Hello all,
I want to build and use a Mythtv pc. I have a couple of questions that I need clarified before I begin. I will be using an Amd 2200+ processor, asus A7N8X board with 768 ddr ram. I have an ATI aiw 7500 video/tv card, which I know won't work for Mythtv. (I'll buy a new tv card of your recommendations)

First. I want the above mentioned pc to be the "backend main box"
that will also store the recorded shows as mpeg2 files

Second. I want the backend box to be the tv tuner for the living room tv viewing only. (tv to be used as monitor only)

Third. I want to be able to use another "front end" pc in a bedroom that will receive the recorded shows thru a wired network from the backend machine.

Fourth. very important. I want to be able to view live tv on the front end pc in the bedroom FROM the backend Mythtv pc in the living room. I want to be able to send the live tv signal from the backend machine to the frontend machine. (only one machine will view at a time) I have a wired Cat5 network cable to the frontend pc in the bedroom.

Fifth. how can I send the tv signal thru the network to the frontend machine? How does the frontend machine have to be configured? Can it be a mac os x machine? or can it be a windows machine? Or does it also have to hav mythtv with knoppmyth on it?

Sixth. I have no experience in linux at all. I just want to have a MythTv main pc as a living room tuner/dvr/server, that can also send the live tv or recorded shows to another pc in the bedroom. I also need to be able to access the MythTv main pc mpeg2 files from my mac os x machine on the same network, so I can retrieve them, edit out commercials, and burn to dvd. (I do that now) Is what I am suggesting possible? If so, can someone please give me some direction?
Thanks in advance,
-Tom (eagerly waiting to build!)

What you are suggesting all seems possible (in fact Mythtv is designed to do just that). The best thing to do would be to set your backend machine up first before worrying about the frontend. You will probably learn a lot in the process and then setting up the remote frontend will be easier. Read the pamphlet of knoppmyth to get you started http://mysettopbox.tv/doc.html

Tom, I sometimes use my Mac laptop to edit MythTV recordings (i.e. take the ads out). The frontend isn't quite good enough to be your main machine (e.g. just using a Mac Mini in your lounge room), but some people think it is close.

_________________
| Nigel Pearson, nigel.pearson.au@gmail.com
| "Things you own end up owning you" - Tyler, Fight Club