Difference between revisions of "MythTV on Mac OS X"

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{{Cleanup}}
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New users: before attempting to install MythTV for the first time, please familiarize yourself with the distinction between
 +
[[Mythfrontend|frontend]] and [[Mythbackend|backend]].
  
'''Note that this info pertains to the MythTV frontend only; the backend is NOT currently supported on Mac OS X.
+
MythTV works just fine on OSX (but see the backend gotchas below).  
New users, before attempting to install MythTV for the first time, please familiarize yourself with the frontend/backend distinction.'''
 
  
For MythTV on Mac OS X on Intel machines, see [[Myth on Mac x86]].  0.19 Binary below.
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= Hardware Requirements =
  
'''0.19 build''' available at [http://thesniderpad.com/index.php?option=com_remository&Itemid=36 The Sniderpad.com]
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=== Frontend ===
 +
To watch TV at acceptable speeds, you'll want at least an 800 MHz G4 or better. For HDTV nearly any Intel-based Mac released from 2006 onwards will suffice, though newer machines will allow the use of better deinterlacers for 1080i content.  
  
'''''Update''''' (24-10-06, by Mike Kazmierczak) 0.20 build + latest svn are available from thesniderpad as well.
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=== Backend ===
  
Mythfrontend's universal binary is available at [http://collectivity.goof.com/articles/2006/10/01/mythfrontend-0-20-fixes-for-os-x-universal collectivity.goof.com]
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The backend takes very little CPU power, except when marking commercials. Any Mac capable of running OSX 10.5 Leopard or later will work fine.
  
Mythfrontend Intel binary (0.20-fixes) is available at [http://padilla.net/mythtv-osx padilla.net]
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= Pre-built Downloads =
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{| border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" style="border-collapse:collapse; border-color:#8eabd0; background:#e7edf5"
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|- style="background: lightsteelblue"
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!Version !! Status !! Download
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|-
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| 0.27.4 (recommended)
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| Production
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|
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*[https://sourceforge.net/projects/macportsmythtvinstaller/ MythTV 0.27.4] complete frontend/backend systeml including MariaDB and MythWeb - (MacPorts-built installer).  Includes fix for impending SchedulesDirect disruption.
 +
|-
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| 0.27.3
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| Production
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|
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*[http://www.avenard.org/files/mythtv/mac/ MythTV 0.27.3 compiled on an irregular basis (universal build runs on 10.6+)]|
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|-
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| 0.27
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| Production
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|
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*[http://sourceforge.net/projects/mythtvformacosx/files/ MythTV frontend and backend for Mac OSX on Sourceforge]
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*[http://www.avenard.org/files/mythtv/mac/ MythTV 0.27.3 compiled on an irregular basis (universal build)]
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*[https://sourceforge.net/projects/macportsmythtvinstaller/ MythTV 0.27.0] (MacPorts-built installer) - complete frontend/backend systeml including MySQL and MythWeb.
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|-
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| 0.26
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| Production
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|
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*[http://www.avenard.org/files/mythtv/mac/ MythTV 0.26 compiled on an irregular basis (intel only, universal 32/64 bits, runs on 10.6+)]
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*[http://sourceforge.net/projects/mythtvformacosx/files/ MythTV frontend and backend for Mac OSX on Sourceforge]
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*[[MacPorts]] mythtv-core.26 - full install including bindings but not plugins.  Firewire support possible.
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|-
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| 0.25
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| Unsupported
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|
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*[http://www.avenard.org/files/mythtv/mac/ MythTV master compiled on an irregular basis (intel only, universal 32/64 bits)]
 +
*[http://sourceforge.net/projects/mythtvformacosx/files/ MythTV frontend and backend for Mac OSX on Sourceforge]
 +
*[[MacPorts]] mythtv-core.25 - full install including bindings, PPC and Intel architectures, firewire support possible
 +
|-
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| 0.15 through 0.24
 +
| Old
 +
|
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* Please see [[Older_OSX_Builds]]
 +
|}
 +
Want to contribute builds? Read more at the [[Mac OSX Release Build Contributors Page]].
  
'''PPC''' and '''Intel''' builds of 0.19-fixes (20060407), 0.19, and 0.18.1 available at [http://collectivity.goof.com/articles/2006/04/08/mythfrontend-for-mac-os-x-ppc-intel collectivity.goof.com]
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= Using MythFrontend =
  
'''''Daily Builds and Releases''''' I hope this isn't too redundant, but I had been automating the daily build process and posting to my site when gkruse above had created his weekly builds. Anyhow, you now have a couple of locations to get Myth builds for Mac OSX. Currently I have the 0.18 and 0.18.1 builds as well as nightly SVN builds for the last few days. I am only doing builds with the plugins, no standalone TV only builds. If there is a problem with one of the builds, please let me know from my home page. http://www.thesniderpad.com. You can access the MythTV stuff from the downloads link.
+
'''MythFrontend''' is a normal OSX app that has no special dependencies to run. Version 0.27 is officially supported on 10.8 and 10.9.  Version 0.25 through 0.26 are compatible with 10.5 to 10.7. Older versions are compatible with versions of OSX from 10.3.x (Panther) through 10.6.x (Snow Leopard).
  
'''''Old binaries''''' Janne Ornstedt was the first to package up a binary. If you have a 0.16 backend, here is a usable prebuilt OS X frontend for it: http://www.ornstedt.nu/mythtv-0.16-1.dmg . [[Nigel Pearson]] can also provide a 0.15 or 0.17 binary, if you really need one.
+
{{Warning}} Note: in order for the MythTV Frontend to do anything useful you must first have a MythTV backend installed and configured. Additionally the frontend and backend generally need to be the same major version to work together.
  
For a working IR remote, see [[Keyspan Express Remote]].
+
The first time you run '''MythFrontend''', it will enter a setup mode where you must configure the details of its access to the backend, and its display options.  For v0.25 the frontend must be configured to use OpenGL. See [[ForcingOpenGL|here]] for instructions.
  
'''''Update''''' (26-08-05, by Geoff Kruse) The osx-packager.pl script has been added to svn in the contrib directory a few weeks ago. Please submit any changes as a patch to trac. The current version has been hacked to work with svn.
+
See the [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/User_Manual:Detailed_configuration_Frontend User Manual] for more information on configuring the frontend.
 +
  
  
'''''Update''''' (22-05-05, by Bas Hulsken)
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==== Accessing MythWeb ====
The CVS build script is rather outdated. For those interested, I updated the script by Jeremiah Morris a bit, to build a recent cvs version, with mythvideo, mythdvd, mythweather, mythgallery and myththemes enabled. You can find it at : [http://steadydecline.net/public/osx-packager-cvs.pl] (beware, slow adsl link) It should be easy to modify this script to add/remove plugins (at lines 286->300). Caveat Emptor: I'm a crappy perl-coder, I just improvise based on my C++ knowledge.. the script works, but probably breaks all perl-coding guidelines;-)
 
  
'''Update''' (12-08-05, by Bas Hulsken)
+
To watch streamed video on [[MythWeb]] servers from OSX, you may have to [[MythWeb_client_on_Mac_OS_X|alter the treatment of streaming files]].
Above script updated to use SVN ([http://steadydecline.net/public/osx-packager.pl]), since this is the new CMS of myth. Also dependencies were updated to newest versions. Exif is disabled in mythgallery, since this won't compile for me (YMMV, try to enable it at line 306). Mythnews is also built now. You can build the 0.18.1-fixes release with './osx-packager -branch release-0-18-fixes'. Just running the script without options uses trunk (current version). I only tested with the 0.18-fixes, which compiles and runs fine on 10.3. But it probably should work for all. Obviously you need svn installed for this script to work (get a package somewhere, and make sure the svn binary is in /usr/bin or /usr/local/bin)
 
  
P.S. this script also supports LIRC, so you can compile lirc in slave mode on your mac (use no driver option) and connect to your backend server (set to listen mode). The backend should have, for instance, a RF remote. I'm having great succes with an ATI remote wonder.
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= Installing MythTV Backend =
  
server side (backend.mydomain.com): run lirc with: 'lircd --listen'
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The MythTV backend and its MySQL database run smoothly on OSX.
 +
Setting up the backend is somewhat more complicated than when using prebuilt Linux distributions such as MythBuntu. Inexperienced users who run into trouble may wish to gain experience with MythTV on Linux as training for setting it up on OSX.
  
client side (mac): run lirc with: 'lircd --connect=backend.mydomain.com --permission=666'
+
The main additional complexities of installing the backend on OSX are
 +
* Installing MySQL
 +
* Setting initial MySQL database and permissions
  
== 0. Introduction ==
 
  
This guide is meant for those who would like to try out the latest MythTV code on Mac OS X, but are having trouble setting up the development environment. Many folks have had trouble figuring out which dependencies and versions are necessary, so this will help you get to a known working configuration. If you like to copy-and-paste commands, you'll love this guide.
 
  
'''Note: this is a frontend only, not a complete MythTV installation.''' The backend portion of MythTV does not run on Mac OS X and won't be ported any time soon. To use the OS X version, you'll need a Linux machine running a recent CVS version of MythTV to act as a backend. If you've never installed MythTV, you should start with the Linux version, and only look at the OS X version once everything's working properly there.
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== Set Up MySQL ==
  
If you just want to watch TV on your Mac, and you aren't planning to be a developer, you're better off using a prebuilt binary. For the [http://darwinports.opendarwin.org [[DarwinPorts]]] project, Jan Ornstedt has created an [http://www.ornstedt.nu/mythtv-0.16-1.dmg OS X binary] based on MythTV 0.16. This will work fine with a 0.16 backend server on another machine.
+
The MythTV backend relies on having a MySQL database available for storing information about upcoming and past recordings, channel setup, and the like.
  
These instructions also assume that you're doing a completely clean reinstallation on your machine. If you don't start from scratch, some of the instructions may not be correct for your setup. If you're really having problems, back up your data and try these instructions again, doing a clean re-install of OS X as directed below.
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==== Download and Install ====
  
== 1. Install Panther ==
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Grab and install MySQL 5.1 for Mac OS X from the [http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/mysql/5.1.html#macosx-dmg Mysql site].  Either the 32-bit or 64-bit version is fine, except for Australian users running OSX 10.7 who will need 64-bit libraries to run [http://svn.whuffy.com/ shepherd] for TV guide data.
  
The first step is to get a computer running Mac OS X. To watch TV at acceptable speeds, you'll want at least an 800 MHz G4 or better. If you want to watch HDTV, you'll have to wait for future code optimizations.
+
For controlling the MySQL database server, you can choose one of the following options:
  
If you're starting from scratch, install Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther) on your future Myth box. Do a clean installation, not an upgrade -- I recommend the "Erase and Install" option to be sure you won't have problems from earlier data on your drive. When you're offered the chance to Customize the installation, turn off all the options except "BSD Subsystem". (The option "Essential System Software" cannot be turned off, so you will have two checked items total.)
+
# Set up the database server without locking it to a user account by installing '''MySQLStartupItem.pkg'''. More information for the curious is [[MySQL_For_Myth_on_Mac_OS_X|here]].
 +
# Choose a user account responsible for running the database server, then install '''MySQL.prefPane''' for that account.  You will almost certainly want to use ''System Preferences -> Accounts'' to make that account automatically login.
  
After turning off those unnecessary options, continue with the installation and restart. Go through the setup and registration screens as normal. Once you reach the Finder, run Software Update and get any OS updates. At the time of this writing, the latest OS version is 10.3.6. Apply this update and restart when directed by Software Update.
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==== Server Startup ====
 +
After installation, the MySQL server needs to be started.
  
Not all software updates can be installed in one step, so you should run Software Update again after installing updates. On my system, the update for QuickTime 6.5.2 appeared only after upgrading to 10.3.6. QuickTime is used for MythTV video, so I recommend updating that. Install any updates and restart; keep repeating this pattern until no updates remain.
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* Reboot and the server will start automatically if you used the Startup Item.
 +
* If you have installed '''MySQL.prefPane''' preference pane instead
 +
** Go into System Preferences and select '''MySQL''' in the ''Others'' category
 +
** Check ''Automatically Start MySQL on Startup''
 +
** Click on the '''Start MySQL''' button.
  
== 2. Install OS X Developer Tools ==
+
==== Initial Database Setup ====
  
You've got the latest and greatest OS, but the tools for compiling software are installed separately. Visit the [http://connect.apple.com/ Apple Developer Connection] website and log in. If you don't have an ADC account, you can create a free one. This gives you access to Apple developer tools, prerelease software, and other useful items.
+
Open '''Terminal'''.  Type in the following and press enter:  
  
Once you've logged in, click on "Download Software" and then "Developer Tools". Download the "Xcode Tools 1.5" software. Install the software by opening "[[Xcode Tools]].mpkg" from the "Xcode Tools" disk image. You can do an Easy Install, the defaults are fine for building MythTV.
+
''shell> ''cd /usr/local/mysql/bin/
  
== 3. Set up your environment ==
+
Here, the <code>''shell> ''</code> characters indicate the shell prompt, not something you need to type.
  
That's it for the graphical Mac stuff. From here on out, we'll be working in Terminal. If you're a Unix geek, things should look a lot more familiar. If you aren't comfortable with Terminal, this probably isn't the best place to start; I suggest you learn a bit more about Unix before attempting to go further.
+
===== Configuring Default Database Users =====
  
From a new Terminal window, start by setting up some useful environment variables in your profile. Create a <code><nowiki>.bash_profile</nowiki></code> in your favorite text editor: <pre><nowiki>
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Enter the specialized MySQL shell
vi .bash_profile
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</nowiki></pre>
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''shell> ''./mysql -u root
Add the following to the new file and save it: <pre><nowiki>
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export SRCDIR=$HOME/src
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which should start and prompt you for input with the <code>mysql></code> prompt.
export QTDIR=$SRCDIR/qt-mac-free-3.3.3
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export DYLD_LIBRARY_PATH=/usr/local/lib:$QTDIR/lib
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Delete the anonymous MySQL accounts by entering the following command:
export PATH=$PATH:/usr/local/bin:$QTDIR/bin
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</nowiki></pre>
+
 
Next, load these variables into your current session, and create <code><nowiki>SRCDIR</nowiki></code> where you'll be downloading and compiling. <pre><nowiki>
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<pre>mysql> DROP USER ''@'localhost';</pre>
. .bash_profile
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mkdir $SRCDIR
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cd $SRCDIR
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If you don't know your machine's hostname, look it up in the table produced by entering
</nowiki></pre>
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'''Optional:''' if you'd like to be able to run mythfrontend by double-clicking its icon from the Dock or the Finder, you'll have to set the <code><nowiki>DYLD_LIBRARY_PATH</nowiki></code> environment variable for the graphical environment. (Your <code><nowiki>.bash_profile</nowiki></code> only affects what you do in Terminal.) To enable this, create the file <code><nowiki>~/.MacOSX/environment.plist</nowiki></code>: <pre><nowiki>
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''mysql> ''SELECT Host, User FROM mysql.user;
mkdir ~/.MacOSX
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vi ~/.MacOSX/environment.plist
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</nowiki></pre>
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Then, set passwords for the root account by entering the below commands and substituting your desired password for ''newpwd'' and your backend machine's hostname for ''host_name''.
Add the following to the new file: <pre><nowiki>
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 +
''mysql> ''SET PASSWORD FOR 'root'@'localhost' = PASSWORD('newpwd');
 +
''mysql> ''SET PASSWORD FOR 'root'@'127.0.0.1' = PASSWORD('newpwd');
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''mysql> ''SET PASSWORD FOR 'root'@'host_name' = PASSWORD('newpwd');
 +
''mysql> ''SET PASSWORD FOR 'root'@'host_name.local' = PASSWORD('newpwd');
 +
 
 +
This root password is not one you will generally have to share, but you should [http://www.howtoforge.com/reset-forgotten-mysql-root-password definitely] make a record of it.
 +
 
 +
===== Database Privileges and Character Set =====
 +
 
 +
Finally, create the ''mythtv'' user and <code>mythconverg</code> database in MySQL, substituting your desired password for that user where it says ''mythtv-password'':
 +
 
 +
 
 +
''mysql> ''CREATE DATABASE IF NOT EXISTS mythconverg;
 +
''mysql> ''GRANT ALL ON mythconverg.* TO mythtv@localhost IDENTIFIED BY "mythtv-password";
 +
''mysql> ''FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
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''mysql> ''GRANT CREATE TEMPORARY TABLES ON mythconverg.* TO mythtv@localhost IDENTIFIED BY "mythtv-password";
 +
''mysql> ''FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
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''mysql> ''ALTER DATABASE mythconverg DEFAULT CHARACTER SET utf8 COLLATE utf8_general_ci;
 +
 
 +
 
 +
This MythTV password will be given to any frontend you use, and is therefore going to be kept relatively insecure, so don't choose a password that is important to you.  The customary choice for this password is ''mythtv''.
 +
 
 +
The above commands are equivalent to the [https://github.com/MythTV/mythtv/blob/master/mythtv/database/mc.sql setup script] that runs automatically when you install MythTV on Linux distributions.
 +
 
 +
If you will be watching TV on other computers using this backend, you will need to [http://stackoverflow.com/questions/6401218/granting-mysql-access-rights-to-all-machines-on-subnet create database permissions] for them as well. One common invocation is
 +
 
 +
''mysql> ''GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON mythconverg.* TO 'mythtv'@'192.168.1.0/255.255.255.0' IDENTIFIED BY "mythtv-password";;
 +
''mysql> ''GRANT CREATE TEMPORARY TABLES ON mythconverg.* TO 'mythtv'@'192.168.1.0/255.255.255.0' IDENTIFIED BY "mythtv-password";
 +
''mysql> ''FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
 +
 
 +
See the [http://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/5.1/en/account-names.html MySQL manual] if you need more information on permissions.
 +
 
 +
=== Finishing Backend Setup ===
 +
 
 +
Now download the backend (from one of the servers above).
 +
 
 +
Launch '''MythTV-Setup.app''' and go through the configuration steps.
 +
* Specific instructions for the common case of an [[Backend_Mac_OS_X_USA_HDHR_Setup|HDHomeRun in the USA]]
 +
* Detailed explanations for other variations can be found in the [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/User_Manual:Detailed_configuration_Backend User Manual].
 +
 
 +
You're done!  Watch and record TV using '''MythFrontend.app'''.
 +
 
 +
== Automatic Backend Startup ==
 +
 
 +
=== Method 1: Login Item ===
 +
Make '''MythBackend''' a Login Item for the DVR user, using the Accounts section of System Preferences.
 +
 
 +
=== Method 2: Launchd ===
 +
'''MythBackend''' is really a daemon, and it is nice to control it as such.  The approved way to automatically start processes in OSX is to use <code>launchd</code>.  Placing the following property list in <code>~/Library/LaunchAgents/MythBackend.plist</code> of the relevant user account will cause '''MythBackend''' to be started whenever that user logs in, and restarted if killed or crashed.
 +
<pre>
 
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
 
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple Computer//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/[[Property List]]-1.0.dtd">
+
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
 
<plist version="1.0">
 
<plist version="1.0">
 
<dict>
 
<dict>
        <key>DYLD_LIBRARY_PATH</key>
+
<key>KeepAlive</key>
        <string>/usr/local/lib:/Users/username/src/qt-mac-free-3.3.3/lib</string>
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<true/>
 +
<key>Label</key>
 +
<string>MythBackend</string>
 +
<key>ProgramArguments</key>
 +
<array>
 +
<string>/Applications/MythBackend/MythBackend.app/Contents/MacOS/MythBackend</string>
 +
<string>--logpath</string>
 +
<string>/var/log/MythBackend</string>
 +
</array>
 
</dict>
 
</dict>
 
</plist>
 
</plist>
</nowiki></pre>
+
</pre>
Replace <code><nowiki>username</nowiki></code> above with your user name. Note that we set the same directories as in the <code><nowiki>.bash_profile</nowiki></code>, except that the other environment variables have been expanded into full paths.
+
where we have assumed that '''MythBackend.app''' resides in a <code>MythBackend</code> subfolder of <code>/Applications</code>.
 +
 
 +
To have MythBackend run as a specific user, insert the following under <code></array></code>, substituting '''mythtv''' with the username of your choice.
 +
<key>UserName</key>
 +
<string>mythtv</string>
 +
Also, don't forget to create and set the correct permissions for the log file
 +
sudo touch /var/log/MythBackend
 +
sudo chown mythtv /var/log/MythBackend
 +
Note that the path to the '''MythBackend''' application binary should be set to where you happen to keep it.  If you need to stop the process, you cannot just <code>kill</code> it.  Instead use
 +
launchctl unload -w ~/Library/LaunchAgents/MythBackend.plist
 +
and once you are ready to start it again type
 +
launchctl load -w ~/Library/LaunchAgents/MythBackend.plist
 +
in a '''Terminal''' window.
 +
 
 +
= Setting up MythWeb =
  
== 4. [[Free Type]] ==
+
'''MythWeb''' is a convenient collection of website code that lets you set up recordings, browse the schedule, and review existing recordings without having to start the complete frontend. Since Macs have a built-in webserver, it's pretty simple to get [[MythWeb]] going as well.  For complete setup instructions, please see [[MythWeb_on_Mac_OS_X_Backend|the OSX-specific instructions]].
  
[[Free Type]] is the first of several dependencies you will have to install for MythTV. First download and unpack the source code: <pre><nowiki>
+
= Gotchas and Warnings =
curl http://download.savannah.gnu.org/releases/freetype/freetype-2.1.10.tar.gz | tar -xz
 
cd freetype-2.1.10
 
</nowiki></pre>
 
Next, configure and make the source. These instructions use shared libraries for building MythTV, and include flags to turn on prebinding (a run-time optimization that launches programs faster), so they differ from the generic defaults provided by the project's install instructions. If you follow the commands here exactly, you should be OK. <pre><nowiki>
 
./configure --disable-static
 
make LDFLAGS="-no-undefined -Wl,-prebind,-seg1addr,0xC0000000 -lz"
 
sudo make install
 
</nowiki></pre>
 
When <code><nowiki>sudo</nowiki></code> asks for a password, enter your Mac login password. You'll get used to doing this a lot over the course of this guide.
 
  
[[Free Type]] is installed, so we return to <code><nowiki>SRCDIR</nowiki></code> in preparation for the next step. <pre><nowiki>
 
cd ..
 
</nowiki></pre>
 
  
Freetype can also be installed via Fink or Portage OS X. See [[Fink And Portage]] for more information.
+
==== Limited Tuners ====
 +
Most PCI video capture cards lack OSX drivers, so the Mac OS X backend does not support the majority of tuners listed as being supported by (the Linux version of) MythTV.
  
== 5. LAME ==
+
The '''HDHomeRun''' network tuner is well known to work using the Mac version of Myth backend. Recording via firewire from set top boxes such as the Motorola 6412 or Motorola DCT 6200 is also known to work.  There are no current plans for additional hardware support.
  
The process here is the same as [[Free Type]], so I won't repeat the same explanations. Just use these commands: <pre><nowiki>
+
[[HDPVRCapture on Mac]] describes how to use HDPVRCaputre to record on Mac OS X with a Hauppauge HDPVR.
curl http://superb-west.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/lame/lame-3.97.tar.gz | tar -xz
 
cd lame-3.97
 
./configure --disable-static --disable-frontend
 
make LDFLAGS="-no-undefined -Wl,-prebind,-seg1addr,0xC1000000"
 
sudo make install
 
cd ..
 
</nowiki></pre>
 
  
LAME can also be installed via Fink or Portage OS X. See [[Fink And Portage]] for more information.
+
==== Firewire Recording ====
  
== 6. MySQL ==
+
(As of mythtv 0.21-fixes-20090316) There is one important note if trying to record via FireWire on an Intel Mac. The MythBackend cannot get a [[Channel tuning|LAM lock]] signal when recording TV via FireWire. The solution is to check the "Open with Rosetta" checkbox on the Get Info panel of MythBackend.app. See [http://www.gossamer-threads.com/lists/mythtv/users/352434#352434 this post] for information.
  
'''''Note:''' mysql-4.1.11.tar.gz has been removed from their server. Try [http://mysql.mirrors.pair.com/Downloads/MySQL-4.1/mysql-4.1.20.tar.gz mysql-4.1.20.tar.gz]''
+
Because of this, it's important to open MythBackend.app from the Finder and not from a Terminal window because it won't open with Rosetta. There must be some PPC-specific FireWire code in there.  
  
Again, there's nothing too complicated. You only need the client library from MySQL, so these commands turn off a lot of the parts that the installation offers. <pre><nowiki>
+
This method had successfully been used to record HD over FireWire on a Intel Mac Mini (Macmini3,1) on a Motorola DCT 6200 cable box.
curl http://mysql.mirrors.pair.com/Downloads/MySQL-4.1/mysql-4.1.20.tar.gz | tar -zx
 
cd mysql-4.1.20
 
./configure --disable-static --without-debug \
 
  --without-server --without-geometry \
 
  --without-extra-tools --without-docs \
 
  --without-man --without-bench
 
make LDFLAGS="-no-undefined -Wl,-prebind,-seg1addr,0xC2000000"
 
sudo make install
 
cd ..
 
</nowiki></pre>
 
  
== 7. Qt ==
+
= Troubleshooting and Monitoring =
  
(Qt is an application framework from [http://www.trolltech.com Trolltech] while QuickTime is a media suite from [http://www.apple.com/quicktime Apple])
+
=== Process View and CPU Usage ===
  
Installing Qt is a bit more complicated, so we'll take this one more slowly. First get the source code: <pre><nowiki>
+
To see if you have processes running, you can use the <code>ps</code> command in a terminal, or even better, you can use the '''Activity Monitor''' supplied by Apple (usually found in <code>/Applications/Utilities/</code>). Sort by process name. You should see MySQL as <code>mysqld</code> and '''MythBackend''' as <code>MythBackend</code>.
curl http://sunsite.rediris.es/mirror/Qt/source/qt-mac-free-3.3.3.tar.gz | tar -xz
 
cd qt-mac-free-3.3.3
 
</nowiki></pre>
 
  
Make sure you update Quicktime completely, including the Quicktime SDK, using Software Update.
+
=== Log Files ===
  
Next, configure the installation. Qt takes a long time to build, so we turn off everything that's not absolutely necessary. One note: the command below turns off all window styles except "Windows"; this style looks best with MythTV, in my opinion, so I don't build the others. You may want to remove some of the <code><nowiki>-no-style-blah</nowiki></code> flags and try out other styles on your system. <pre><nowiki>
+
By default, '''MythBackend''' and '''MythFrontend''' log to standard output (often <code>/var/log/system.log</code>).
./configure -system-zlib -fast -qt-sql-mysql \
 
  -no-style-cde -no-style-compact -no-style-mac \
 
  -no-style-motif -no-style-motifplus -no-style-platinum \
 
  -no-style-sgi -thread -no-ipv6 -qt-imgfmt-png \
 
  -qt-imgfmt-jpeg -no-imgfmt-mng -no-tablet \
 
  -I/usr/local/include/mysql \
 
  -L/usr/local/lib/mysql
 
</nowiki></pre>
 
  
The configure step takes a while, but don't go get that cup of coffee right away; you will have to accept the GNU Gneral Public License before it gets going. Type <code><nowiki>yes</nowiki></code> when it prompts you, then you can take a break.
+
It is convenient to separate the backend log from the general system log.  If you launch the backend with the <code>-l ''logfilename''</code> directive then it will log to ''logfilename'' instead.  You can view the logs with <code>tail</code> in a command-line window, or more conveniently using '''Console.app''', also in <code>/Applications/Utilities/</code>.
  
The make process requires a bit of explanation. Qt needs the <code><nowiki>-single-module</nowiki></code> flag to build correctly with our MySQL installation; the first line adds this to the compile instructions. We only build the <code><nowiki>sub-src</nowiki></code> target, as we only need the Qt library; this skips the documentation, examples, and a hundred other things that aren't necessary for working with MythTV. <pre><nowiki>
+
'''MythFillDatabase''' sends messages both to the standard output and the standard error. You may like to similarly redirect that output.
echo 'QMAKE_LFLAGS_SHLIB += -single_module' >> src/qt.pro
 
make sub-src
 
</nowiki></pre>
 
We're now finished with Qt, and with all of the dependencies in fact. <pre><nowiki>
 
cd ..
 
</nowiki></pre>
 
  
'''Alternatively to compiling Qt yourself''', you can grab a precompiled package from http://naranja.umh.es/~atg/
+
=== MythTV_Setup.app Exit code 153 / Setup Timezone tables ===
  
 +
If the MythTV_Setup.app from MythTV Backend goes through the connection to the MySQL server and then just aborts, verify you have the timezone information loaded into you MySQL installation.  Follow the steps described in [[MySQL Time Zone Tables]] and it might help to get it working for you.
  
== 8. Backend Setup ==
+
= Tips and Tricks =
  
Make sure you set your backend to listen on some other IP address than 127.0.0.1 (which is the default). Run <pre><nowiki> mythtvsetup
+
==== Remote Control ====
</nowiki></pre>
+
===== Apple Remote =====
on your backend mythtv installation and put your not-127.0.0.1 IP adress in the database parameters; 192.168.1.x perhaps, whatever your network interface runs on and more importantly what IP address you set mysql to listen on.
+
The Apple Remote can be used to control the most common MythTV functions:
 +
* Directional keys:  arrow keys
 +
* Play/Pause:  Enter
 +
* Menu:  Escape
  
== 9. MythTV ==
+
Holding down buttons will generate alternate inputs:
 +
* Hold Play/Pause:  P (play/pause playback)
 +
* Hold Menu:  M (Menu in playback)
 +
* Hold Left/Right:  Home/End
  
Finally, we're ready for MythTV itself. Download the main MythTV source: <pre><nowiki>
+
See the [[Keybindings]] page for what these key equivalents will do in any given situation. Keybindings can be altered in the settings menu using [[MythWeb]]. For example you may wish to try changing the "Pause" setting for ''TV Playback'' from ''P'' to ''P,Enter'' to support the play/pause button on the Apple Remote.
svn co http://svn.mythtv.org/svn/branches/release-0-19-fixes/mythtv
 
</nowiki></pre>
 
Now we configure and make MythTV itself. Assuming that nothing is broken in the SVN tree (which happens sometimes for the Mac build), the defaults should work fine: <pre><nowiki>
 
cd mythtv
 
sudo ./configure
 
qmake mythtv.pro
 
make
 
sudo make install
 
</nowiki></pre>
 
  
If you look at your <code>config.err</code> file and see that the endian test failed, just use the osx-packager.pl script in the <code>contrib</code> directory to build MythTV.
+
===== Other Infrared Remotes =====
Presuming you're in the <code>mythtv</code> directory already, simply type: <pre><nowiki>
+
See [[Keyspan Express Remote]].
cd contrib
 
perl osx-packager.pl
 
</nowiki></pre>
 
It may still fail using GCC 4.x but should work if you change your GCC modules to 3.3.3-7. It will take a while to complete. Basically, it re-installs everything you have installed to this point.<br><i>source: mythtv-user list</i>
 
  
 +
===== iPhone/iTouch Control =====
 +
Web-based remotes such as [http://mymote.wikispot.org/ MyMote] and others found [http://www.mythtv.co.nz/mythtv/remote/index.html here] or [http://legatissimo.info/node/355 here] should in principle work fine with an iPhone and OSX setups.  Some features of MyMote may require [http://www.lirc.org/software.html LIRC].
  
If you're missing qmake, return to the qt-mac-free-3.3.5 directory from the previous installation and install it from there:
+
===== Android Control =====
<pre><nowiki>
+
The android app Mythmote can be used to control your mythtv frontend.  Enable the Network control under Setup -> General -> Network Control.
cd ../qt-mac-free-3.3.5
 
cd qmake
 
sudo make install
 
</nowiki></pre>
 
  
You must launch the frontend from the command line, as launching it through the Finder will not work properly (unless you completed the Optional section of step 3). Run the frontend with this command: <pre><nowiki>
+
===== Computer To Computer Network Control =====
/usr/local/bin/mythfrontend.app/Contents/MacOS/mythfrontend
+
If you want to try controlling MythTV from another Mac (perhaps by a PowerBook from the couch), Generally Helpful Software has released an early beta of a remote control application, Remote Remote GH for MythTV
</nowiki></pre>
+
http://web.mac.com/grhowes/iWeb/Generally%20Helpful%20Software/Remote%20Remote%20GH.html
  
You'll be prompted for the MySQL connection parameters when it starts up. Enter the hostname for your Linux backend, and change any of the other parameters as appropriate. (This part is not Mac-specific and depends on your backend setup.) You should see the main menu for the frontend after it successfully connects to the MySQL server.
+
Another Mac OS X network remote control is available at http://ignasiak.googlepages.com/mythremote
  
When you update to the latest CVS, you should do a clean rebuild to prevent problems: <pre><nowiki>
+
==== Surround Sound in 7.1 Channels ====
make distclean
+
To activate 7.1 audio (using either HDMI or DisplayPort); make sure to first launch the Audio MIDI Setup in <code>/Application/Utilities</code> and configure HDMI audio as 8 channels-24 bits (the default is just stereo). It is recommended to disable DTS and AC3 passthrough as it would reset the hdmi audio in two channels mode, which would break future multi-channels playback.
cvs -z6 update -dP
+
Note that for the time being, E-AC3, TrueHD and DTS-HD MA bitstreaming do NOT work under MacOS. That's until Apple provide the required 192kHz digital sampling rate (the hardware supports it!).
./configure
 
qmake mythtv.pro
 
make
 
sudo make install
 
</nowiki></pre>
 
  
== 10. Tips and Tricks ==
+
==== GPU Acceleration ====
 +
The frontend can accelerate H.264 video using the [[VDA|Video Decode Acceleration]] (VDA) GPU library, if available.
  
In the setup screens, explore the "TV Settings" -> "Playback" options. You'll find two pages of Mac-specific settings there. If your machine isn't fast enough, you can choose to drop frames here. If you have cycles to spare, you'll find fun settings like video in the Dock, on the Desktop, or in a floating (and optionally translucent) window.
+
==== Display Scale Hacks ====
 +
Menus, titlebars and other text may be cut off on high-resolution televisions driven by your Mac, or be too small to see from a distance, which interferes with the ability to use your it as a standard computer. You can change the display scale to make applications appear better. To do this, modify the global scale factor
 +
 
 +
''shell> ''defaults write NSGlobalDomain AppleDisplayScaleFactor 1.25
  
Some of the MythTV plugins, like mythmusic, do not work in OS X. Mythvideo and mythweather are known to work at this time. To use the plugins, you have to compile and install them separately. Plugins are frontend features, installing them on the backend will not enable them on your frontend OS X box.
+
(To reset the scale just run the above commands both with a scale of 1.0.)
  
If you want to try controlling MythTV via Bluetooth, Brad came up with a 'Salling Clicker' action
+
The scale factor (1.25) increases the OSX system fonts by 25%. Myth won't like this (and doesn't need it) so you need to force the scale factor for Myth back to the default 1.0.   For MythTV and any other app you wish to render on the with normal fonts, you can modify the app-specific scale factor like this
http://members.shaw.ca/dignon/MythTV%20Remote%20Suite%20v1_1.cgz
 
  
If you want to try controlling MythTV from another Mac (perhaps by a PowerBook from the couch), Generally Helpful Software has released an early beta of a remote control application, Remote Remote GH for MythTV
+
''shell> ''defaults write net.psychosis.MythFrontend AppleDisplayScaleFactor 1.0
http://web.mac.com/grhowes/iWeb/Generally%20Helpful%20Software/Remote%20Remote%20GH.html
 
  
Another Mac OS X network remote control is available at http://ignasiak.googlepages.com/mythremote
 
  
There is also an application for Mac OS X called 'MythGrowl' that generates Growl notifications when your MythTV backend starts or finishes a recording. Not part of Mythfrontend but worth a mention. It can be downloaded at http://www.freethinking.textdriven.com/?p=19
 
  
To improve playback performance try new 'Use libmpeg2' setting (on the first page of Setup, Settings, TV Settings, Playback.
+
==== Playback Settings ====
 +
In the setup screens, explore the "TV Settings" -> "Playback" options. You'll find two pages of Mac-specific settings there. If your machine isn't fast enough, you can choose to drop frames here. If you have cycles to spare, you'll find fun settings like video in the Dock, on the Desktop, or in a floating (and optionally translucent) window.
  
Running TV playback in a smaller window can also improve performance,
+
==== MythGrowl Notifications ====
as can customising your backend recording settings. (e.g. Smaller capture from analog cards, 44.1KHz audio is a better match to some Macs than 48KHz)
+
There is an application for Mac OS X called '''MythGrowl''' that generates Growl notifications when your MythTV backend starts or finishes a recording. Not part of Mythfrontend but worth a mention. It can be downloaded at http://mythgrowl.sourceforge.net/
  
== 11. Installing Plugins ==
+
==== Performance Tweaks for Underpowered Systems ====
 +
Performance with interlaced 1080i video is significantly affected by the choice of deinterlacer. Builds preceding v0.24 do not properly support the "2x" deinterlacers for 1080i60 (but they do for 480i), so if you are using one of those, try the "normal" version. Underpowered systems may do best with the Kernel deinterlacer, or Linear Blend if that's still taxing your CPU. Newer systems should be able to run Yadif or Greedy HIghMotion, which provide significantly better deinterlacing than the previous options.
  
The following plugins will compile: [[MythVideo]] [[MythDVD]] [[MythGallery]] Torrentocracy
+
Running TV playback in a smaller window can also improve performance, as can customising your backend recording settings. (E.g. Smaller capture from analog cards, 44.1KHz audio is a better match to some Macs than 48KHz.)
  
Here is how:
+
==== Shutdown/Reboot ====
 +
Under General, enter the following to properly shutdown under OSX.  You might also have to "sudo chmod +s /sbin/halt /sbin/reboot" to be able to execute the command as a non-super user.
 +
* To Shutdown: /sbin/halt
 +
* To Reboot: /sbin/reboot
 +
Then add shutdown/Reboot to mythfrontend exit menu.
  
Grab the sources (cvs for official mythtv plugins, or from the website for other plugins) then run qmake (./configure first if needed)
+
==== Disable Bluetooth Keyboard setup ====
 +
When a keyboard and/or mouse isn't plugged in the Bluetooth setup wizard will be displayed.  To shut this off under OSX, go to settings->bluetooth->advanced, uncheck the keyboard wizard.
  
Edit the Makefile (not the one in the main folder but the one in the subfolder with the same name) and add <code><nowiki>-flat_namespace -undefined suppress</nowiki></code> to the LFLAGS variable
+
==== Disable Mouse Cursor ====
 +
Hide mouse cursor option.  Select this to hide your mouse cursor.  Useful for headless (mouseless and keyboardless) setups.  If you don't enable this, your cursor will disappear only after moving the mouse. settings->appearance->Hide Mouse Cursor in Mythtv.
  
run make
+
==== Auto Startup ====
 +
Start the mythfrontend app automatically upon login.  settings->users->login items
  
run sudo make install
+
==== VNC Server ====
 +
Install an alternative VNC server if your VNC clients have trouble connecting to the built in one.  I use VineVNC server.
  
 +
= For more information =
  
== 12. For more information ==
+
==== Mailing Lists ====
 +
If you have problems with this guide, the [http://www.mythtv.org/mailman/listinfo/mythtv-users/ mythtv-users mailing list] is the best place to start. Check the [http://gossamer-threads.com/lists/mythtv/users/ searchable archive] to see if your problem has already been discussed. Also, you can check the [http://gossamer-threads.com/lists/mythtv/dev/ mythtv-dev list] to see if it's a problem with SVN; if you can't compile MythTV, you may just have to wait a few days and try again.
  
If you have problems with this guide, the [http://www.mythtv.org/mailman/listinfo/mythtv-users/ mythtv-users mailing list] is the best place to start. Check the [http://gossamer-threads.com/lists/mythtv/users/ searchable archive] to see if your problem has already been discussed. Also, you can check the [http://gossamer-threads.com/lists/mythtv/dev/ mythtv-dev list] to see if it's a problem with CVS; if you can't compile MythTV, you may just have to wait a few days and try again.
+
==== External Links ====
 +
*[http://public.boonstra.org/MacMiniHTPCSetup.html Mac Mini frontend and backend] Hardware and software setup guide
 +
*[http://blog.myhdbox.com/2009/03/mythtv-on-mac-mini.html Mini usage report] Success report
  
When posting to the -users list, mention this guide and put "OS X" in the subject line. If you don't do those two steps, your humble guide author ([[Jeremiah Morris]]) may miss or ignore your message.
+
==== Wiki ====
 +
* The user manual at [[User_Manual:Index]] has a lot of material, though it is Linux-oriented
 +
* For MythTV on Mac OS X on Intel machines, there is also also [[Myth on Mac x86]]. (However, that page is very out of date in many respects.)
 +
* Some suggested technical innovations for Myth on OSX are at [[Technical_Directions_On_OSX]]
  
 +
= Help Improve This Page =
 
Finally, remember that this is a Wiki. If you find an inaccuracy, or have advice that may be helpful to others, improve this guide by adding your information!
 
Finally, remember that this is a Wiki. If you find an inaccuracy, or have advice that may be helpful to others, improve this guide by adding your information!
  
 +
 +
[[Category:Distribution_Specific_Install_Guides]]
 
[[Category:MacOS]]
 
[[Category:MacOS]]

Revision as of 16:56, 11 July 2015

New users: before attempting to install MythTV for the first time, please familiarize yourself with the distinction between frontend and backend.

MythTV works just fine on OSX (but see the backend gotchas below).

Hardware Requirements

Frontend

To watch TV at acceptable speeds, you'll want at least an 800 MHz G4 or better. For HDTV nearly any Intel-based Mac released from 2006 onwards will suffice, though newer machines will allow the use of better deinterlacers for 1080i content.

Backend

The backend takes very little CPU power, except when marking commercials. Any Mac capable of running OSX 10.5 Leopard or later will work fine.

Pre-built Downloads

Version Status Download
0.27.4 (recommended) Production
  • MythTV 0.27.4 complete frontend/backend systeml including MariaDB and MythWeb - (MacPorts-built installer). Includes fix for impending SchedulesDirect disruption.
0.27.3 Production
0.27 Production
0.26 Production
0.25 Unsupported
0.15 through 0.24 Old

Want to contribute builds? Read more at the Mac OSX Release Build Contributors Page.

Using MythFrontend

MythFrontend is a normal OSX app that has no special dependencies to run. Version 0.27 is officially supported on 10.8 and 10.9. Version 0.25 through 0.26 are compatible with 10.5 to 10.7. Older versions are compatible with versions of OSX from 10.3.x (Panther) through 10.6.x (Snow Leopard).

Warning.png
Note: in order for the MythTV Frontend to do anything useful you must first have a MythTV backend installed and configured. Additionally the frontend and backend generally need to be the same major version to work together.

The first time you run MythFrontend, it will enter a setup mode where you must configure the details of its access to the backend, and its display options. For v0.25 the frontend must be configured to use OpenGL. See here for instructions.

See the User Manual for more information on configuring the frontend.


Accessing MythWeb

To watch streamed video on MythWeb servers from OSX, you may have to alter the treatment of streaming files.

Installing MythTV Backend

The MythTV backend and its MySQL database run smoothly on OSX. Setting up the backend is somewhat more complicated than when using prebuilt Linux distributions such as MythBuntu. Inexperienced users who run into trouble may wish to gain experience with MythTV on Linux as training for setting it up on OSX.

The main additional complexities of installing the backend on OSX are

  • Installing MySQL
  • Setting initial MySQL database and permissions


Set Up MySQL

The MythTV backend relies on having a MySQL database available for storing information about upcoming and past recordings, channel setup, and the like.

Download and Install

Grab and install MySQL 5.1 for Mac OS X from the Mysql site. Either the 32-bit or 64-bit version is fine, except for Australian users running OSX 10.7 who will need 64-bit libraries to run shepherd for TV guide data.

For controlling the MySQL database server, you can choose one of the following options:

  1. Set up the database server without locking it to a user account by installing MySQLStartupItem.pkg. More information for the curious is here.
  2. Choose a user account responsible for running the database server, then install MySQL.prefPane for that account. You will almost certainly want to use System Preferences -> Accounts to make that account automatically login.

Server Startup

After installation, the MySQL server needs to be started.

  • Reboot and the server will start automatically if you used the Startup Item.
  • If you have installed MySQL.prefPane preference pane instead
    • Go into System Preferences and select MySQL in the Others category
    • Check Automatically Start MySQL on Startup
    • Click on the Start MySQL button.

Initial Database Setup

Open Terminal. Type in the following and press enter:

shell> cd /usr/local/mysql/bin/

Here, the shell> characters indicate the shell prompt, not something you need to type.

Configuring Default Database Users

Enter the specialized MySQL shell

shell> ./mysql -u root

which should start and prompt you for input with the mysql> prompt.

Delete the anonymous MySQL accounts by entering the following command:


mysql> DROP USER ''@'localhost';


If you don't know your machine's hostname, look it up in the table produced by entering

mysql> SELECT Host, User FROM mysql.user;


Then, set passwords for the root account by entering the below commands and substituting your desired password for newpwd and your backend machine's hostname for host_name.

mysql> SET PASSWORD FOR 'root'@'localhost' = PASSWORD('newpwd');
mysql> SET PASSWORD FOR 'root'@'127.0.0.1' = PASSWORD('newpwd');
mysql> SET PASSWORD FOR 'root'@'host_name' = PASSWORD('newpwd');
mysql> SET PASSWORD FOR 'root'@'host_name.local' = PASSWORD('newpwd');

This root password is not one you will generally have to share, but you should definitely make a record of it.

Database Privileges and Character Set

Finally, create the mythtv user and mythconverg database in MySQL, substituting your desired password for that user where it says mythtv-password:


mysql> CREATE DATABASE IF NOT EXISTS mythconverg;
mysql> GRANT ALL ON mythconverg.* TO mythtv@localhost IDENTIFIED BY "mythtv-password";
mysql> FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
mysql> GRANT CREATE TEMPORARY TABLES ON mythconverg.* TO mythtv@localhost IDENTIFIED BY "mythtv-password";
mysql> FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
mysql> ALTER DATABASE mythconverg DEFAULT CHARACTER SET utf8 COLLATE utf8_general_ci;


This MythTV password will be given to any frontend you use, and is therefore going to be kept relatively insecure, so don't choose a password that is important to you. The customary choice for this password is mythtv.

The above commands are equivalent to the setup script that runs automatically when you install MythTV on Linux distributions.

If you will be watching TV on other computers using this backend, you will need to create database permissions for them as well. One common invocation is

mysql> GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON mythconverg.* TO 'mythtv'@'192.168.1.0/255.255.255.0' IDENTIFIED BY "mythtv-password";;
mysql> GRANT CREATE TEMPORARY TABLES ON mythconverg.* TO 'mythtv'@'192.168.1.0/255.255.255.0' IDENTIFIED BY "mythtv-password";
mysql> FLUSH PRIVILEGES;

See the MySQL manual if you need more information on permissions.

Finishing Backend Setup

Now download the backend (from one of the servers above).

Launch MythTV-Setup.app and go through the configuration steps.

You're done! Watch and record TV using MythFrontend.app.

Automatic Backend Startup

Method 1: Login Item

Make MythBackend a Login Item for the DVR user, using the Accounts section of System Preferences.

Method 2: Launchd

MythBackend is really a daemon, and it is nice to control it as such. The approved way to automatically start processes in OSX is to use launchd. Placing the following property list in ~/Library/LaunchAgents/MythBackend.plist of the relevant user account will cause MythBackend to be started whenever that user logs in, and restarted if killed or crashed.

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
	<key>KeepAlive</key>
	<true/>
	<key>Label</key>
	<string>MythBackend</string>
	<key>ProgramArguments</key>
	<array>
		<string>/Applications/MythBackend/MythBackend.app/Contents/MacOS/MythBackend</string>
		<string>--logpath</string>
		<string>/var/log/MythBackend</string>
	</array>
</dict>
</plist>

where we have assumed that MythBackend.app resides in a MythBackend subfolder of /Applications.

To have MythBackend run as a specific user, insert the following under </array>, substituting mythtv with the username of your choice.

<key>UserName</key>
<string>mythtv</string>

Also, don't forget to create and set the correct permissions for the log file

sudo touch /var/log/MythBackend
sudo chown mythtv /var/log/MythBackend

Note that the path to the MythBackend application binary should be set to where you happen to keep it. If you need to stop the process, you cannot just kill it. Instead use

launchctl unload -w ~/Library/LaunchAgents/MythBackend.plist

and once you are ready to start it again type

launchctl load -w ~/Library/LaunchAgents/MythBackend.plist

in a Terminal window.

Setting up MythWeb

MythWeb is a convenient collection of website code that lets you set up recordings, browse the schedule, and review existing recordings without having to start the complete frontend. Since Macs have a built-in webserver, it's pretty simple to get MythWeb going as well. For complete setup instructions, please see the OSX-specific instructions.

Gotchas and Warnings

Limited Tuners

Most PCI video capture cards lack OSX drivers, so the Mac OS X backend does not support the majority of tuners listed as being supported by (the Linux version of) MythTV.

The HDHomeRun network tuner is well known to work using the Mac version of Myth backend. Recording via firewire from set top boxes such as the Motorola 6412 or Motorola DCT 6200 is also known to work. There are no current plans for additional hardware support.

HDPVRCapture on Mac describes how to use HDPVRCaputre to record on Mac OS X with a Hauppauge HDPVR.

Firewire Recording

(As of mythtv 0.21-fixes-20090316) There is one important note if trying to record via FireWire on an Intel Mac. The MythBackend cannot get a LAM lock signal when recording TV via FireWire. The solution is to check the "Open with Rosetta" checkbox on the Get Info panel of MythBackend.app. See this post for information.

Because of this, it's important to open MythBackend.app from the Finder and not from a Terminal window because it won't open with Rosetta. There must be some PPC-specific FireWire code in there.

This method had successfully been used to record HD over FireWire on a Intel Mac Mini (Macmini3,1) on a Motorola DCT 6200 cable box.

Troubleshooting and Monitoring

Process View and CPU Usage

To see if you have processes running, you can use the ps command in a terminal, or even better, you can use the Activity Monitor supplied by Apple (usually found in /Applications/Utilities/). Sort by process name. You should see MySQL as mysqld and MythBackend as MythBackend.

Log Files

By default, MythBackend and MythFrontend log to standard output (often /var/log/system.log).

It is convenient to separate the backend log from the general system log. If you launch the backend with the -l logfilename directive then it will log to logfilename instead. You can view the logs with tail in a command-line window, or more conveniently using Console.app, also in /Applications/Utilities/.

MythFillDatabase sends messages both to the standard output and the standard error. You may like to similarly redirect that output.

MythTV_Setup.app Exit code 153 / Setup Timezone tables

If the MythTV_Setup.app from MythTV Backend goes through the connection to the MySQL server and then just aborts, verify you have the timezone information loaded into you MySQL installation. Follow the steps described in MySQL Time Zone Tables and it might help to get it working for you.

Tips and Tricks

Remote Control

Apple Remote

The Apple Remote can be used to control the most common MythTV functions:

  • Directional keys: arrow keys
  • Play/Pause: Enter
  • Menu: Escape

Holding down buttons will generate alternate inputs:

  • Hold Play/Pause: P (play/pause playback)
  • Hold Menu: M (Menu in playback)
  • Hold Left/Right: Home/End

See the Keybindings page for what these key equivalents will do in any given situation. Keybindings can be altered in the settings menu using MythWeb. For example you may wish to try changing the "Pause" setting for TV Playback from P to P,Enter to support the play/pause button on the Apple Remote.

Other Infrared Remotes

See Keyspan Express Remote.

iPhone/iTouch Control

Web-based remotes such as MyMote and others found here or here should in principle work fine with an iPhone and OSX setups. Some features of MyMote may require LIRC.

Android Control

The android app Mythmote can be used to control your mythtv frontend. Enable the Network control under Setup -> General -> Network Control.

Computer To Computer Network Control

If you want to try controlling MythTV from another Mac (perhaps by a PowerBook from the couch), Generally Helpful Software has released an early beta of a remote control application, Remote Remote GH for MythTV http://web.mac.com/grhowes/iWeb/Generally%20Helpful%20Software/Remote%20Remote%20GH.html

Another Mac OS X network remote control is available at http://ignasiak.googlepages.com/mythremote

Surround Sound in 7.1 Channels

To activate 7.1 audio (using either HDMI or DisplayPort); make sure to first launch the Audio MIDI Setup in /Application/Utilities and configure HDMI audio as 8 channels-24 bits (the default is just stereo). It is recommended to disable DTS and AC3 passthrough as it would reset the hdmi audio in two channels mode, which would break future multi-channels playback. Note that for the time being, E-AC3, TrueHD and DTS-HD MA bitstreaming do NOT work under MacOS. That's until Apple provide the required 192kHz digital sampling rate (the hardware supports it!).

GPU Acceleration

The frontend can accelerate H.264 video using the Video Decode Acceleration (VDA) GPU library, if available.

Display Scale Hacks

Menus, titlebars and other text may be cut off on high-resolution televisions driven by your Mac, or be too small to see from a distance, which interferes with the ability to use your it as a standard computer. You can change the display scale to make applications appear better. To do this, modify the global scale factor

shell> defaults write NSGlobalDomain AppleDisplayScaleFactor 1.25

(To reset the scale just run the above commands both with a scale of 1.0.)

The scale factor (1.25) increases the OSX system fonts by 25%. Myth won't like this (and doesn't need it) so you need to force the scale factor for Myth back to the default 1.0. For MythTV and any other app you wish to render on the with normal fonts, you can modify the app-specific scale factor like this

shell> defaults write net.psychosis.MythFrontend AppleDisplayScaleFactor 1.0


Playback Settings

In the setup screens, explore the "TV Settings" -> "Playback" options. You'll find two pages of Mac-specific settings there. If your machine isn't fast enough, you can choose to drop frames here. If you have cycles to spare, you'll find fun settings like video in the Dock, on the Desktop, or in a floating (and optionally translucent) window.

MythGrowl Notifications

There is an application for Mac OS X called MythGrowl that generates Growl notifications when your MythTV backend starts or finishes a recording. Not part of Mythfrontend but worth a mention. It can be downloaded at http://mythgrowl.sourceforge.net/

Performance Tweaks for Underpowered Systems

Performance with interlaced 1080i video is significantly affected by the choice of deinterlacer. Builds preceding v0.24 do not properly support the "2x" deinterlacers for 1080i60 (but they do for 480i), so if you are using one of those, try the "normal" version. Underpowered systems may do best with the Kernel deinterlacer, or Linear Blend if that's still taxing your CPU. Newer systems should be able to run Yadif or Greedy HIghMotion, which provide significantly better deinterlacing than the previous options.

Running TV playback in a smaller window can also improve performance, as can customising your backend recording settings. (E.g. Smaller capture from analog cards, 44.1KHz audio is a better match to some Macs than 48KHz.)

Shutdown/Reboot

Under General, enter the following to properly shutdown under OSX. You might also have to "sudo chmod +s /sbin/halt /sbin/reboot" to be able to execute the command as a non-super user.

  • To Shutdown: /sbin/halt
  • To Reboot: /sbin/reboot

Then add shutdown/Reboot to mythfrontend exit menu.

Disable Bluetooth Keyboard setup

When a keyboard and/or mouse isn't plugged in the Bluetooth setup wizard will be displayed. To shut this off under OSX, go to settings->bluetooth->advanced, uncheck the keyboard wizard.

Disable Mouse Cursor

Hide mouse cursor option. Select this to hide your mouse cursor. Useful for headless (mouseless and keyboardless) setups. If you don't enable this, your cursor will disappear only after moving the mouse. settings->appearance->Hide Mouse Cursor in Mythtv.

Auto Startup

Start the mythfrontend app automatically upon login. settings->users->login items

VNC Server

Install an alternative VNC server if your VNC clients have trouble connecting to the built in one. I use VineVNC server.

For more information

Mailing Lists

If you have problems with this guide, the mythtv-users mailing list is the best place to start. Check the searchable archive to see if your problem has already been discussed. Also, you can check the mythtv-dev list to see if it's a problem with SVN; if you can't compile MythTV, you may just have to wait a few days and try again.

External Links

Wiki

  • The user manual at User_Manual:Index has a lot of material, though it is Linux-oriented
  • For MythTV on Mac OS X on Intel machines, there is also also Myth on Mac x86. (However, that page is very out of date in many respects.)
  • Some suggested technical innovations for Myth on OSX are at Technical_Directions_On_OSX

Help Improve This Page

Finally, remember that this is a Wiki. If you find an inaccuracy, or have advice that may be helpful to others, improve this guide by adding your information!