3:00am, the technology hour

It's time again, to cut some late night code, but before I do, let's talk technology. Some of you may have heard of the mythTV project; For those of you who haven't, it's like a DVR, only better. It is a free and open-source software project which turns the necessary computer hardware into a home theater personal computer. Author Isaac Richards explains his motivation:

"I got tired of the rather low quality cable box that AT&T Broadband provides with their digital cable service. It's slow to change channels, ridden with ads, and the program guide is a joke. So, I figured it'd be fun to try and build a replacement. Yes, I could have just bought a TiVo, but I wanted to have more than just a PVR — I want a web browser built in, a mail client, maybe some games. Basically, I want the mythical convergence box that's been talked about for a few years now."



Some features include

• automatic commercial detection/skipping,
• very simple interface with nice search option,
• pause/ff/rewind "live" tv,
• ability to burn recorded programs to DVD and more

Also available are several additional modules including live doppler forecasts, a Nintendo console, and more.

All you need to do is install one of the supported tv tuner cards into your computer, screw your standard cable cord into the computer, and boot up from a KnoppMyth CD-ROM (alternatively you could install MythBuntu or MythDora operating systems). Sound too complicated? Then by a completely MythTV ready, pre-installed system from one of the Commercial MythTV vendors for as low as £215.97.


Combine your MythTV with a Gyration wireless gyroscopic remote and keyboard for a power play. This programmable, in-air cursor control uses gyroscopic motion-sensing technology for up to 100 ft. away with no line-of-sight limitation when controlling your remote PC. Works on Windows and Linux with no setup.



Free, better, fully integrated DVD/PVR/computer systems are not a myth... I've seen them.