I'm going to build a basic DVR/DVD player using my old Athlon 1200 motherboard. I'm not concerned about hardware right now, but just wondering if KnoppMyth is the way to go? Seems like I might be overcomplicating the thing with KnoppMyth.

All I want to do is:
1) record TV programs to the hard drive, and be able to record them to DVD/VCD later if desired. I'll be using a regular TV through an S-video connection for display/viewing, so recording while shouldn't be a problem. I'm not positive if the tuner cards will pass through while recording, from what I've been reading they may not, though people may be using monitors without tuners to view and record at the same time. If nothing else I can use a splitter on the cable and change the input on the TV when recording.

2) Play rented DVDs. Not concerned with copying them, but it's not clear if Myth will play all DVDs. Aren't some encoded?

3) I'd also like to use the FM receiving function of the TV tuner card, using the same box as a stereo.

4) Use the same box as an MP3 player/ripper, and music CD player.

5) I don't expect to keep the box connected to the Internet. There appears to be some functions, such as viewing a schedule, that won't be available without a connection. As long as the basics work, that's fine. I may eventually connect it to the home network, but I'll be out in the country without a constant connection -- either satellite or dial-up. Sucks to be so far out sometimes!!

I want something that will allow all these functions from a menu, either with a remote control or wireless presentation style mouse. I don't care if multiple menus have to be paged through. I understand that S-video will display fine at 640x480 resolution, so menus should be easily readable at that resolution. Am I "barking up the wrong tree" with KnoppMyth?

I have some experience with unix-like command line operating systems, but it's been so long I've forgotten most of what I knew! Should come back as I get into Linux. I'm a Linux newbie -- just now gathering some knowledge on Linux to prepare for installing as my winter project. I had intended to install Freespire or Kubuntu on the Athlon 1200 system, but may install on my PII laptop to play with and "save" the Athlon system for KnoppMyth since the software seems to be pretty much self contained. I plan on installing and running from the HD and not the CD-ROM. I will be using a monitor for the setup, then switch to a TV. I'm assuming output will be through the monitor and S-Video ports though. I've done a number of repackaging projects and intend to repack the Athlon motherboard and required hardware in an old VCR case, or some other component case. That's irrelevant though.

I think using anything other than Knoppmyth would be 'overcomplicating' things, as KM is already setup to do almost everything you want.

You might need to do a little bit of work to setup FM radio. I dont know what you'd have to do as I've never needed it.

Myth allows you it schedule manual recordings for when you don't have tv guide data.

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Paul Turpie
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