not supported by VDPAU that will adversely affect your video performance.
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| − | | |
| − | ====ATI====
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| − | ATI has historically had a poor track record with respect to Linux, however they have significantly improved over the past several generations, and are fine for MythTV's uses. Preferred hardware is anything 3000-series or newer.
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| − | | |
| − | ====Intel====
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| − | Intel provides onboard video chipsets with their motherboards, and more recently on their processors. Open source drivers are available, and performance is adequate for MythTV.
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| − | | |
| − | ====Via====
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| − | Via provides onboard video chips for their low power Mini-ITX systems. These systems are not recommended for use with MythTV, and will be incapable of playback of HD content.
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| − | | |
| − | ===Output Methods===
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| − | ====OpenGL====
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| − | This output method will be the preferred output method in future versions of MythTV. With this method, multiple video and UI elements can be converted, scaled, and composited simultaneously on screen using the 3D hardware in your video card.
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| − | | |
| − | ====Xv (XVideo)====
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| − | Xv is an extension to X (the X window system) that provides offloading of scaling and colorspace conversion. Support for this is the recommended minimum for use with MythTV. This method requires that any UI elements must be composited into the video in software, so is not recommended when OpenGL is available.
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| − | | |
| − | ====VDPAU (Video Decode and Presentation API for UNIX)====
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| − | [[VDPAU]] is nVidia's proprietary decode extension, providing full offload of MPEG-1, MPEG-2, H.264, and VC-1. Some models additionally support MPEG-4 ASP (divx, xvid).
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| − | | |
| − | ====VAAPI (Video Acceleration API)====
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| − | [[VAAPI]] is the decode extension used for Intel and AMD hardware, providing similar capabilities as VDPAU. This is recommended if your adapter supports it.
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| − | ==Connecting your display==
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| − | You can connect your Frontend to your display, whatever it may be (e.g. monitor, TV, etc.) by several means:
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| − | | |
| − | ===Composite TV out ===
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| − | [[Image:Composite.png]]
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| − | | |
| − | This provides an [[NTSC]] (or [[PAL]]) standard video output signal, which can be sent to a normal TV set using a normal RCA cable.
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| − | | |
| − | If your box has [[NTSC]]/[[PAL]] video out, you'll find an RCA video connector (usually yellow), or a 4-pin Mini-DIN S-Video connector on the back somewhere, which you can connect your monitor to, with the appropriate cable.
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| − | | |
| − | ===VGA output===
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| − | [[Image:Vga.png]]
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| − | | |
| − | This can be sent either to a CRT monitor, an LCD or plasma flat-panel, or a projector. Most large monitors and projectors will accept the higher scan-rate signal of a composite output.
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| − | | |
| − | For VGA, use an HD-15 cable up to the VGA connector which you will find on the back panel.
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| − | | |
| − | ===Component video===
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| − | [[Image:Component.png]]
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| − | This will require a VGA-to-component adapter and a video card that supports component out. Component video is the best-quality analog signal.
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| − | You can also use the Component-Out feature on some nVidia Cards. (I use the 6600GT and it works great) Read my how-to [http://www.fedoraforum.org/forum/showthread.php?t=144097 Here]
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| − | | |
| − | ===DVI digital connection===
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| − | [[Image:Dvi.png]]
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| − | For the best quality, especially to modern digital displays such as big-screen LCD, plasma or micro projection solutions, this is preferred. Note that DVI has both digital and analog or combined versions on the same connector. The analog version is compatible with VGA (using an adapter). The digital section is compatible with the latest HDMI connector found on some Hi-Def displays.
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| − | | |
| − | Be aware that some of the latest digital displays have hardware content protection built in. This is not relevant to MythTV, which cannot use HDCP. All monitors and TVs will allow HDCP to be bypassed by MythTV.
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| − | | |
| − | ===HDMI===
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| − | [[Image:Hdmi.png]]
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| − | This is the modern DVI, technically backwards compatible. It uses a smaller more manageable connector. You can get an HDMI to DVI adaptor if you need to connect your PC graphics card DVI connector to the latest HDMI displays. The latest HDMI connections will also be able to carry digital multi-channel audio down the same cable.
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| − | ===S-Video===
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| − | [[Image:Svideo.png]]
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| − | Some televisions and many video cards provide S-Video connectors, although it is likely less popular than component or composite connections. Many video card manufacturers are known to use plugs of similar design to output various signal types in (for example) 7-pin and 9-pin variants as described below. If the plug has only 4 pins, it is safe to assume it is a standard S-Video connection and signal.
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| − | | |
| − | ===7-Pin Squid Connector===
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| − | [[Image:7pin.png]]
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| − | These connectors are typically used to provide multiple signal types from a single source. A video card with this output will generally come with a squid adapter to fit it with, for example, s-video, component, or composite video output plugs, or any combination of them.
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| − | | |
| − | ===9-Pin Squid Connector===
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| − | [[Image:9pin.png]]
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| − | This connector, like the 7-pin, requires a squid adapter to access the resulting video and possibly audio.
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| − | | |
| − | ===Other Connectors===
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| − | It is important to note that the above connector types are by no means the only connections that you might find on the rear of your video adapter. I have, for example, a miniature B-type USB connector on my MythTV frontend video card which is intended for the included squid adapter which outputs Composite, R-audio, L-audio, and S-Video. This is an obscure combination (particularly having audio output on a video output plug) which in my case makes sense, since the plug on the rear of the PC is simply a header connection to the motherboard which has integrated video and audio.
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| − | Suffice it to say that provided you connect the appropriate adapter to your output no (or few) provisions should be necessary during your MythTV setup.
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| − | ==Audio out==
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| − | | |
| − | You may find it helpful to read the section on [[Sound card]].
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| − | | |
| − | You can connect your Frontend audio out to your amplifier, TV, or powered speakers.
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| − | | |
| − | ===Analog===
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| − | This is almost always the standard 3.5mm stereo audio jack that most sound cards have, and indeed, the sound card (or onboard audio) of your box is where the audio comes out.
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| − | Most modern configurations support multi-channel (surround) sound making use of the surround sound decoder on your sound card. Typically this will be 5.1 or 7.1 channels of surround sound, the first number denoting the number of speakers/channels and ".1" denoting the sub-woofer channel.
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| − | ===Digital===
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| − | This is the best option for absolute sound quality. This will be via an [[SPDIF]] optical or coaxial connector from your sound card, or HDMI from your video card, direct to your home theatre surround sound amplifier or receiver. Decoding of the surround sound is external to your [[MythBox]].
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| − | Most modern sound cards have either an Optical or Coaxial Digital out connector. If your sound card allows it, you can set the system to output bit perfect audio to your surround amplifier. This means that ripped CDs output using PCM at 44.1Khz, TV audio is output PCM at 48Khz, and Dolby Digital and DTS surround audio is output correctly to your home theater system. Digital TV normally includes Dolby Digital audio which is supported.
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| − | | |
| − | See the pages on setting up Digital Sound
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| − | [[Configuring Digital Sound]]
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| − | [[Configuring Digital Sound with AC3 and SPDIF]]
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| − | ==Video sources==
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| − | ===RF tuner===
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| − | This is done via the threaded "F-connector" or coaxial connector on your tuner card(s), into which you connect the cable from your cable TV feed or outside antenna. If you have more than one tuner card, you'll need a splitter and some jumpers to hook everything up. (Note: in Europe (and maybe other places), you may not have an "F-connector," and it may or may not be threaded.)
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| − | If you're recording HDTV or satellite TV signals, there may be special considerations about cabling and tuner cards.
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| − | ===Network tuner===
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| − | Some companies sell dedicated tuning devices with an RF input. These devices take tuning commands over the network, and convert the digital stream from their antenna input into network packets. One such device known to work with MythTV is the [[Silicondust_HDHomeRun|HDHomeRun]].
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| − | | |
| − | ===Other capture card inputs===
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| − | Most tuner or capture cards will allow you to capture not only RF signals from your antenna or cable TV provider, but also locally generated video signals, be they from a VCR, a DVD player (though there are better ways to accomplish this), or a cable box or satellite receiver, for channels you can't get a tuner card to tune directly. More later on this, too.
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| − | The input jacks for this, both video and audio, will usually (always?) be on the tuner card itself, in the card cage, as opposed to the video, VGA, and audio-out connectors, which are usually on the motherboard these days (in a section called the "ATX backplane").
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| − | You can find a list of capture cards that work with MythTV in the [[Video capture card|video capture card]] section.
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| − | ===Physical Installation===
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| − | Tuners and capture cards are connected to your Backend via USB, Network cable, or physically installed in a desktop computer as PCI or PCI Express cards. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. USB connections are liable to get accidentally pulled out. PCI or PCI Express cards required a suitable available slot in your backend. Network attachment will required that you have a switch of appropriate speed. For network attachment it is recommended to use Gigabit ethernet. Network attached devices have the advantage of not needing drivers to be installed.
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| − | ==Storage==
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| − | As this is a significant topic you might find it helpful to read the section on [[File Storage|file storage]].
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| − | In the event that you want to add fault tolerance and redundancy to your storage then you should read the section on [[RAID]].
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| − | ==Networking==
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| − | If you have a standalone [[MythBox]], then you might not ever connect to a network, though this is highly unlikely.
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| − | Myth supports multiple front-end machines (for controlling TVs in different rooms) and multiple back-end machines (for splitting up storage, transcode/commercial marking and tuner support), and you connect all of these through a network, preferably using Gigabit Ethernet.
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| − | | |
| − | In addition, extension modules like [[MythWeb]], [[MythWeather]], and [[MythBrowser]] require Internet access. (Actually, [[MythWeb]] doesn't need the Internet, just a network connection.)
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| − | The ''biggest reason'' you will connect to the network is because (most of the time) '''MythTV gets its program guide data over the Internet.''' Program guide data is the information in the program guide grids, that allows MythTV most of its PVR functions, like scheduled recordings, etc.
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| − | If you ''are'' making your [[MythBox]] accessible from the outside world, you should almost certainly put it behind a router, and possibly investigate the firewall features of your Linux operating system.
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| − | If that's too complicated for you to understand at the moment, then ask a geek for help, or don't open outside-world connections to your box yet.
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| − | ===Ethernet===
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| − | Most of the time, you'll network your [[MythBox]] via Ethernet. The standard jack and plug for this is known as RJ-45, and it looks slightly wider than a telephone jack and has 8 pins (telephone/RJ-15 has 2 or 4 pins). If you have broadband, you '''most likely''' use an Ethernet cable to connect to the Internet.
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| − | ===Wireless===
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| − | If don't have Ethernet strung around your house, you could use [[Wi-Fi]], or 802.11b/g. 802.11b provides speeds up to 11 Mbits/s and 802.11g provides up to 54 Mbits/sec. [[Wi-Fi]] is slightly more difficult to set up than regular Ethernet, just because Linux drivers are usually less mature, so you ''must'' check and ensure that the 802.11b/g card that you buy supports Linux before buying it. Oh, and you'll need a wireless router too. Those are cheap these days. Once you have that up, you don't need Ethernet run to the box(es) anymore, which is great!
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| − | If you're planning multiple frontend/backend boxes, 802.11b will probably be too slow for acceptable playback. The faster 802.11g should work '''much''' better, but may not be enough for HD playback without stuttering.
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| − | ===Powerline===
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| − | Powerline network adaptors are available these days and provide sufficient performance to run a remote backend with HD. Although they advertize speeds of around 500 Mbps they actually deliver only arounf 50 Mbps, but that is sufficient for HD playback and is more reliable than wireless.
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| − | ==Remote controls==
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| − | There are three options for getting remote controls working under Linux
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| − | ===Linux Infrared Control (LIRC)===
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| − | [[LIRC]] provides the software interface between an Infrared Receiver and MythTV. Most modern distributions will have this as standard. It provides great flexibility in mapping infrared remote control keys to MythTV functions. The downside of using [[LIRC]] is that you need to get an Infrared Receiver. The easiest way to do this is to buy the [[MCE Remote|Microsoft MCE remote]] and receiver bundle which is quite low cost. Several popular tuner cards, for example the Hauppauge PVR-150, also come with a built-in IR receiver.
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| − | See the '''[[:Category:Remote Controls|Remote Controls]]''' category for information on different remote models.
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| − | === Infrared Keyboard emulation ===
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| − | This is probably the easiest way of getting a remote control to work with MythTV. You simply teach a learning remote such as any of the popular [[JP1|One 4 All]] or Logitech remotes the keys from your keyboard and hey presto your remote now does exactly what your keyboard does. It's interesting to note that the official Microsoft Media Centre Keyboard is an infrared keyboard but is not yet supported under Linux.
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| − | === WI-FI Remote plugin ===
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| − | YOu can enable network remote control in your front end and use a phone or tablet to control MythTV. There are apps for smart phones and tablets that you can install. Mythmote is a good one, available on google play for Android.
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| − | ===RF Remotes===
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| − | Logitech also provides a RF remote called the "UltraX Media Remote". This is a remote that behaves somewhat similar to a keyboard. To get also the special keys working see [[Logitech UltraX Media Remote]]
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| − | == Cable/Satellite Box Control ==
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| − | === IR ===
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| − | For infrared (ir) output to your cable or satellite box use an [[Using an IR Blaster with MythTV|IR Blaster]].
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| − | === Serial ===
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| − | Some cable and satellite boxes have serial ports that can be used to control them. See [[Motorola DCT-25xx]] and [[Controlling DirecTV Set Top Box (STB) via USB or Serial]]
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| − | === Firewire ===
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| − | If you cable or satellite box has firewire then you can use firewire to change channels and even capture video (if it is enabled). See [[FireWire]].
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| − | ==Wireless keyboards==
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| − | Once your Myth box has been setup you won't need to use your keyboard that much. Many users will often just SSH into their machine or use a remote desktop such as VNC to get access. Of course it's also nice to have a keyboard directly connected, in which case a wireless keyboard is preferred. Have a look at the section on [[Wireless Keyboards]] to see which ones work.
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| − | ==Making Sure Your Hardware is Supported by MythTV==
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| − | Firstly, make sure your hardware is supported by Myth. You can find more information in this wiki at:
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| − | * [[Tuner_Card#Cards_that_work|Tuner Cards]]
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| − | * [[Hardware Requirements]]
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| − | * [[External Links]]
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| − | * [[Main Page]]
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| − | * Other places on this wiki or using Google.
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| − | If you are having trouble, try:
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| − | * Checking the [[Frequently Asked Questions]] page to see if your issue is there.
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| − | * Searching the [http://www.gossamer-threads.com/lists/mythtv/ Gossamer-Threads mailing list archives]. Gives access to the development, git commit and users mailing lists with a forum-like layout.
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| − | * Subscribing to the [[Mailing List]]. Make sure you read [[Mailing List etiquette]] before posting.
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| − | * Joining the [http://forum.mythtv.org MythTV Forum].
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| − | * A HOWTO for different [[operating system]]s.
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| − | When you've found a solution that worked it would be nice if you added it somewhere on this site to contribute back to the community. Even just linking to the mailing list archives with a little description would help; search engines will index it and will bring up the correct results earlier in their listings.
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| | + | === Hardware Setup === |
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| | [[Category:User_Manual|1100]] | | [[Category:User_Manual|1100]] |
