Link on Ubuntu/Linux Poll

[ZetaVu]

Ok, we've been talking it up for a while, trying to guage the level of interest and if people are having any success. I've converted one machine to Ubuntu, but have not gotten far enough to get link working under Wine yet.

[cfaslave]

I've never used Linux (unless you count the mediamvp since it runs linux), but I voted for a Linux port of BTV Link for the following reasons:

1. Cost - eliminate the cost of the operating system
2. Footprint - minimize the bloat a MS Operating System brings to the table.
3. Control - The HTPC user wants control over their HTPC and the media that resides in it. Any chance we can have an alternative to MS for our HTPC's we should take that opportunity.

I've been casually following your work zeta and its interesting to say the least. I hope you're able to get Link working - or even convice SS to consider Linux support.

Brent

[pwlong]

Cast my vote for Linux LINK port. Thanks for setting up this poll, and for your testing efforts on this. Let me know if/how I can help. I'm looking forward to seeing what we can get working, and if SS weighs in on the topic.

[queonda]

I voted for both Linux or wine. I agree with all the answers/reasons posted thus far.

[kramsauer]

I am a Linux neophyte. If I can get something to work by typing in a command into the terminal (I still don't understand how that installs a program but I digress), I'd be all over it. It doesn't even have to officially be a link client. If it can play the videos with smartskip with some kind of full screen interface, I'm there.

[ZetaVu]

Ok, here's an update on my endeavors into Link on Wine so far.

I got a working install of Wine using a long and drawn out process, but this made sure I had all the base components (IE6, WMP, even Windows Installer). I tried installing both net frameworks, neither worked. I have some workarounds to try for net 2.0, and I installed Mono which supposedly will work with most 1.1 frameworks.

Tried to install link in Wine, first step, it wants to install Windows Installer (I installed this, so either it needs a different version than the one installed with Winetools or it's not seeing that it is installed) Either way, it stalls there. So I either need to install the correct Windows Installer (If the one from Winetools is wrong) or I need to set the correct marker in the Wine installation so Link thinks it's already installed. Oh, cannot install Windows Installer 3.1 directly, doesn't recognize permission, I can only install through winetools.

And trying to run the BTVLINK install program directly through Mono also doesn't work. Maybe if the components were installed... I probably need to install the Mono components manually into Wine, but again, nothing until I get past the Windows Installer issue.

So, still sloshing it away, any advice is most welcome (specifically from any SS admins)

The simple workaround is to use on of the Linux movie players, and just browse libraries. VLC will probably even work with livetv, but navigation is a little different, and no control of livetv channels. Ideally link is what we want.

Anyway, enough for tonight.

[bnflaherty]

I had gotten Link installed -- but that was as far as it went.

It would not launch.

[ZetaVu]

Ok, how did you get past Windows Installer? How about net or other components? I'd like to see if I can get anything working with mono, see if I can get it to start.

Have you ever tried installing btv server and running it as link?

The more info you can share, the better our chances.

[MickP]

Isn't btv a .net app? If so I doubt it'll run in wine any time soon (unless I've missed some huge developments in wine recently).

Mono seems to be comming along. Maybe the ss devs could take a look at whether they can get link to work with this.

Mick.

[ZetaVu]

From what I've read, people have had luck with net 1.1 and less luck with 2.0 in Wine, but I get stuck on the Windows Installer issue, so I am hoping to get some more info to move forward. Anyone who finds anything on net tricks in Linux please post what you find.

[morikaweb]

Here is my vote for a linux port. Wake up people linux is the future, especially with large companies like dell backing it now... And the whole vista thing...

[cncb]

I voted yes because it would be nice to have the option but have we already moved on from whining about integration??

[cfaslave]

Originally Posted by cncb

but have we already moved on from whining about integration??

No .

[ClamsTheCat]

Frankly VLC already plays EVERYTHING on linux. Now we just need the interface to go with that. All the hard work is done for us on the server. Does anyone know if there are remote drivers for the Firefly/mini on Linux? Would be my first question really.

Simply playing the recorded shows would be simple. Integrating the guide and doing the whole interface for that is another story.

[queonda]

Don't know if this might help: http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php..._Ubuntu_Dapper