Thirteen folks attended the "alpha" MythTV installfest. A good time
was had by all. Pizza was eaten. Pictures were taken (http://
www.flickr.com, keyword search on gnhlug mythtv). Several people got
machines working, and others got some great pointers. We learned a
great deal about how to run an installfest. I took a few notes on
request:
0. STARTING ON TIME IS ESSENTIAL; THIS MAY TAKE MOST OF THE DAY.
1. Better directions especially on-campus: which parking lot, which
entrance to the building, where the elevator is; people are going to
be hauling hardware.
2. It would be good if we could provide a handcart to assist with
transporting computers inside.
3. Add signs to the door ("Yes, you're at the right building. MythTV
installfest this way...")
4. As maddog has posted, installfest will go better if we limit the
options of cards to be installed. Disks should be backed up and/or
not needed so the entire thing can be blown away. Ideal, a clean FC6
install already completed with all hardware other than the card
configured.
5. Which software to use? MythDora was a bust. FC 6 full install
looks like a good choice. Local respositories might speed the
process, but that could be a problem if the attendee wants to repeat
the install later at home. Building a disk with everything needed on it?
6. Question on the costs of a 'standard' box: ~ $600 for SDTV, ~
$1200 for HDTV box. While we don't want to be locked into a vendor,
inviting some local suppliers who might be able to offer pre-
installed boxes? One attendee thought there might be a business in
offering these pre-installed and configured.
7. Question on how to reset MySQL root password if cut-and-paste
causes problems. Answer: Google.
8. Pre-requisites ought to include registering on Zap2It to configure
each clients specific cable channel configuration (do we want to have
a standard config to use at the installfest so that everyone gets up
and running and can see video?)
9;. Q: How can I tell if I have us-cable, us-cable-hrc, us-cable-irc?
A: www.avsforum.com may have your specific configuration. Channels 4
and 5 will tell if you pick the wrong IRC/HRC
10. pcHDTV card install should be "DVB DTV capture card" and NOT
"pcHDTV" choice.
11. We ended up using Jarod's HOWTO. It might make sense to have a
few copies printed out and/or encourage attendees to read these in
advance.
I'd suggest we might want to write up an instruction sheet to ensure
the attendee understands what's expected of them in advance, what
they'll get at the end of the session, and how to get there. A form
for them to fill out with checkboxes for pre-install, pre-register at
Zap2It, etc?
Ted Roche
Ted Roche & Associates, LLC
http://www.tedroche.com
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