I've been working on getting a MythTV box working for the past few days (total time spent now around 15 hours), and it's working great, well the stuff I've tested is, sorta. I still have to try out the dvd and video playback modules, plus get the cd import function working, but overall it hasn't been too bad. Skipping commercials is great. The web listings are the best feature. From anywhere I can connect and search or browse the listings, add a recording, view status, etc. It's great.

Bad things: It sucks up disk space. The channel change time is bad when watching live TV. I have some ideas that might speed this up though, and will try them when I get a chance. The remote that came with my capture card (Hauppauge PVR-250 (x2)) is kind of lacking. I'll solve that by getting a wireless keyboard.


In terms of content, the thing has captured like 7 hours of motorcycle racing so far, and I just can't watch that much. I think I'll limit myself to MotoGP and Superbike. Browse by category, then choosing the Adults Only category, gives some pretty lacking listings. I think that might be out of my hands though. I also record all the stuff that I don't want to stay up late for: The Daily Show, the occasional Conan.

Overall, I think it was time well spent, and relatively cheap to do as well, especially if one has a reasonably powerful Linux box sitting around, or the ability to upgrade your main machine. :)