Re: Advice on PC-based TV recorder

[David Greaves <david@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Jim Andrews wrote:

>
> Hi,
>
> I'm looking at options for replacing my Video / DVD / Freeview Digi
> box with
> something that's integrated and can record properly from digital
> without the
> channel restrictions of using external recorders.
>
> Looking at a PC-based system, what products are around that would be a
> suitable
> replacement for the above?

I use MythTV.
I personally have mine integrated with a Sky box, not Freeview; but DVB
is supported.

>
> I don't necessarily want a full-blown PC OS (in the sense that it will
do
> everything) as I have other machines for general stuff, so looking for
> software
> that does something similar to the Tivo/Sky box etc.

Specifically Knoppmyth then.
Download the CD image - insert into PC - wait - use.
Later on you _can_ extend it.

> Also, what do people do for drive fault tolerance?
>
> Is a mirrored pair (Raid 1) considered adequate or are there better
> options?

yes and yes (eg raid5)


Your questions show a desire for a solution that 'just works' and yet
the ability to diagnose  glitches.
Myth is still a geeky solution _to install_, but once installed is
simple enough for granny to use.

It's linux based and totally free - that may encourage or discourage you.

See www.mythtv.info and www.mythtv.org

David