Mailing List Archive: Some questions...

Hi everybody!

I'm new to the list, so please forgive me if this has been asked before:

First, I just built a new system for use as a Linux PVR Tivo type
system. It has the new Via Epia M MiniITX motherboard, with a 933 Mhz
processor. I added a 512 MB DDR ram module and a 80 GB 7200 RPM hard
drive. My question is, will this system be enough for full screen
display of high quality TV?

Second question, what video card should I get for TV input? I heard
good things about the WinTV line of cards. If one of these is what I
should buy, should I buy one of the PVR specific cards? Does MythTV
support the PVR cards with built in MPEG encoder/decoders? Would this
free up my processor or does MythTV not support this? If I need to get
the non-pvr card series, which card do you recommend? WinTV-radio ?

Thanks again!

Karl

Yes, this has been discussed to death. Please, see the archives.

But, to answer your questions:

The EPIA M is NOT capable of doing Live TV (watching and recording at
same time) AT HIGH QUALITY. It MAY be capable if you are willing to
sacrifice quality. It is likely to be able to record for later viewing
in high quality. There are a couple people playing with them, see the
archives.

I have a WinTV PCI model 401 and am very happy with it. The WinPVR does
not work at this time. Nor do any digital cards or ATI All-in-Wonders
(for encoding, tv out works)

Seriously, spend a few hours reading the archives. It will save you
lots of hassles once you begin.

-rac

Karl Timmermann wrote:
> Hi everybody!
>
> I'm new to the list, so please forgive me if this has been asked before:
>
> First, I just built a new system for use as a Linux PVR Tivo type
> system. It has the new Via Epia M MiniITX motherboard, with a 933 Mhz
> processor. I added a 512 MB DDR ram module and a 80 GB 7200 RPM hard
> drive. My question is, will this system be enough for full screen
> display of high quality TV?
>
> Second question, what video card should I get for TV input? I heard good
> things about the WinTV line of cards. If one of these is what I should
> buy, should I buy one of the PVR specific cards? Does MythTV support the
> PVR cards with built in MPEG encoder/decoders? Would this free up my
> processor or does MythTV not support this? If I need to get the non-pvr
> card series, which card do you recommend? WinTV-radio ?
>
> Thanks again!
>
> Karl