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October 14, 2004

TiVO to MythTV?

I have a TiVO Series 2 that I've already upgraded with a second Hard Drive and that has a lifetime subscription. However, all the machines at home run Linux, which means I can't take advantage of putting my home videos or photos or music collection on the TiVO (since it seems to require their desktop product that only runs on Windows).

Is it possible to convert my TiVO unit to run the MythTV software instead?
-- Ewan G

October 14, 2004 in MythTV, TiVo

Answers

The TiVo is running fairly specialized hardware, so it'd be a real pain to have to tailor MythTV to that. I bet it'd just be easier and way less time consuming to buy a mini-itx fanless PC, and run MythTV on that.

Posted by: Matt Haughey at Oct 14, 2004 10:01:18 AM

You're wrong about needing Windows. While TiVo supplies software for Windows and Mac they also published the server protocol and there are several 3rd party servers - including some for Linux. The most popular is probably JavaHMO. Which, as the name implies, is written in Java and runs pretty much anywhere.

For a partial list of 3rd party software, see: http://www.livejournal.com/userinfo.bml?user=tivolovers

Posted by: MegaZone at Oct 14, 2004 12:23:52 PM

Umm... JavaHMO for Linux folk?

http://javahmo.sourceforge.net/

Posted by: Chris Karr at Oct 14, 2004 1:49:16 PM

Thank you all for the leads on this. I suspect things are going to get very interesting at home with these options available, and it may even be enough to convince the checkbook holder that getting a second TiVO for upstairs is worthwhile!

Which brings up the question, why on earth doesn't TiVO promote these options? I can't be the only person who has been holding off for better Linux support, can I?

Posted by: EwanG at Oct 15, 2004 4:54:53 AM

Same old reason - close to 100% of the market is covered by Windows + Mac users. Linux - and other platforms like FreeBSD, etc - isn't a major platform for the home users. I doubt a significant number of TiVo's over 2 million subscribers are running Linux as their home server platform. So it just isn't worth putting much effort into promotion.

Posted by: MegaZone at Oct 15, 2004 1:11:12 PM

I bet your wrong about the Tivo. I bet a high percentage of customers run linux systems. At least a high percentage of those that use the Home media options.

Posted by: mrfezzywig at Feb 21, 2005 1:48:27 AM

Linux/MythTV drivers for 2nd gen PVR cards

Most of the popular new PVR cards sold for Windows XP MC are based on Connexant's "Blackbird" design, which hasn't had drivers for Linux or Myth.

We have been working on these drivers and released an alpha version at http://plutohome.com. Pluto even has a self-booting kick-start CD that will automatically install & configure everything for you, including a ready-to-go Myth system. It's the fastest and easiest way to get a MythTV PVR up and running, and also installs Xine, Asterisk and our own software to give you the most advanced media & entertainment, home automation, security, telecom & computing system, controllable with your Symbian Bluetooth mobile phone, as well as PDA's and Webpads.

We're working hard to harden the drivers as quickly as possible and would like as much feedback as possible. These 2nd generation "Blackbird" cards are lower in price and offer better picture quality than the current models supported in IVTV, so be sure to check them out.

visit: plutohome.com, click 'support', 'support site', and choose "CX88 Blackbird Drivers" from the projects menu

Posted by: dan at Mar 23, 2005 5:46:03 AM

f you need firmware for MythTv Plugin under Pluto you can find them here

http://www.mythtvx101.as.ro/

Posted by: punkkid at Apr 12, 2005 3:04:33 AM

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