I decided to forsake Microsoft Vista on a whim after finding Mythbuntu, an Ubuntu distribution with MythTV support fully integrated into the install CD.
Now, I cannot comment on how well various TV tuner cards work with this distro. My own Hauppage WinTV 350 and I have long since parted on separate paths, but I can say this: I like what I see here.
What exactly am I using this for? The answer is simple: I was looking for a good graphical front-end to play all of the videos I have on my file server. To be completely honest, this isn’t something incredibly hard to do. All you need is a standard Linux install with a copy of Xine/VLC/MPlayer and all the “extras” that don’t come standard due to licensing restrictions.
The thing that made me happy was that the front-end is pretty easy to use. After installing the extra codecs to play Quicktime, MP4, MKV, OGG, and DivX/XviD along with a few other audio codecs I was ready to go.
The interface is simple: all arrow keys and the occasional “Esc” key. I had to add a few file extensions to MythTV’s Media plugin (.OGM, .MKV, etc.) but after that everything just worked. I’m using MPlayer as my media player and it works flawlessly.
The only problem I thought I might encounter was that previous distributions of Linux had screen tearing on any videos I played in fullscreen. This was either a figment of my imagination, or there is something slightly different with the way that Mythbuntu handles fullscreen video. Either way, it’s a definite plus as far as my viewing experience goes.
The only real drawback is that you browse your videos by directory and it organizes your videos by filename in those directories. I recommend making sure your videos start out with the episode number with the episode title afterwards to keep things easily organized. You could also have MythTV look up the episodes information via the IMDB, but for TV shows it seems to be sorely lacking. It’s a bit of a pain to really use and doesn’t provide any information that is vital to your television enjoyment.
If this is something you want to look at, the ISO’s and more information can be found at www.mythbuntu.org.
May 31, 2008I actually just got done installing Mythbuntu 8.04 on the box. It detected everything (and I do mean everything) on the first go.
The only problem I have is that I haven’t found a good remote for it yet and am still resorting to using the wireless keyboard which works, but isn’t quite as convenient as a remote control.
I don’t believe you’d run into any kind of problems with the onboard graphics card, but I haven’t used it other than to benchmark it for the review I wrote. I wanted to make sure my graphics card had enough ‘umph’ to drive HD content that I have on my file server when combined with a 1920×1080 HD panel.
May 31, 2008Thanks for the reply. Did you install 64bit? Are you using wired LAN? Any chance you can test WOL for me? If it works I will be ordering one 
As you probably know the MCEusb remote is favored for mythtv.
Jun 1, 2008It is the 64bit version using two BL-PA100 HD-PLC adapters for my connection to the switch. As far as the WOL feature, it’s not something I use for my HTPC.
As far as wired/wireless, you can use either…the USB wireless card present in the s3200n is detected via NetworkManager and works well (though for my situation, interference is a complete pain).
Right now I’m looking at the SIIG Vista MCE Remote as my HTPC remote control. It shouldn’t be too difficult to get working, but until I get my hands on it I can’t say one way or the other if it works or not.
Hope this helps.
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I am curious. Did you perform the mytbuntu install on the HP 3200 slimline? I am interested in purchasing a refurb. s3307c, which contains the same MOBO. x2 4200, and 2gig ram ($350 shipped from buy.com). I would like to use it as a mythbuntu frontend using the onboard graphics. Curious to know even how well knoppix ran? I have not found any info on linux support.