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MythTV

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(OCAU member configurations and setups)
(Remove dvico kernel module bit, not been required for a long time)
 
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[[Image: Screenshot-mythfrontend.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A relatively standard screen shot of the initial MythTV screen (MythCenter theme).]]
 
[[Image: Screenshot-mythfrontend.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A relatively standard screen shot of the initial MythTV screen (MythCenter theme).]]
 
[[Image: Mythtv-recording-display.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A demonstration of MythTV on a high definition LCD television with the on-screen display.]]
 
[[Image: Mythtv-recording-display.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A demonstration of MythTV on a high definition LCD television with the on-screen display.]]
 +
<!--[[Image: MythTVBlootube_1080pHDWidescreen.jpg|thumb|right|300px|An example of the Blootube Widescreen MythTV theme on a full high-definition 1080p (1920x1080) display.]]
 +
[[Image: BlooTubeOSD.jpg|thumb|right|300px|An example of the Blootube Widescreen On-Screen-Display (OSD) MythTV theme on a full high-definition 1080p (1920x1080) display.]]
 +
[[Image: MythTVSevenHDExample1080pWidescreen.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A snap of watching an episode of "Lost" on Seven HD in MythTV on a full high-definition 1080p (1920x1080) display. In this example, closed captions for the hearing impaired are turned on.]]-->
  
 
==Introduction==
 
==Introduction==
 
[[Image: Screenshot-MythTV-Retro.jpg|thumb|right|185px|The Retro theme for MythTV.]]
 
[[Image: Screenshot-MythTV-Retro.jpg|thumb|right|185px|The Retro theme for MythTV.]]
 
[[Image: MythWebRecorded.png|thumb|right|185px|A screenshot of MythWeb, the web based management interface.]]
 
[[Image: MythWebRecorded.png|thumb|right|185px|A screenshot of MythWeb, the web based management interface.]]
MythTV is a free and open source Personal Video Recorder (PVR) for the Linux OS. It's easily extended through a diverse of plugins providing extra capabilities such as DVD playback, photo management and games. MythTV provides high levels of customisability and features far beyond those offered by equivalent Home Theatre PC (HTPC) applications. It utilises a unique client/server architecture allowing for flexible deployment in the home environment. [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php/Release_Notes_-_0.20 The latest stable release of MythTV is 0.20].
+
[[Image: MythTV_LAN_Toplogy.jpg|thumb|right|185px|A network diagram of a typical complex MythTV implementation in the home.]]
 +
MythTV is a free and open source Personal Video Recorder (PVR) for the Linux OS. It's easily extended through a diverse range of plugins providing extra capabilities such as DVD playback, photo management and games. MythTV provides high levels of customisability and features far beyond those offered by equivalent Home Theatre PC (HTPC) applications. It utilises a unique client/server architecture allowing for flexible deployment in the home environment. [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php/Release_Notes_-_0.21 The latest stable release of MythTV is 0.21].
  
 
===MythTV can===
 
===MythTV can===
 
* Display digital, high definition and analogue television
 
* Display digital, high definition and analogue television
* Time-shift LiveTV (Pause, Rewind and fast forward)
+
* Time-shift Live TV (Pause, Rewind and fast forward)
 
* Schedule programme recordings from an integrated Electronic Programme Guide (EPG)
 
* Schedule programme recordings from an integrated Electronic Programme Guide (EPG)
 
* Automatically skip commercials
 
* Automatically skip commercials
* Change the appearance of the display
+
* Be skinned and extended through the plug-in system.
 
* Support multiple combinations of [[#Supported TV tuner adapters|TV tuner adapters]]
 
* Support multiple combinations of [[#Supported TV tuner adapters|TV tuner adapters]]
* Be extended through [[#Plugins|plugins]]
 
 
===MythTV can not===
 
* Wash your undies
 
* Clone your cat
 
* Help with the development of a flux capacitor
 
* Be described as anything less than brilliant
 
  
 
===Plugins===
 
===Plugins===
 
MythTV is easily extended through a variety of plugins. A complete list of official MythTV plugins with a short description of their functionality have been catalogued below.
 
MythTV is easily extended through a variety of plugins. A complete list of official MythTV plugins with a short description of their functionality have been catalogued below.
  
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php/MythArchive MythArchive] (Create DVDs of your recordings)
+
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/MythArchive MythArchive] (Create DVDs of your recordings)
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php/MythBrowser MythBrowser] (Built in web browser)
+
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/MythBrowser MythBrowser] (Built in web browser)
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php/MythDVD MythDVD] (DVD/VCD playback and ripping capability)
+
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/MythDVD MythDVD] (DVD/VCD playback and ripping capability)
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php/MythFlix MythFlix] (A netflix implementation for MythTV)
+
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/MythFlix MythFlix] (A netflix implementation for MythTV)
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php/MythGallery MythGallery] (Photo management and presentation)
+
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/MythGallery MythGallery] (Photo management and presentation)
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php/MythGame MythGame] (Play games on your television)
+
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/MythGame MythGame] (Play games on your television)
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php/MythMusic MythMusic] (Music library management and playback)
+
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/MythMusic MythMusic] (Music library management and playback)
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php/MythNews MythNews] (Read RSS feeds on your television)
+
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/MythNews MythNews] (Read RSS feeds on your television)
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php/MythPhone MythPhone] (Receive and make phone calls)
+
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/MythPhone MythPhone] (Receive and make phone calls)
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php/MythVideo MythVideo] (Playback for a variety of video formats)
+
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/MythVideo MythVideo] (Playback for a variety of video formats)
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php/MythWeather MythWeather] (Display weather information)
+
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/MythWeather MythWeather] (Display weather information)
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php/MythWeb MythWeb] (Web based management and video/audio streaming)
+
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/MythWeb MythWeb] (Web based management and video/audio streaming)
 +
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/Myth_Apple_Trailers MythAppleTrailers] (Stream the latest movie trailers direct from Apple)
  
==Supported and recommended hardware==
+
==MythTV Hardware==
The Linux kernel and MythTV support a large variety of hardware configurations. Historically, MythTV was developed for use with analogue television. Fortunately, support for Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) was eventually included, providing MythTV with the capability to receive digital and high definition television.  
+
Hardware support is largely dependent on your expectations of the system.
  
When selecting hardware for use in your MythTV computer, it's important to establish the purpose of the project. That is, do you intend to play high definition television, or standard digital? This will ultimately determine the minimum hardware requirements for your MythTV computer. Obviously, high definition playback will require a more powerful computer than that of standard digital.  
+
High definition playback requires more power than standard definition. Advanced features such as transparency, commercial skipping, and transcoding can all take up additional system resources. You will need to consider what the purpose of your system is going to be in order to work out the hardware required.
  
Lastly, you should check to ensure that your desired hardware is compatible with Linux and MythTV. To help with this process, the following supported devices have been listed. If in doubt, consult [http://google.com/linux Google] or the [http://forums.overclockers.com.au/showthread.php?t=564660 OCAU MythTV General Discussion and Support thread].
+
For that reason, a lot of the information here is a guide only.
 
+
===Minimum hardware requirements===
+
It's important to understand that this topic is largely subjective. Individuals have different expectations and experiences that ultimately affect their perception of "minimum requirements". Therefore, the author of this section encourages you to use this information as a guide only.
+
  
 
* [http://pvrhw.goldfish.org/tiki-pvrhwdb.php Searchable PVR Hardware database]
 
* [http://pvrhw.goldfish.org/tiki-pvrhwdb.php Searchable PVR Hardware database]
 
* [http://www.mythtv.org/docs/mythtv-HOWTO-3.html#ss3.1 Official MythTV documentation hardware recommendations]
 
* [http://www.mythtv.org/docs/mythtv-HOWTO-3.html#ss3.1 Official MythTV documentation hardware recommendations]
 
* [http://www.blogcadre.com/blog/justin/mythtv_high_definition_minimum_requirements_2006_12_02_21_13_05 MythTV & High Definition...minimum requirements]
 
* [http://www.blogcadre.com/blog/justin/mythtv_high_definition_minimum_requirements_2006_12_02_21_13_05 MythTV & High Definition...minimum requirements]
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php/Configuring_HDTV Officail MythTV wiki - Configuring HDTV]
+
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php/Configuring_HDTV Official MythTV wiki - Configuring HDTV]
 
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php/XvMC Information about X-Video Motion Compensation (XvMC)]
 
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php/XvMC Information about X-Video Motion Compensation (XvMC)]
 +
 +
For inspiration you can view some of our [[MythTV OCAU Member Setups]], which showcases some of the systems OCAU members have built.
 +
 +
=== Minimum Requirements ===
  
 
{| width="100%" class="wikitable" style="border: 1px solid #999; background: #fff"  
 
{| width="100%" class="wikitable" style="border: 1px solid #999; background: #fff"  
 
|+ Minimum hardware requirements for watching LiveTV on a single digital tuner without XvMC (Video acceleration)
 
|+ Minimum hardware requirements for watching LiveTV on a single digital tuner without XvMC (Video acceleration)
 
|- bgcolor="#ccc"
 
|- bgcolor="#ccc"
| style="text-align: center;" | '''Standard digital''' || style="text-align: center;" | '''High definition'''
+
| style="text-align: center; color: white;" | '''Standard digital''' || style="text-align: center; color: white;" | '''High definition'''
 
|- bgcolor="#efefef"
 
|- bgcolor="#efefef"
 
|  
 
|  
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* '''HDD:''' 200GB (~20 Hours of recordings + OS)
 
* '''HDD:''' 200GB (~20 Hours of recordings + OS)
 
|}
 
|}
 
[[#OCAU member configurations and setups|If you're interested to see what other OCAU members are using in their MythTV configurations, take a look here]].
 
  
 
===Supported TV tuner adapters===
 
===Supported TV tuner adapters===
The following list of TV tuner chipsets and adapters are by no means a representation of ALL supported devices. It's merely a list of devices that have been confirmed to function correctly by OCAU members. For a more [http://www.linuxtv.org/wiki/index.php/Supported_Hardware comprehensive list of supported tuners], visit the LinuxTV wiki.
+
Any TV tuner adapter utilising these chipsets should be fully supported by a recent Linux kernel.
  
====Commonly support chipsets====
+
* Conexant 2388x '''(Recommended)'''
Any TV tuner adapter utilising these chipsets should be fully supported by a recent Linux kernel.
+
* Conexant 2388x '''(Recommended)'''
+
 
* Brooktree878  '''(Recommended)'''
 
* Brooktree878  '''(Recommended)'''
 
* Philips SAA 7134
 
* Philips SAA 7134
 
* B2C2 Flexcop II
 
* B2C2 Flexcop II
  
====Digital tuners====
+
There are two recommended sources for further information on MythTV hardware:
 
+
* Our page of '''compatible [[MythTV Hardware]]''' available in Australia.
{| width="100%" class="wikitable" style="border: 1px solid #999; background: #fff"
+
* The [http://www.linuxtv.org/wiki/index.php/Supported_Hardware comprehensive list of supported tuners] on the LinuxTV wiki.
|+ A list of confirmed digital tuners in alphabetical order. Tuners with "Card type autodetected" are '''recommended'''.
+
|- bgcolor="#ccc"
+
| style="text-align: center;" | '''Adapter''' || style="text-align: center;" | '''Picture(s)'''
+
|- bgcolor="#efefef"
+
| '''Compro VideoMate DVB-T200A'''
+
* Chipset: Philips SAA 7134
+
* Kernel modules: saa7134 (Card=71), saa7134-dvb
+
''Special instructions''
+
# Grab the CVS for video4Linux and linux-dvb, instructions can be found at [http://linuxtv.org LinuxTV.org]
+
# Goto the video4linux directory and run scripts/merge-trees.sh
+
# Edit the Make.config file and make sure saa7134-dvb = n is changed to saa7134-dvb = m (builds the dvb part as a module)
+
# Run make && make install
+
# Then modprobe saa7134 oss=1 card=71
+
# Then modprobe saa7134-dvb and you should be good to go
+
# For the DVB-T200, you will also need firmware. Please check the Documentation/dvb directory in the kernel source how to obtain and install it
+
| N/A
+
|- bgcolor="#efefef"
+
| '''Digitalnow DNTV Live! DVB-T'''
+
* Chipset: Conexant 2388x
+
* Kernel modules: cx88-dvb (Card type autodetected)
+
| N/A
+
|- bgcolor="#efefef"
+
| '''DVICO (Ultraview) Fusion HDTV DVB-T Plus'''
+
* Chipset: Conexant 2388x
+
* Kernel module: cx88-dvb (Card type autodetected)
+
| style="text-align: center;" | [[Image: Rimg0419.jpg|185px|VisionPlus DVB-T (1)]] [[Image: Rimg0420.jpg|185px|VisionPlus DVB-T (2)]]
+
|- bgcolor="#efefef"
+
| '''DVICO (Ultraview) Fusion HDTV DVB-T Lite'''
+
* Chipset: Brooktree878
+
* Kernel module: dvb-bt8xx
+
| style="text-align: center;" | [[Image: Dvico_dvb-lite_hdtv.jpg|185px|DViCO (Ultraview) Fusion HDTV DVB-T Lite card]]
+
|- bgcolor="#efefef"
+
| '''Technisat Airstar 2 DVB-T'''
+
* Chipset: B2C2 Flexcop II
+
* Kernel modules: b2c2_flexcop_pci, b2c2_flexcop (Cart type autodetected)
+
| N/A
+
|- bgcolor="#efefef"
+
| '''Twinhan DVB-T'''
+
* Chipset: Brooktree878
+
* Kernel module: dvb-bt8xx (Card type autodetected)
+
| style="text-align: center;" | [[Image: Twinhan_DVB-T.jpg|185px|Twinhan DVB-T card]]
+
|- bgcolor="#efefef"
+
| '''VisionPlus DVB-T (Twinhan clone)'''
+
* Chipset: Brooktree878
+
* Kernel module: dvb-bt8xx (Card type autodetected)
+
| style="text-align: center;" | [[Image: Rimg0415.jpg|185px|DVICO (Ultraview) Fusion HDTV DVB-T Plus (1)]] [[Image: Rimg0416.jpg|185px|DVICO (Ultraview) Fusion HDTV DVB-T Plus (2)]]
+
|- bgcolor="#efefef"
+
| '''V-Stream XPERT DVT-DVB-T'''
+
* Chipset: Conexant 2388x
+
* Kernel module: cx88-dvb
+
| N/A
+
|}
+
 
+
====Hybrid tuners====
+
 
+
{| width="100%" class="wikitable" style="border: 1px solid #999; background: #fff"
+
|+ A list of confirmed hybrid tuners in alphabetical order
+
|- bgcolor="#ccc"
+
| style="text-align: center;" | '''Adapter''' || style="text-align: center;" | '''Picture(s)'''
+
|- bgcolor="#efefef"
+
| '''Compro VideoMate DVB-T300'''
+
* Chipset: Philips SAA 7134
+
* Kernel module: saa7134 (Card=70), saa7134-dvb
+
''Special Instructions:''
+
# Grab the CVS for video4Linux and linux-dvb, instructions can be found at LinuxTV.org
+
# Go to the video4linux directory and run scripts/merge-trees.sh
+
# Edit the Make.config file and make sure saa7134-dvb = n is changed to saa7134-dvb = m (builds the dvb part as a module)
+
# Run make && make install
+
# Then modprobe saa7134 oss=1 card=70
+
# Then modprobe saa7134-dvb and you should be good to go.
+
| N/A
+
|}
+
 
+
====Unsupported tuners====
+
{| width="100%" class="wikitable" style="border: 1px solid #999; background: #fff"
+
|+ A list of confirmed unsupported tuners in alphabetical order
+
|- bgcolor="#ccc"
+
| style="text-align: center;" | '''Adapter''' || style="text-align: center;" | '''Details'''
+
|- bgcolor="#efefef"
+
| '''[http://www.fusionhdtv.co.kr/ENG/products/DVBTdual4.aspx DViCO FusionHDTV DVB-T Dual Digital 4]'''
+
| A relatively new device, it utilises the Zarlink ZL10353 chipset. Unlike its predecessors, this chipset is currently unsupported. Fortunately, [http://www.mail-archive.com/linux-dvb@linuxtv.org/msg21740.html driver development is active]. Until a mature driver has been produced, it's recommended to stick with an adapter based on either bt878 or cx2388x.
+
|}
+
 
+
===Supported remote controls===
+
MythTV supports any input device that can be configured with the Linux OS. This allows for a large selection of potential remote controls, wireless keyboards and any other input device you can conceive. People commonly associate remote controls with their televisions and HTPC's. As a result, this section provides information on supported [http://lirc.org/ Linux Infra-red Control (LIRC)] devices. For a complete list of supported devices, [http://lirc.org/html/table.html you  may like to look here].
+
 
+
{| width="100%" class="wikitable" style="border: 1px solid #999; background: #fff"
+
|+ A list of confirmed remote controls
+
|- bgcolor="#ccc"
+
| style="text-align: center;" | '''Remote Control''' || style="text-align: center;" | '''Picture(s)'''
+
|- bgcolor="#efefef"
+
| '''Microsoft Windows MCE IR remote control ''(Version 2)'' '''
+
* Manufacturer: Philips
+
* LIRC driver: mceusb2
+
* Kernel module: lirc_dev, lirc_mceusb2
+
* [http://tatey.com/random/files/MythTV/lircrc-mceusb2 Example lircrc configuration file for MythTV]
+
| style="text-align: center;" | [[Image: MythTV-Photo-MCEUSB21.jpg|185px]] [[Image: MythTV-Photo-MCEUSB22.jpg|185px]]
+
|- bgcolor="#efefef"
+
| '''DViCO FusionHDTV IR Remote + USB Receiver'''
+
* Manufacturer: DViCO
+
* LIRC driver: dvico
+
* Kernel module: <to do>
+
* [http://lirc.sourceforge.net/remotes/dvico/ lirc definition file for DViCO FusionHDTV IR Remote]
+
| style="text-align: center;" | [[Image:Dvico_remote.jpg|185px]]
+
|}
+
  
 
==Recommended Software==
 
==Recommended Software==
MythTV is an application that sits on top of a Linux distribution. Consequently, it's irrelevant which distribution you decide to use in your MythTV configuration. What's important is that you have the required package dependencies, and access to support. Distributions such as [http://ubuntu.com Ubuntu] and [http://archlinux.org Arch] include MythTV in their package repositories which automatically resolve dependencies, simplifying the install process.  
+
MythTV is an application that sits on top of a Linux distribution. Consequently, it's irrelevant which distribution you decide to use in your MythTV configuration. What's important is that you have the required package dependencies, and access to support. Distributions such as [http://ubuntu.com Ubuntu], [http://pclinuxos.com PCLinuxOS] and [http://archlinux.org Arch] include MythTV in their package repositories which automatically resolve dependencies, simplifying the install process.  
  
 
When choosing your Linux distribution, the author of this wiki article encourages you to pick a distribution that you're familiar with. Familiarity leads to confidence which is of benefit in a first-time install process. If you don't favour any particular distribution, [[#Linux distributions|pick a one that has a wide range of support]]. As a general rule of thumb, popular distributions are your best bet. They usually offer multiple places for seeking help such as forums, IRC and a mailing list. If you'd like assistance from other OCAU members, you may be interested in the [http://forums.overclockers.com.au/showthread.php?t=564660 MythTV General Discussion and Support thread] on the OCAU forums.
 
When choosing your Linux distribution, the author of this wiki article encourages you to pick a distribution that you're familiar with. Familiarity leads to confidence which is of benefit in a first-time install process. If you don't favour any particular distribution, [[#Linux distributions|pick a one that has a wide range of support]]. As a general rule of thumb, popular distributions are your best bet. They usually offer multiple places for seeking help such as forums, IRC and a mailing list. If you'd like assistance from other OCAU members, you may be interested in the [http://forums.overclockers.com.au/showthread.php?t=564660 MythTV General Discussion and Support thread] on the OCAU forums.
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|+ Distributions listed in alphabetical order
 
|+ Distributions listed in alphabetical order
 
|- bgcolor="#ccc"
 
|- bgcolor="#ccc"
| style="text-align: center;" | '''Distribution''' || style="text-align: center;" | '''MythTV installation guides''' || style="text-align: center;" | '''Support'''
+
| style="text-align: center; color: white;" | '''Distribution''' || style="text-align: center; color: white;" | '''MythTV installation guides''' || style="text-align: center; color: white;" | '''Support'''
 
|- bgcolor="#efefef"
 
|- bgcolor="#efefef"
 
| [http://archlinux.org Arch Linux]
 
| [http://archlinux.org Arch Linux]
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* [http://parker1.co.uk/mythtv_ubuntu.php MythTV Ubuntu Installation Guide]
 
* [http://parker1.co.uk/mythtv_ubuntu.php MythTV Ubuntu Installation Guide]
 
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php/Ubuntu_Installation_Guides Ubuntu Installation Guides for various versions]
 
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php/Ubuntu_Installation_Guides Ubuntu Installation Guides for various versions]
 +
* [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/MythTV Ubuntu Community Documentation for various Ubuntu versions incl Feisty]
 
|
 
|
 
* [http://ubuntuforums.org Forums]
 
* [http://ubuntuforums.org Forums]
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* KnoppMyth is my attempt at making the Linux and MythTV installation as trivial as possible.
 
* KnoppMyth is my attempt at making the Linux and MythTV installation as trivial as possible.
  
'''[http://g-ding.tv/?q= MythDora] (Recommended)'''
+
'''[http://www.mythbuntu.org Mythbuntu]'''
 +
* Mythbuntu is an Ubuntu derivative focused upon setting up a standalone MythTV system similar to KnoppMyth or MythDora. The Mythbuntu distribution fits on a single CD which can also be used as a frontend liveCD.
 +
VDPAU support (adding full GPU based decode to MythTV on Nvidia Geforce 8xxx and later GPUs) can easily be added to Mythbuntu (or a vanilla Ubuntu) using John Avenards patched repositories http://www.avenard.org/media/Ubuntu_Repository/Ubuntu_Repository.html
 +
WARNING: If the Avenard respositories are used no support is given by the Mythtv team as this is considered a code fork.
 +
 
 +
'''[http://mythdora.com/ MythDora]'''
 
* MythDora is a Fedora Core and MythTV "All-In-One" DVD. The DVD will load a preconfigured Fedora Core installation on your computer as well as install and configure MythTV.
 
* MythDora is a Fedora Core and MythTV "All-In-One" DVD. The DVD will load a preconfigured Fedora Core installation on your computer as well as install and configure MythTV.
  
Line 253: Line 149:
 
[[Image: Screenshot-mythfrontend-guide.jpg|thumb|right|185px|A screenshot of a relatively standard MythTV EPG.]]
 
[[Image: Screenshot-mythfrontend-guide.jpg|thumb|right|185px|A screenshot of a relatively standard MythTV EPG.]]
  
MythTV uses XMLTV to store and display programme data in the Electronic Programme Guide (EPG). Programme data is populated into the MythTV database through the use of a XMLTV grabber, such as the tv_grab_au script. In Australia, there are several XMLTV grabbers which provide varying levels of programme data. The legality of some grabbers are disputed.
+
MythTV uses XMLTV to store and display programme data in the Electronic Programme Guide (EPG). Programme data is populated into the MythTV database through the use of a XMLTV grabber, such as the tv_grab_au script.
  
===Australian XMLTV grabbers===
+
In Australia, there are several XMLTV grabbers which provide varying levels of programme data. The legality of some grabbers are disputed.
  
====[http://svn.whuffy.com/index.fcgi/wiki Shepherd] (Recommended)====
+
For information about setting up your program guide, check out our [[MythTV Electronic Program Guide]] page, or check out the [http://svn.whuffy.com/ Shepherd] guide data script.
Shepherd provides reliable, high-quality guide data for Australian free-to-air TV and Pay TV channels by employing a flock of independent grabbers and data sources. In addition, Shepherd provides HDTV programme data, as well as the capability to automatically configure TV network icons. It's the de facto choice of OCAU MythTV users, and recommended by the author of this wiki article.
+
  
====[http://www.icetv.com.au/ IceTV]====
 
IceTV is a commercial entity that provides pre-compiled programme data for subscribers. Subscription can be purchased for approximately $13/month.
 
  
====[http://minnie.tuhs.org/twiki/bin/view OzTivo]====
 
OzTivo is a community maintained television guide that provides pre-compiled programme data in the XMLTV and TiVo slice formats. The Guide relies on a community of users to create and upload guide data to the Guide's database. The database is then hand-edited via a web interface to correct any mistakes.
 
  
====[http://www.overclockers.com.au/wiki/MythTV-TV_GRAB_AU ltd73 (tv_grab_au)]====
 
Prior to Shepherd, Ltd73's tv_grab_au script provides verbose and accurate programme data from the Yahoo7 web site. This script is now deprecated, and Australian MythTV users are encouraged to use it's successor, Shepherd.
 
  
===Australian television network icons===
 
MythTV provides users with the ability to define icons for individual TV channels. You're able to set these automatically with software such as Shepherd, or manually by [[#Configuring icons via mythtv-setup|configuring icons via <tt>mythtv-setup</tt>]]. There are numerous free-to-air icon schemes available from a variety sources. Some OCAU members have created [[#Getting icons|useful TV network icon resources]].
 
  
MythTV supports amongst other formats, JPEG and transparent PNG images. Unfortunately, it does not support SVG.
 
  
====Getting icons====
 
[[Image: Seven-hd.png|right|frame|128px|The Network Seven HD icon from the t8 scheme.]]
 
There are four OCAU-centric locations that you can get TV network icons.
 
  
* [http://techtoucian.net/regulars/channels/ Australian TV Network Logos]<br>Has a number of TV network icon schemes (mostly scalable versions of the schemes below.) Also has a master SVG template for editing your own icons.
 
* [http://svn.whuffy.com/index.fcgi/wiki/channel_icons Shepherd]<br>Automated channel icon schemes.
 
* [http://tatey.com/mythtv.php MythTV]<br>Dedges's cartoonish blue and grey icons.
 
* [http://home.exetel.com.au/chorton/Files/mythtv/Australia_TV_Icons.tar FrogBoy's icon set]<br>A tar archive with FrogBoy's icon scheme.
 
  
====Configuring icons via mythtv-setup====
+
 
# Run <tt>mythtv-setup</tt>, from either a terminal window or a run dialog.
+
 
# Go to <tt>5. Channel Editor</tt>.
+
 
# Select the channel you wish to add an icon to.<br>''Note, you will need to press enter after you select the channel name. Double clicking seems to have been disabled for some reason.''
+
 
# Enter the path to a supported graphic file in the <tt>Icon:</tt> field.
+
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
.
  
 
==Tips, tricks and common problem fixes==
 
==Tips, tricks and common problem fixes==
Line 293: Line 175:
 
===Tips and tricks===
 
===Tips and tricks===
 
For a comprehensive list of MythTV tips and tricks, you may like to [http://wilsonet.com/mythtv/tips.php visit the Myth(TV)ology web site for additional information].
 
For a comprehensive list of MythTV tips and tricks, you may like to [http://wilsonet.com/mythtv/tips.php visit the Myth(TV)ology web site for additional information].
 +
 +
====Setting up a frontend on a laptop with a broken or removed screen====
 +
If you are trying to set up a frontend using a laptop with a broken or removed screen (LVDS panel) then this information may help you: [[MythTV frontend on laptop with broken or removed panel]]
 +
 +
====Setting up audio over HDMI with GT210/220====
 +
If you want to use audio over HDMI with a GT210 or GT220, follow these steps: [[Audio over HDMI with a GT210/220]]
  
 
===Common problem fixes===
 
===Common problem fixes===
Line 309: Line 197:
 
#Check the box that says 'Record in TS format instead of PS'
 
#Check the box that says 'Record in TS format instead of PS'
 
#Exit mythtv-setup, and restart mythbackend and mythfrontend
 
#Exit mythtv-setup, and restart mythbackend and mythfrontend
 +
 +
====Garbled / very quiet sound regardless of channel====
 +
 +
'''Symptoms:''' No sound, very hissy sound, garbled sound but very quiet
 +
 +
'''Fix:''' set up the tv card to record in stereo rather than 5.1 audio.
  
 
====No display when watching LiveTV====
 
====No display when watching LiveTV====
Line 321: Line 215:
 
#Add a starting channel (ie. 7)
 
#Add a starting channel (ie. 7)
 
#Close myth-setup, restart mythbackend and test
 
#Close myth-setup, restart mythbackend and test
 +
 +
====Full scan does not pick up channel 9====
 +
 +
'''Symptoms:''' None of the channel 9 transport streams are tuned in after doing a full channel scan.
 +
 +
'''Fix:'''
 +
 +
#Stop mythbackend
 +
#Run mythtv-setup
 +
#Select Option 5. Channel Editor
 +
#Then go to Transport Editor
 +
#Select (New Transport)
 +
#Setup using the following settings
 +
#Standard=DVB, Freq.=191625000, Bandwidth=7MHz, Inversion=Auto, Modulation=QAM-64, LP Coderate=None, HP Coderate=3/4, Trans.Mode=8K, Guard Int.=1/16, Hierarchy=None
 +
#Do a full rescan of channels and channel 9 should be present
 +
#Close myth-setup, restart mythbackend and test
 +
 +
==== Channel 9 and GO! No Longer Record ====
 +
After the new channel GO! 99 was launched, something hinky happened to the channel. If your Go! and Nine recordings appear to record, but don't actually write to the hard disk, you will need to run mythtv-setup and re-scan them.
  
 
==Support and additional information==
 
==Support and additional information==
Line 332: Line 245:
 
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php/Main_Page Official MythTV community maintained wiki]
 
* [http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php/Main_Page Official MythTV community maintained wiki]
  
====Complimentary information====
+
====Complementary information====
 
* [http://linuxtv.org/ Linux TV] - Television with Linux
 
* [http://linuxtv.org/ Linux TV] - Television with Linux
 
* [http://www.lirc.org/ LIRC] - Linux infra-red remote control information
 
* [http://www.lirc.org/ LIRC] - Linux infra-red remote control information
Line 341: Line 254:
 
* [http://forums.overclockers.com.au/showthread.php?t=374071 A good TV tuner?]
 
* [http://forums.overclockers.com.au/showthread.php?t=374071 A good TV tuner?]
  
==OCAU member configurations and setups==
 
The following table compromises of MythTV configurations by various OCAU members. It provides ''[potential]'' MythTV users with an opportunity to view what configurations other OCAU members are utilising. In addition, it may help to determine what hardware is necessary for either standard digital or high definition content. For fun, OCAU members may include pictures of their setups. [[#How to contribute|If you're an OCAU member and would like to include your configuration in this table, click here for more information]].
 
  
{| width="100%" class="wikitable" style="border: 1px solid #999; background: #333"
+
== See Also ==
|+ OCAU member configurations (Alphabetical)
+
We've recently re-arranged the article because there was too much content on the one page. There are links to the other OCAU MythTV pages in the relevant sections above, but if you missed them, here they are for quick reference:
|- bgcolor="#ccc"
+
| style="text-align: center;" | '''OCAU <br> username''' || style="text-align: center;" | '''Configuration''' || style="text-align: center;" | '''HDTV <br> capable'''|| style="text-align: center;" | '''OS/Distribution'''|| style="text-align: center;" | '''Picture(s)'''
+
|- bgcolor="#efefef"
+
| cleary
+
||
+
* AMD A64 3200+ S939
+
* 2GB DDR
+
* Sparkle nVidia 7900GT 256MB
+
* 1x DVico DVB-Lite HDTV Tuner (brooktree878 chipset) + IR remote
+
* 2x 320GB Seagate 16MB Sata2 NCQ HDDs
+
* Thermaltake Tenor Silver Desktop case
+
* 76cm LG TV (Tube)
+
|| Yes
+
|| [http://www.sidux.com sidux] Chaos (2007-01)
+
|| [[Image:Cleary_mythtv-setup_sml.jpg|100px]]
+
|- bgcolor="#efefef"
+
| [http://tatey.com Dedge] ||
+
* AMD Athlon 64 3600+ X2
+
* 512MB DDR2
+
* nVidia 7300GS
+
* 4x 320GB SATA HDD in software RAID 5
+
* 1x 80GB HDD for OS
+
* 16x Pioneer DVD-RW optical drive
+
* Silverstone LC17 enclosure
+
* NEC 40" HDTV LCD Display (1336x768)
+
|| Yes
+
|| Ubuntu 6.10
+
|| [[Image: Dedge-MythTV-configuration1.jpg|100px]] [[Image: Dedge-MythTV-configuration2.jpg|100px]]
+
|- bgcolor="#efefef"
+
| Stik79
+
||
+
* Master BE/FE combo
+
** Athlon Venice 3500+
+
** Shuttle SN95G
+
** 1GB DDR
+
** nVidia GeForce FX6200TC (passive)
+
** 700G LVM (Samsung quietness)
+
** 32" AWA 720p LCD (1366x760)
+
** Digital now USB Twin Tuners
+
* Slave BE/FE combo
+
**(in bedroom (needs quietness - PSU = only fan))
+
** Athlon 2100+ (underclocked) / Abit NF7S
+
** Silverstone LC17M
+
** 512M DDR
+
** nVidia GeForce FX 5200 passive
+
** 48cm CRT LG TV (bleh - replace with LCD one day)
+
** Kworld Xpert DVB-T100 PCI Digital TV Tuner (cx88_dvb)
+
** 0G HD - remote boot/NFS
+
* Gigabit Wired Network
+
|| Yes/Yes (with XvMC)
+
|| FC6/FC6
+
|| [[Image: Stik79-mythtv-lounge.jpg|100px]] [[Image: Stik79-mythtv-bedroom.jpg|100px]]
+
|- bgcolor="#efefef"
+
| [http://techotucian.net Techtoucian]
+
||
+
* Intel Pentium 4 2.26Ghz
+
* 1.5GB DDR
+
* nVidia GeForce FX 5700
+
* Dual screen desktop PC with one screen devoted to MythTV.
+
|| Yes
+
|| Ubuntu 6.10
+
|| [[Image: Techtoucian-MythTV-configuration1.jpg|100px]]
+
|}
+
  
===How to contribute===
+
* Our supported [[MythTV Hardware]] article.
OCAU members are encouraged to include their configurations in this wiki article. Please include your hardware specifications, television display, HDTV capability ''(I.e. are you able to smoothly display high definition content?)'', OS/Distribution; and any relevant pictures. In an attempt to reduce clutter, please limit your entry to a maximum of two pictures with respective thumbnails. If you're unsure where to start, copy an existing entry. ''Note:'' Please keep entries in alphabetical order by OCAU username.
+
* Our [[MythTV Electronic Program Guide]].
 +
* Our [[MythTV OCAU Member Setups]] article.
 +
* [[MythTV-TV GRAB AU]]
  
 
==ToDo (Please contribute!)==
 
==ToDo (Please contribute!)==
 
This is a small list items that are either unfinished, or require implementation. If you're unable to contribute but would like to, please contact either [http://forums.overclockers.com.au/private.php?do=newpm&u=6308 Dedge] or [http://forums.overclockers.com.au/private.php?do=newpm&u=23373 Techtoucian].
 
This is a small list items that are either unfinished, or require implementation. If you're unable to contribute but would like to, please contact either [http://forums.overclockers.com.au/private.php?do=newpm&u=6308 Dedge] or [http://forums.overclockers.com.au/private.php?do=newpm&u=23373 Techtoucian].
* update kernel modules required for dvico fusionhdtv remote (cleary)
 
  
 
===Seeking additional information on specific topics===
 
===Seeking additional information on specific topics===
Line 421: Line 270:
  
 
We're seeking additional resources for the following sections. Please ensure they're current.
 
We're seeking additional resources for the following sections. Please ensure they're current.
* [[#Linux distributions|Linux distributions]]
+
* [[#Linux Distributions|Linux Distributions]]
* [[#MythTV distirbutions|MythTV distirbutions]]
+
* [[#MythTV distributions|MythTV distributions]]
 
* [[#Tips, tricks and common problem fixes|Tips, tricks and common problem fixes]]
 
* [[#Tips, tricks and common problem fixes|Tips, tricks and common problem fixes]]
 
* [[#Informative and helpful links|Informative and helpful links]]
 
* [[#Informative and helpful links|Informative and helpful links]]
Line 430: Line 279:
  
 
===OCAU member configurations requested===
 
===OCAU member configurations requested===
Please [[#How to contribute|add your MythTV configuration]] to the "OCAU member configurations and setups" section of this wiki.
+
Please add your MythTV configuration to the [[MythTV OCAU Member Setups]] section of this wiki.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
==More Links==
 +
* [[Audio Visual]], [[HTPC]], [[Digital TV on your PC]], [[Sound Card]], [[Windows XP DVB Tuner Setup]],[[Windows MCE]] & [[Windows Media Center Edition]]

Latest revision as of 16:19, 5 June 2012

A relatively standard screen shot of the initial MythTV screen (MythCenter theme).
A demonstration of MythTV on a high definition LCD television with the on-screen display.

Contents

[edit] Introduction

The Retro theme for MythTV.
A screenshot of MythWeb, the web based management interface.
A network diagram of a typical complex MythTV implementation in the home.

MythTV is a free and open source Personal Video Recorder (PVR) for the Linux OS. It's easily extended through a diverse range of plugins providing extra capabilities such as DVD playback, photo management and games. MythTV provides high levels of customisability and features far beyond those offered by equivalent Home Theatre PC (HTPC) applications. It utilises a unique client/server architecture allowing for flexible deployment in the home environment. The latest stable release of MythTV is 0.21.

[edit] MythTV can

  • Display digital, high definition and analogue television
  • Time-shift Live TV (Pause, Rewind and fast forward)
  • Schedule programme recordings from an integrated Electronic Programme Guide (EPG)
  • Automatically skip commercials
  • Be skinned and extended through the plug-in system.
  • Support multiple combinations of TV tuner adapters

[edit] Plugins

MythTV is easily extended through a variety of plugins. A complete list of official MythTV plugins with a short description of their functionality have been catalogued below.

[edit] MythTV Hardware

Hardware support is largely dependent on your expectations of the system.

High definition playback requires more power than standard definition. Advanced features such as transparency, commercial skipping, and transcoding can all take up additional system resources. You will need to consider what the purpose of your system is going to be in order to work out the hardware required.

For that reason, a lot of the information here is a guide only.

For inspiration you can view some of our MythTV OCAU Member Setups, which showcases some of the systems OCAU members have built.

[edit] Minimum Requirements

Minimum hardware requirements for watching LiveTV on a single digital tuner without XvMC (Video acceleration)
Standard digital High definition
  • Processor: Intel Pentium III 800Mhz or AMD Athlon 800Mhz
  • Memory: 384MB
  • HDD: 60GB (~20 Hours of recordings + OS)
  • Processor: Intel Pentium 4 2.8GHz or AMD Athlon XP 2800+
  • Memory: 384MB
  • HDD: 200GB (~20 Hours of recordings + OS)

[edit] Supported TV tuner adapters

Any TV tuner adapter utilising these chipsets should be fully supported by a recent Linux kernel.

  • Conexant 2388x (Recommended)
  • Brooktree878 (Recommended)
  • Philips SAA 7134
  • B2C2 Flexcop II

There are two recommended sources for further information on MythTV hardware:

[edit] Recommended Software

MythTV is an application that sits on top of a Linux distribution. Consequently, it's irrelevant which distribution you decide to use in your MythTV configuration. What's important is that you have the required package dependencies, and access to support. Distributions such as Ubuntu, PCLinuxOS and Arch include MythTV in their package repositories which automatically resolve dependencies, simplifying the install process.

When choosing your Linux distribution, the author of this wiki article encourages you to pick a distribution that you're familiar with. Familiarity leads to confidence which is of benefit in a first-time install process. If you don't favour any particular distribution, pick a one that has a wide range of support. As a general rule of thumb, popular distributions are your best bet. They usually offer multiple places for seeking help such as forums, IRC and a mailing list. If you'd like assistance from other OCAU members, you may be interested in the MythTV General Discussion and Support thread on the OCAU forums.

Lastly, there are special, customised distributions that are designed specifically for MythTV. They present considerable advantages for users with little or no Linux experience by including automated installers and support for proprietary drivers. They're often considered "out of the box" solutions.

[edit] Linux Distributions

Distributions listed in alphabetical order
Distribution MythTV installation guides Support
Arch Linux
Fedora Linux
Gentoo Linux
Ubuntu Linux

[edit] MythTV distributions

Distributions listed in alphabetical order.

KnoppMyth

  • KnoppMyth is my attempt at making the Linux and MythTV installation as trivial as possible.

Mythbuntu

  • Mythbuntu is an Ubuntu derivative focused upon setting up a standalone MythTV system similar to KnoppMyth or MythDora. The Mythbuntu distribution fits on a single CD which can also be used as a frontend liveCD.

VDPAU support (adding full GPU based decode to MythTV on Nvidia Geforce 8xxx and later GPUs) can easily be added to Mythbuntu (or a vanilla Ubuntu) using John Avenards patched repositories http://www.avenard.org/media/Ubuntu_Repository/Ubuntu_Repository.html WARNING: If the Avenard respositories are used no support is given by the Mythtv team as this is considered a code fork.

MythDora

  • MythDora is a Fedora Core and MythTV "All-In-One" DVD. The DVD will load a preconfigured Fedora Core installation on your computer as well as install and configure MythTV.

[edit] Electronic programme guide (EPG)

A screenshot of a relatively standard MythTV EPG.

MythTV uses XMLTV to store and display programme data in the Electronic Programme Guide (EPG). Programme data is populated into the MythTV database through the use of a XMLTV grabber, such as the tv_grab_au script.

In Australia, there are several XMLTV grabbers which provide varying levels of programme data. The legality of some grabbers are disputed.

For information about setting up your program guide, check out our MythTV Electronic Program Guide page, or check out the Shepherd guide data script.








.

[edit] Tips, tricks and common problem fixes

[edit] Tips and tricks

For a comprehensive list of MythTV tips and tricks, you may like to visit the Myth(TV)ology web site for additional information.

[edit] Setting up a frontend on a laptop with a broken or removed screen

If you are trying to set up a frontend using a laptop with a broken or removed screen (LVDS panel) then this information may help you: MythTV frontend on laptop with broken or removed panel

[edit] Setting up audio over HDMI with GT210/220

If you want to use audio over HDMI with a GT210 or GT220, follow these steps: Audio over HDMI with a GT210/220

[edit] Common problem fixes

[edit] No sound on Channel Seven or SBS

Symptoms: No sound occurs on channel Seven or SBS (In Australia, they have ac3 audio streams) when they are tuned to from another channel (i.e. You are watching channel nine, and change to channel Seven). There is however sound if you choose channel Seven, exit live TV mode and then re-enter live TV.

Fix: It appears there can be weird problems like this when using PS format to watch TV. It can be fixed by:

  1. Exit mythfrontend and mythbackend
  2. Enter mythtv-setup
  3. Go to card options
  4. Select your DVB card
  5. Go to 'Advanced Settings'
  6. Select 'Recording Options'
  7. Check the box that says 'Record in TS format instead of PS'
  8. Exit mythtv-setup, and restart mythbackend and mythfrontend

[edit] Garbled / very quiet sound regardless of channel

Symptoms: No sound, very hissy sound, garbled sound but very quiet

Fix: set up the tv card to record in stereo rather than 5.1 audio.

[edit] No display when watching LiveTV

Symptoms: When trying to watch LiveTV the screen is blank and no input is accepted, after a few moments will drop back to main menu.

Fix:

  1. Stop mythbackend
  2. Run mythtv-setup
  3. Select Option 4. Input Connections
  4. Add a starting channel (ie. 7)
  5. Close myth-setup, restart mythbackend and test

[edit] Full scan does not pick up channel 9

Symptoms: None of the channel 9 transport streams are tuned in after doing a full channel scan.

Fix:

  1. Stop mythbackend
  2. Run mythtv-setup
  3. Select Option 5. Channel Editor
  4. Then go to Transport Editor
  5. Select (New Transport)
  6. Setup using the following settings
  7. Standard=DVB, Freq.=191625000, Bandwidth=7MHz, Inversion=Auto, Modulation=QAM-64, LP Coderate=None, HP Coderate=3/4, Trans.Mode=8K, Guard Int.=1/16, Hierarchy=None
  8. Do a full rescan of channels and channel 9 should be present
  9. Close myth-setup, restart mythbackend and test

[edit] Channel 9 and GO! No Longer Record

After the new channel GO! 99 was launched, something hinky happened to the channel. If your Go! and Nine recordings appear to record, but don't actually write to the hard disk, you will need to run mythtv-setup and re-scan them.

[edit] Support and additional information

The purpose of this wiki article is to provide OCAU and Australian MythTV users with relevant and up-to-date information on MythTV. OCAU members are encouraged to contribute to this article wherever possible. In the event that you notice incorrect or outdated information that you're unable to rectify by yourself, please feel free to contact either Dedge or Techtoucian. For MythTV general discussion and support, please visit this thread.

[edit] Informative and helpful links

Some useful links have been compiled into a list below. If in doubt, Google is a fantastic resource of information.

[edit] Official documentation

[edit] Complementary information

  • Linux TV - Television with Linux
  • LIRC - Linux infra-red remote control information

[edit] OCAU forum threads


[edit] See Also

We've recently re-arranged the article because there was too much content on the one page. There are links to the other OCAU MythTV pages in the relevant sections above, but if you missed them, here they are for quick reference:

[edit] ToDo (Please contribute!)

This is a small list items that are either unfinished, or require implementation. If you're unable to contribute but would like to, please contact either Dedge or Techtoucian.

[edit] Seeking additional information on specific topics

As it currently stands, information in this wiki article has been compiled by Dedge, Techtoucian and the previous wiki article. If you're successfully using a TV tuner or remote control that is not currently listed, please add it.

We're seeking additional resources for the following sections. Please ensure they're current.

[edit] Images requested for TV tuners

Several TV tuners listed in this wiki article do not have respective images. We're unable to use images from other web sites due to copyright law. Therefore, if you have a TV tuner listed in this wiki article without an image, please take a photo, upload it, and add it to this wiki article.

[edit] OCAU member configurations requested

Please add your MythTV configuration to the MythTV OCAU Member Setups section of this wiki.


[edit] More Links