Going to try linux again

Myth is also easy to set up on Debian. Just add the following to /etc/apt/sources.list:

deb http://dijkstra.csh.rit.edu/~mdz/debian unstable mythtv

and then 'apt-get update' to retrieve the package list and 'apt-cache search myth' to see all the myth packages available. Then you're just an 'apt-get install' away from having them set up.

Don't forget that Myth can also play all those totally legal videos that you've downloaded from the net, play all your favorite classic arcade games (whose ROMs you've also obtained legally), and give you the weather forecast.

Odd USB storage devices, USB cardreaders, etc... Really I never had much luck with my USB devices on BSD. I can get them to run in Linux just fine, and I know other people with similar hardware (but different brands) can get it to work in BSD. I don't know, I haven't tried BSD on my desktop in a little over a year now, so maybe it's fine now. I just know that at the time Linux supported my hardware and BSD didn't.

i see, i see.. well *shrug* i'd still say give a couple OS's a try and see which fits best, and which is liked best.

It may be hard to believe but everything loaded on this machine will have a 100% legal, store bought version to back it up. I just don't want to have to dig through piles of dvds and cds to find something I want to watch/listen to. The $5 bin at walmart has been a huge help in expanding my dvd collection. It's almost like an addiction ...

Heh, I know what you mean. I'm always digging through those bins...

But of course as to the legality of it all, it's not technically legal to have re-encoded versions of DVD movies, even if you own the DVD. Reason is that subverting the CSS and similar encryption routines is a direct violation of the DMCA. Bunch of crap, in my opinion, but that's one of the reasons so many wonderful ripping tools are being pulled from distribution. Especially the ones that can disable Macrovision.

<rant mode="pissed">I rip my DVDs because DVDs become worthless if they get a scratch on them in just the right way, which is really easy to do. Yeah, that's right, I rip MY OWN FRIGGIN' DVDS! MPAA can shampoo my crotch.</rant>

You know, w3c should consider a rant tag... I know it's used a lot already.

But back on topic, Myth is a really nice system. I still prefer Freevo, but that's probably because I've customized the hell out of mine, and added a few extra features, such as some basic home automation. My goal with the system is to use it for entertainment, comfort, and security. I've considered switching to Myth, but I'm really just too lazy to rework my customizations at this point. Maybe when I'm ready to build my own house...

If they want to come after me for it that's fine, I'll help redefine "fair use" for the greater good. I understand the crackdown on piracy, but things have gotten a little out of control. Punish the masses for the offenses of the few... doesn't make any sense.