Complete NEWBIE Question (how it works)

[podollb]

Hi, I have a complete newbie question... I want to start using mythtv/mythbuntu and I come from years of using DirecTV with DirecTivos. I really love the Tivo and I am ready to switch away from DirecTV which brings me to my first question. Do I have to get regular cable for this MythTV thing to work? If so, once that is done, is the scheduling be universal for every cable provider? I see the scheduling is downloaded from a free web service, but I'm just curious how that is universal for everyone. Don't various cable providers have different station numbers/channels that they provide content for? I know these are all so basic questions, but I'd really like to switch over to my own DVR and I just need a few pointers before I make that decision.

[sgunther]

Hi, I have a complete newbie question... I want to start using mythtv/mythbuntu and I come from years of using DirecTV with DirecTivos. I really love the Tivo and I am ready to switch away from DirecTV which brings me to my first question. Do I have to get regular cable for this MythTV thing to work?
You are free to use virtually any source you want. Analogue cable, Digital Cable, DirectTV, etc... The issue comes to tuning the cable signal and capturing the program. If you use Digital Cable or Satellite TV you will end up with MythTV controlling the boxes.

If so, once that is done, is the scheduling be universal for every cable provider? I see the scheduling is downloaded from a free web service, but I'm just curious how that is universal for everyone. Don't various cable providers have different station numbers/channels that they provide content for?
The old service used to be free. The new guide service (since 3rd quarter 2007) is $20 per year and it provides listings personalized to the TV source you have.

I know these are all so basic questions, but I'd really like to switch over to my own DVR and I just need a few pointers before I make that decision.
Glad to hear someone else is looking at going the MythTV route. I used to use TiVo and have for the last 2 years been on MythTV and I don't ever see myself going back. One word of caution, be sure to do all of the research to understand the commitment in terms of hardware to meet your needs. It has a way of building with $40 here and $50 there.

-sgunther