[PLUG] Cutting the cable - mythtv/mythvodka and online video

[Tim]

Hi Noj,

I currently use mythtv with no cable or fios or anything of the sort.  I
wanted to slowly transition to DTV in a cheap way, so I dropped the
service and used a coupon to buy a converter box.  I also bought an IR
blaster: 
  http://iguanaworks.net/products.psp

which works pretty well.  It's been slightly buggy here and there, but
they're good with supporting it and it's focused on use under Linux.
You can train it to learn just about any remote control on the receive
side, and then use that same configuration in lirc to send signals on to
converter boxes, cable boxes, etc.

Anyway, this was a transition step for me to make sure the IR blaster
would work without blowing money on cable.  If I feel it's worth it, I
might get some kind of basic digital cable or fios later and use the
blaster to change channels on those boxes.  However, for now the digital
broadcast channels + netflix are keeping us happy.

As for the online video stuff you mentioned, I have no experience with
it.  

Also beware of your converter boxes... many of the companies
manufacturing these are just in existence to make a quick buck off of
the government coupon program and crank out really crappy hardware with
little support.  I bought an Apex Digital box because it was featureful
and reasonably priced, but it died after a few months and their support
is horrendous.  If it's for your parents, consider buying an extra
converter box as a backup or something.

Good luck,
tim