Yes, I am interested in the capabilities of Linux for a home theater setup. I currently have one that runs on WinXP, and although I don't really have any problems, I wonder if I could get better use out of it with Linux. The software I use is pretty good, GBPVR, so hopefully there is a good Linux alternative. But, I am looking for a more streamlined way to go, something that avoids you ever seeing a "desktop" (unless you need it). Like it boots right into the PVR software and runs stable for weeks on end.

Thanks, and please answer Jay's questions, not mine. I will just sit back and watch what is learned

Jay - Have you tried GBPVR? It really is a great program, and it is free (the creater does accept donations, though). I use it, and it is very nice and professional looking and runs great.

But, as good as it is, I wonder if there is a better way to do this on Linux. I still have that constant reminder that I am running a Windows box. All the normal issues you have with windows is there. I want something in my living room that doesn't reek of MS

Power up the box, straight into the pvr software and never see a desktop!

Hey,

I'm not a Micro$oft fan by any means but I have to say... If you want it to do most of the normal media center stuff AND play bluray go for vista. The Bluray playback software for vista is still imperfect AFAIK, but it is the only os with halfway decent support.

Don't expect linux bluray support until they have the equiv. of AnyDVD HD for linux(ie. broken the encryption properly).
*Edited* Ubuntu Rocks!

Also don't bet on good hardware support for the 780G including HDCP or High Def acceleration. Maybe ATI would get around to writing the binary drivers, then again maybe not. Open source drivers for that stuff aren't gonna happen.

Vista's PVR software is decent and IMO worth the price of OEM home premium ~$100. I'm still thinking of trying to put mythtv backend on my Ubuntu server, but thats a long term project for me (and TV listings will cost $20/yr for myth tv vs. nothing extra for vista.).

Does Vista have built in PVR software?

Myth TV is one that I have always wondered about. I am just scared to try and get it all running on my PC, with no Linux experience at all

jay2tall,

You should check out the Knoppmyth project. Someone put together an easy to use Knoppix distro with MythTV bundled. I haven't used it but if you're going the Linux route you may want to consider it.

I second Cyborg's VMC suggestion though. It is well worth the $100 for Vista Premium for the PVR and media functions. Outstanding integration of TV, sports scores, movies, music, pictures... IMHO, and its very easy to set up. There are a lot of very useful plugins for it as well.

So Jay,

Made any decisions?

I have put together a low end MythTV PVR/Server. Right now it has one TV Tuner (that I pulled from my vista media center), and runs TorrentFlux web based torrent client/server, samba windows file sharing, mythtv backend, ssh and webmin.

I also got the ATI Theater 650 Pro PCIe combo tuner card that I wanted and put it in my vista media center PC. The Analog TV quality is great but I don't get any OTA or clear QAM digital tv where I live and Digital Cable (QAM) is not supported in Vista Media Center with the card, you have to use the ATI software.

My Ubuntu + MythTV system:

Intel 815 series Mobo with onboard video (MythBuntu does not work with this Mobo, must install Ubuntu, then add MythTV)
Intel Onboard Nic
Intel PIII 933 CPU
384 MB PC100/133 ram
WinTV PVR-150
20 GB IDE HDD (800MB Swap, the rest ext3 root)
IDE CD ROM
Silicon Image PCI SATA RAID Card (w/ 2 Seagate 500GB 7200.10 SATA HDDs)
Adaptec/Texas Instruments ieee1394 PCI host card

* Corrected System Specs.

I'm not sure I understand? There is software to play bluray in Ubuntu? What program do you use?

Wow, amazing what google can do:

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/R [...] yAndHDDVD?

Does Hardware acceleration of video decoding work? What is CPU usage like when watching bluray?

Thanks,

Cy

This is a bit late, but I'm also planning on building a 780G based HTPC sometime. I have a copy of Vista Ultimate laying around, so I'll probably use that, but only after I have deemed Mythbuntu or some Linux + MythTV either impossible or too much work/upkeep. I'm really hoping Mythbuntu works. I installed it on my laptop a few weeks ago just to get a feel for it, and it's really nice. Boots to the MythTV and seems like it will work well with the correct configurations. The only serious downside comparing it to Microsoft's Media Center is the fee for the guide.

There are times when even the wonders of Open Source can't compete with a dedicated solution...