DTT Playback Under Linux

[openmedia]

I'm starting a series at http://www.mythtv.co.nz on how my testing is proceeding of playing the initial H264 test transmissions under Linux. There are a bunch of sample screen shots of both 1080i and 576i material, plus background on some of the tools I've tried.

I would be very interested to hear from anyone who has managed to get any further towards full playback under Linux.

Steve

[MrElectricity]

Can you explain a little more the basics, I understand Linux is a computer operating system are you talking about streaming TV via a computer?

[InTheSand]

Interesting stuff!

@OpenMedia - keep us posted!

@MrElectricity - yep, Linux is an operating system - but with a fantastic software package called MythTV, you can turn a PC running Linux into a full-featured digital PVR (personal video recorder), doing things like pausing live TV, recording entire series of programmes, etc.

- Ali

[openmedia]

I've just put a new update up at http://www.mythtv.co.nz with part 2 of the series. I now have playback working, but some quality issues still need to be addressed.

Steve

[MrElectricity]

Interesting stuff!


Interesting all right what a fascinating new era in TV

[Tranceducer]

Hi Steve;

Can you give me any pointers about which DVB-T card to get for a myth TV PVR? I'd like to be able to record in HD (and SD) So I guess a Mpeg-2 dedicated card is out of the question.
I should have enough head room for software encoding on the PC i've put togther.

Quick specs.
P4 -3.2
1Gb Ram
Nvidia 6600 256 Mb Duel head

There are allot compatable cards listed on various sites but I'd like to know what you think is the best deal here in NZ.
I'm in wellington so I could get something soon and observe the test transmitions, or wait until the launch of the service in July if you know of a card worth waiting for.
I'd also like to hear about your DVB-S recommendations for the same PC.
Just in case my VHF aerial finaly succumbs to the next big southerly blow.
I think were amongst friends here so don't be shy ;)

[vinboy]

hi openmedia
May I know what TV card you use to receive DTT on PC?
As I read from some post, they said most of the DTT receiver card for PC wont work because we are using MPEG4 or something.

[openmedia]

Basically almost any DTT (DVB-T) card should work with freeview, subject to a H264 decoder for the OS. Most cards simply provides the raw DVB-T data stream and dont care if it contains MPEG-2 or H264.

Under Windows you can use CoreAVC for H264 playback,but you will probably need a dual core CPU for the HD channels.

Under Linux I'm still working out the issues with the OpenSource decoders, so I can't confirm what grade of CPU etc is best. As for cards, I currently use a freecom USB stick for most of my testing. I'm waiting for the HVR 4000 driver to stabilise as an alternative, but ideally I want a dual tuner PCI-e card that works well under Linux. With luck we might have some by the official April launch of the DTT service.

[Tranceducer]

Good stuff Steve, I'll be keeping an eye on your blog so keep that information flowing.
(if you would be so kind :D )