Topics

1

Marketplace / Sold - HDHomerun

« on: July 05, 2009, 05:33:24 am »

Sold

Sold
HDHomerun - $120

Sold
Hauppauge PVR 500  - $50
--It includes the expansion piece so it has duel s-video\rca (Yellow, red, white) inputs in addition to the dual tuner (2x PVR 150's).
--There is also a connection for a radio antenna but is not supported in LinuxMCE
--Equivalent to 2 Hauppauge PVR 150's on a single card
--Doesn NOT include a windows MCE remote and dongle.

Both are used and working without issues.

Both include 5-7 day shipping, your welcome to pay the difference for faster shipping.

US only.

Any questions post them here or PM.

-Pnuts

2

Users / 810 and MSI Wind PC\Nettop's

« on: June 30, 2009, 04:41:46 am »

This thread is mainly for those of us with the MSI Wind PC\Nettop computers being used as MD's (or anyone else that wants to jump in.)

So tonight I finally got around reinstalling 810 (few days ago) and tonight attempted to add my first MD, The MSI Wind Nettop.

After first boot, I had to change the arch to i386 (no surprise) and it booted into the av wizard like a champ. So it is basically plug and play now for the NIC. I am assuming the same for the PC variant as the only difference between the 2 is a dual core on the Nettop.

I choose UI2 in order to see if the photo issue is resolved... Unfortunately, once up, the background is solid black and the UI on the bottom of the screen is messed up, along with all of the menu's. Here is what I mean: http://i40.tinypic.com/309k0lx.jpg

Not sure what to do, I tried adding a custom resolution appropriate to my monitor (1680x1050) to the MD(updated wiki for this as well), rebooted and ran the AV wizard again. Once back up, there was no change to the screen shot above.

I then attempted to disable the PSS, but there was no change from this either.

Knowing there are several of us out there with these machines for MD's, I wanted to try to pool any info or suggestions others have on this issue. I'm sure we do not want to be limited to UI1 on these machines. As most of you are still on 710 (assuming as I couldn't find any posts on this) I'll test out any suggestions anyone has as well.

Assuming no issues with the eeebox as i didnt see anything on that, but I'm sure some ppl are using it on 810.

-Pnuts

3

Users / So Comcast is planning to pull the un-encrypted QAM plug...

« on: June 29, 2009, 06:19:42 am »

So I got one of those spam mailings from Comcast today letting me know they are converting channels 35+ to digital (2-34 unaffected). So I quckly jump to their FAQ online and well...

31. Will I need equipment if I have a digital TV with a QAM tuner?
At the completion of the project, customers will need equipment on all TVs to receive any channels above the Limited Basic level of service—of course, this is now the case with most video providers, including our satellite and phone competitors. We’re encouraging all customers to install and use the equipment provided by Comcast or that they might purchase from their electronics retailer, like a TIVO or cable card enabled devices, to avoid any service interruptions.

If this plays out as they say it will, my HDHomerun is going to be practically worthless (lets hope not)

So, does anyone know of another option in the California SF bay area or should I start saving for some usb-irt's and box's?

Also FYI for anyone else with Comcast for possible things to come.

4

Users / Ultio

« on: June 26, 2009, 07:19:27 am »

anyone seen this yet: http://www.mvixusa.com/ultio/1080p-high-definition-home-theater-pc.html

Rather interesting. Firmware is Open Source.

I wonder how this could integrate with LMCE as it has some nice features for a single set top.

-Pnuts

5

Users / Mythtv channels

« on: May 04, 2009, 07:53:36 pm »

Hopfully a simple question for someone.

I found the following script online for exporting a channels.conf file from the mythtv database. I want to be able to do this so if I reinstall LMCE, I can import all of my channels again. I know I will have to update user\pass for it to work.

Code: [Select]

#!/usr/bin/perl -w

use strict;
use DBI;
use Getopt::Long;

my $dbhost="127.0.0.1";
my $database="mythconverg";
my $user="mythtv";
my $pass="mythtv";
my $sourceid = 1;
my $hidden = 0;

GetOptions('dbhost=s'=>\$dbhost,
           'database=s'=>\$database,
           'user=s'=>\$user,
           'pass=s'=>\$pass,
           'sourceid=i'=>\$sourceid,
           'hidden!'=>\$hidden
           ) || die "Usage:";

my $dbh = DBI->connect("dbi:mysql:database=$database:host=$dbhost","$user","$pass") || die "Cannot connect to database ($!)\n";

my $sql = sprintf("SELECT callsign, frequency, modulation, serviceid
                   FROM channel JOIN dtv_multiplex USING (mplexid)
                   WHERE channel.sourceid = ? %s
                   ORDER BY frequency",
                  ($hidden ? "" : "AND channel.visible = 1")
                  );
my $sth = $dbh->prepare($sql);
$sth->execute($sourceid);

while (my @row=$sth->fetchrow_array) {
    my $callsign = $row[0];
    my $frequency = $row[1];
    my $modulation = uc $row[2];
    my $serviceid = $row[3];

    printf "$callsign:$frequency:$modulation:0:0:$serviceid\n";
}

$dbh->disconnect;

Reason I want to do this:
For my area (Bay Area, California, Comcast Digital Cable), only 6 channels are identified and the rest are unknown. In addition, if I choose to exclude encrypted channels, several channels are not scanned. So basically I am scanning everything and then manually correcting each respective channel and removing the encryted ones. Once finished, I want to be able to export this so if i ever perform a reinstall, I will not have to do it again.

Also, If I am going about this the wrong way, let me know before i get to far into manually editing the channels.

Thanks,
Greg

6

Users / Irrigation - Getting Started

« on: April 27, 2009, 05:42:22 pm »

In the next few months, I will be installing an Irrigation system in the next few months as I currently just have a garden hose. I have searched around the wiki and forums a bit and there does not seem to be a clear set of information for someone looking to include irrigation into their LinuxMCE setup. Infact, a search of the forums revealed very few recent topics on this subject, most of them are from around 2007.

What I want to do, is create a page similar to the Z-Wave page I did (Z-Wave Getting Started) but with irrigation in mind.

If anyone is willing to volunteer the information, I'll stick it on a wiki as I implement it. To get things started here are a few questions:

1. Is anything currently plug and play?

2. Choices for the control panel? I saw mention of Insteon, possibly a Z-Wave device and RS232. Would anyone specify some models they are using and have working in LinuxMCE?

3. Anything to consider from those that have it functional?

4. Soil moisture gauges. I saw mention on a few, does anyone have them working in LinuxMCE? maybe working with a control panel so LinuxMCE does not see it directly or interface with it but it does its job?

5. Any thing that possibly comes to mind for someone wanting to implement this? Anything that you learned while doing the implimentation that you wish you knew before you started?

6. a question I didnt ask that would be of value ot this project?

-Pnuts

7

Installation issues / No NIC's on Core (just a newbie question)

« on: April 21, 2009, 02:45:25 am »

So I finally have my new hardware and im all set to install my new core. I have Kubuntu 7.10 loaded, however, it does not see any NIC's.

I got the source code for the drivers, and compiled it. placed the driver in the /lib/modules/2.6.22-14-generic/kernel/drivers/net/
 folder and did a depmod and modprobe.

Linux picked both of them up and they are functioning. In the KNetworkManager, both are recognized as "Intel Corperation Unknown (0x10de)" or (0x10d3) depending on the NIC. One is onboard the MB and the other is a PCI-E 1x card.

Im still rather new at Linux, but learning quickly. I should be ok to proceed with the Core installation correct? I believe im good to go, but the Unknown in the name kind of threw me.

Im starting the install now, but if I goofed, let me know so I can get it sorted out.

Thanks,
Pnuts

edit: Thinking out loud now, how many people read my title and were thinking wtf dumb ass newbie?

8

Installation issues / HDHomerun Issue - US Version

« on: April 06, 2009, 07:12:24 am »

I have tried searching the forums and Wiki but I have had no luck. I found these relevant links, but have not been able to get it working:

MythTV Channel Lineup Issue
Anyone Successfully using HDHomeRun?
HDHomerun LinuxMCE Wiki page
Chennel Lineup for my US Zip Code

This is taking place on my Hybrid Core and it is the only MD at the moment. I do note have a remote, all I have is a keyboard and mouse on the core\hybrid and a windows orbiter running on my laptop.

When I launch mythTV via the onscreen choice Media -> TV, I have basically a black screen with a blue bar on the bottom and the time on the upper right. An error message flashes on the screen ever 3 seconds. The error reads:

You should have gotten a channel lock by now. You can continue to wait for a signal, or you can change the channels with up or down, change imputes (c), capture cards (y), etc.

Ok is my only choice at the bottom of this message

If i let it continue like this, after a minute I get a blue screen with the following error:

MythTV is having problems. Reset the backend?

Yes or No are my choices at the bottom of this message

If I click Yes, i get this message:

Could not connect to the master backend server - is it running? Is the IP address set for it in the setup program correct?

Ok is my only choice at the bottom of this message however I am unable to select it. I can press F7 and exit MythTV from the onscreen display.

On my windows machine, I can use VNC to view the channels so I know the HDHomerun is working correctly. I am at a loss for what I should do in order to get this working as I am fairly new to Linux.

Steps I take to get to the issue:
1. Clean install of 710 after running all of the setup wizards.
2. I plug the HDHomerun device. It is auto detected and I am prompted to setup the device.
3. I get a screen letting me know it is installing and then channel scans will run for each of the 2 tuners. This takes <5 minutes and I am asked if i would like to go to the Media player wizard.
4. Both Tuners are listed, I select the first one, enter my schedulesdirect account and select the channel lineup.
---I use Comcast Digital -- some channels removed (mostly the encrypted ones, or premium channels)
5. I receive the message that myth is ready but it can take a while for guide data.
6. I let it sit for about 40 minutes and reload the router
7. Launch MythTV

Also of note:
Despite manually running Mythfilldatabase, this is listed in the status from mythweb:

Last mythfilldatabase run started on 2009-04-05 20:31 and ended on 2009-04-05 20:32.
Suggested next mythfilldatabase run: 2009-04-06 18:23.
There's no guide data available! Have you run mythfilldatabase?
DataDirect Status: Your subscription expires on 03/17/10 14:51:19

Should I be doing something different anywhere?

any help, guidance, or direction is greatly appreciated

Thanks,
Pnuts

9

Users / Buying Hardware with 810 in mind

« on: April 05, 2009, 06:37:38 am »

as far as i can find, this hasn't been brought up yet, so forgive me if I missed this when I was searching.

I am planning on buying hardware, specifically looking at a eeebox b202 to use as on MD. With 710 it can be made to work and i assume it will work with 810 with little issues. However, With 810, there is the possibility for greater hardware and driver support then there is now. Would i be better off simply waiting to purchase something for a new MD after the release?

In my case maybe a b206 would be a better option, or wait for something else? I'm not exactly in a rush right now to buy one, just have plans to buy something for a new MD. I just want to get the best bang for my buck and with 810 around the corner, it might be possible to get more bang.

As we get ever closer to the 810 release, questions like this will come up. Hopefully if a search is done this thread will come up with the answers included.

10

Users / Windows PC (RAID1) as an MD w/out killing RAID?

« on: March 15, 2009, 01:27:58 am »

Ok, so in my Livingroom currently is a Windows XP MCE computer with 3 hard drives. 1 has the OS and recorded TV, the other 2 are configured as a RAID1 (Mirror) and holds pictures and various ripped DVD's, mostly kids movies so they dont ruin the disks and can watch them on their own.

The PC is a Dell Optiplex 755 using the onboard RAID functionality. If this was true raid, I would not be worried, however, if I run the Kubuntu 7.10 Live CD, it see's all 3 drives individually. according to this site: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/FakeRaidHowto, the reason is because it is actually a software RAID. The specific drivers allow Windows to see it as a single drive as opposed to the way Kubuntu see's it as it is.

I have an Identical PC -> Optiplex 755, except the 2 Hard drives in RAID are of a different size (2x250gb instead of 2x500gb) and it has an ATI x300 instead of an Nvidia 8600 GT, it also does not have a TV capture card in it. There is no data that I care about on this machine, so it is the perfect test subject. Once I can do it, ill backup the other PC and get it functional.

There are instructions on that page that I could follow allong with to make the changes I needed, however I am unsure how I should proceed. From reading and searching on this board and wiki, I understand once a MD is net booted, all of its configuration files are accessable on the core, correct? Would it be best to boot the test machine and shut it down, make the changes to the newly created image files and then boot it again? Would that work?

Assuming I can get the test machine correctly working, would I be able to do as described here: http://forum.linuxmce.org/index.php?topic=7573.0 Which is swaping an identical MD (except MAC address) or would i run into problems because of the ATI vs Nvidia cards and different sized HD's in the different machines?

I'm pretty new to Linux in general so any help is greatly appriciated  =D

See the bottom of this page for my network layout if needed: http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/User:Pnuts

11

Users / I must say... (and Hello from a newbie)

« on: February 25, 2009, 10:08:33 pm »

Wow! I must say, earlier this week a remote coworker of mine introduced me to Linux MCE and I am blown away. I have been reading the wiki and watching the youtube\google videos and feel i have a complete project ahead of me now. I've been pretty much a windows only guy with only basic linux knowledge from work and have been meaning to dig a little deeper, so this is a beter reason then not.

I have a rather complex setup at home and not everything will be able to be dhcp as the wiki suggest, but i think I will be ok. here is a basic outline of my network (excuse the MS Paint) http://i44.tinypic.com/3539gtg.jpg

I renovated the house a few months ago and when i did so, ran cat6 in the walls with cable so each room has a wall jack with cat6 and cable. Currently, All wired devices have a static address including the 2 switches(managed). All Wireless devices are using dhcp (except the Wii which is static). There is a 2k3 server that occasionally hosts ftp and game server files in addition to a sequal server and IIS for playing around with website changes before i upload them to an external server.

I have an Dell optiplex 755 (E6550 - Dual Core @ 2.33 with 4gb RAM and 2x250gb drives in raid1) that I am planning to use as the Core machine. The current XP-MCE is also a Optiplex 755 (same configuration but with a nvidia 8600) which will become a MD along with another small form factor optiplex 755 (ill need to buy a video card for this one) to connect all of the equpment in the Office\Media room.

When everything is said and done, the switches and printer will remain static, most likely the win2k3 server as well. I might make a few other things static, but we will see as i get more familiar with linux.

I do have 1 question I just ran into during the installation. I am using the 64bit 0710 dvd disk. In BIOS I have 2 hard drives configured in RAID1, however, right at the start of the isntallation I am getting prompted to choose which HD to install to. With the onboard RAID controller being configured correctly, shouldnt the installation only see 1 drive?

Edit: found my answer: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/FakeRaidHowto Ill just stick a pci raid controller in the machine tonight, go figure...

-Pnuts