The success of KnoppMyth is something I didn't expect. I didn't plan for it at all. When I first released KnoppMyth a little over 2 years ago, it was simply a way for me to give something back to the community.

After trying several options, I found MythTV. Although I've used Linux for years, installed MythTV can be a pain. The difficult comes in the dependencies and thier dependencies.

At the time, I discovered Knoppix and I thought it was way cool (still is)! I always wanted to play with Debian because of dpkg and apt. So, my adventure began. I discovered how easy it was to install using apt-get. At around the same time, I started my first Knoppix remaster.

While working on that first remaster, I decided I should do another around MythTV. That is how KnoppMyth was born. At first, I couldn't decide what to call it, my first thought was Mythnix (if I remember correctly). Now I detest seeing it called anything but what it is KnoppMyth.

I'm not a programmer by trade nor have I taken any formal programming courses. I have a love of computing that goes back to our family's first computer a Tandy Color Computer 2.

I know there are some flaws in KnoppMyth and Dale and I are working to address those fails. Bob (Human) of mythic.tv has also joined us in improving KnoppMyth. While there is currently no revision control system, that should not stop anyone from helping.

Yes, the bulk of KnoppMyth is in my head. But the source is on the CDs. If there is a script that you think you can improve, then please do so. Several folks on the forum have emailed me scripts that I've happily included.

One thing I don't like is someone squawking about something being in wrong with KnoppMyth. While I'll acknowledge there are issues, this is Open Source put up or shut up. I don't think I'm an unreasonable person, I will listen (isn't that how we all learn?). If KnoppMyth doesn't fit the bill for you, you have a lot of other options.

I just wanted to let you know that I do appreciate all the time and effort you have put into this project. It has made my life much easier.

When I first discovered MythTV I tried installing it the old fashioned way and that was a complete pain. Never in my life had I been so frustrated with a computer. Then I discovered KnoppMyth which is really a breeze.

I am now pretty much dependant on it. I watch TV in a totally different way now. I don't sit down at 8pm to watch a certain program anymore. I turn on the TV when I have time and all my programs are there and ready to go. It is very addicting.

I have friends that ask me about KnoppMyth and I always recommmend it. Even though this is a great product I warn them that it will take some tweaking. It will take some searching of the forums and it will probably not work exactly like you want it right "out of the box". If that is what they are looking for then they might want to look at some alternatives. I do always offer to help them out if they decide to choose KnoppMyth. No reason for them to pull their hair out if I know how to solve a particular problem.

Anyway I should probably get back to work but I wanted to let you know that your work is appreciated.

I also would like to thank you Cecil, By no means am i a computer programmer or have a vast knowledge of Linux - I remember looking for a system that would allow me to record shows about a year ago - firstly i tried Windows Media Center, and had even purchased the XBOX Extender to bring "Frontends" to other rooms. But alas, MS is Crap. I knew nothing of linux and decided your project was a great one to learn, but not knowing anything about linux builds, or releases i ended up here. Which is where i will stay - Your hardwork, deidcation, time and money have helped many people like me, in to building something they can truly be proud of. My hat is off to you!, Cheers and thank you from everyone i have helped setup a mythbox, and all the people in here looking to set one up as well.

- Scott

Without getting all gushy about the terrific thing you and Dale have done... I think the best thing you ever did with KnoppMyth is to keep its philosophy consistent. I've watched with appreciation as you have told people, time after time, the KM is intended to be a settop box and that folks who wish for a full-featured computer should not expect it from a base KM distro. (Of course people can add whatever they wish after installation.)

IMHO the best open-source projects are those which start with a clear vision of their purpose and stick with it. You, Dale, Human, and the other contributors have maintained that vision and I'm grateful for it.

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Thanks for all your hard work Dave and Cecil and now Human.

I am a programmer by trade. I noticed two things lacking in MythTv (not just KnoppMyth) and wrote scripts for them. I wrote TV Batch Grabber and IMDB Batch Grabber. I even learned Perl just to write those scripts. It took quite a while I might add.

My point is not self-aggrandizement, but to encourage people that when you see something lacking in KnoppMyth, roll up your sleves and do something about it. Do not expect someone to write it for you! Those in the closed source/proprietary/Microsoft crowd may not understand this.

You said it I remember the first time I got MythTV working and it was a serious pain (on an old Mandrake system!). I gave up on it for some time after that...

My first experiement with KnoppMyth was R5A10 and it was a bit of trouble to get fully working - mainly due to flaws in drivers/software and my choice of hardware (see sig)!!

However, R5A22 wow! I still had to do a bit of customising but the required tasks were mostly trivial. Even my girlfriend is using it now and it bought me a whole 15 minutes of peace the other day as she was using MythWeb to schedule things for me

Cecil, Dale and all the others >> Thank You <<

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