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March 31, 2008
Thank you lifehacker
As you may or may not know, about a year ago I built my own DVR/"Tivo" using Mythtv software and the Debian Linux operating system. I used a spare Athlon xp 1600, full size case, gig of RAM, Hauppauge tv tuner card, and other random parts to complete the project. I have to say that I have been very happy with the completed project for some time now. I am able to stream recorded tv shows to any computer on my network and can watch live/recorded shows in my computer room that houses the Mythtv system. My only complaint...what if I want to watch my recorded shows in my basement and on a tv. I really didn't want to lug the full size computer down stairs, and to tell you the truth it's not a pretty case. You see we recently purchased a 40" Westinghouse LCD HDTV from Sam's club and I wanted to stream my Mythtv videos as well as other internet videos to this new tv. So, what do I do? I could have spent over $200 on an Apple TV, but I really didn't want to play the game of converting video formats every time I had a new video to watch. After doing a little bit of searching I ran across an article called "Transform Your Classic Xbox into a Killer Media Center". I figured why not. Knowing that I could get an old Xbox for around $70 and the rest of the parts needed would only total $20, I was spending less then 1/2 the cost of an Apple TV system. Plus come on, loading Linux on a Microsoft Xbox is just plain cool.
The project turned out to be extremely easy and only took a couple hours to get everything up and running. The XBMC (Xbox Media Center) allows me to stream just about any type of media on my network to my new television. Watching the Mythtv videos was a snap, but that's not the best feature. When I got home from work today I finally got the Revision3 script to run properly. What does that mean? I am able to stream all of the Revision3 shows on my tv without having to download the shows to a computer first (yeah yeah I know the xbmc has to cache some data). I've also been able to watch Webb Alert as well as other online shows from the comfort of my couch.
Photos-
Diggnation on TV
Very happy with this project, and would be glad to assist others who are wanting to do the same.
In other news....
Regina and I got to attend a live taping of Diggnation in St.Louis. I'll post photos soon and will tell my tale of purchasing both Kevin and Alex a beer. Very cool opportunity to buy two of my idols a Budweiser!
Also, I'm trying out twitter. If anyone out there uses it let me know. I'm sure I'll write more about it later.
Twitter profile: twitter.com/joeharr
Posted by joe harr at March 31, 2008 9:21 PM
Comments
BION I'm imprsesed! Cool post!
Posted by: Gytha at May 9, 2011 1:17 AM