The BTTV HOWTO
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1. Introduction

This document was written to assist the reader in setting up and configuring TV tuner cards based on the Bt848 or Bt878 chipsets in the Linux operating system. It outlines how to enable the necessary kernel and/or software support and various television applications and software methods of capture usable with your device. While there is some attempt to catalog individual cards and features in Appendix C, the ultimate best source of information about your card and its capabilities will be found in the printed manual that came with your device or the manufacturer's website.

1.1. Copyright Information

Permission is granted to copy, distribute, and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2 or any later version published by the Free Software Foundation with no Invariant Sections, no Front-Cover Texts, and no Back-Cover Texts. A copy of the license can be found in Appendix F.

1.2. Disclaimer

No liability for the contents of this document can be accepted. Use the concepts, examples and other content entirely at your own risk. There may be technical or other inaccuracies that may result in the loss of irreplaceable data. In any case, proceed with caution, and realize that although errors are unlikely, the author can accept no responsibility for them.

All copyrights are held by their respective owners, unless specifically noted otherwise. Use of a term in this document should not be regarded as affecting the validity of any trademark or service mark.

Naming of particular products or brands should not be seen as endorsements.

1.3. New Versions

This is the first release of the initial rewrite.

The latest version number of this document can be found here.

1.4. Credits

Eric Sandeen deserves profuse thanks for writing the original Bttv-HOWTO and allowing me to assume its maintenance. Thanks also to Greg Watson for use of the script in Appendix D

Also, I would like to thank Marla, without whose encouragement this project would not have been possible.

1.5. Feedback

Please send any information you may feel important to the following email address: <hshane[AT]austin.rr.com>, whether you have a correction, addition or update. I welcome suggestions on how to improve this document.

1.6. Conventions Used in this Document

The following conventions are used in this document and are outlined here for those who may not yet have a complete understanding of how to access and control the underlying operating system in Linux, which is usually via the Bash shell.

First, filenames are referenced in a paragraph like so: /path/file

Commands in Linux are executed (or 'called') at the command prompt, otherwise known as the 'command line.' If you are in the non-graphical (text-based) environment, you will usually be presented with the Bash shell prompt which is a dollar sign:

...or the hash mark:

...if you have logged in as root or have otherwise acquired root, or 'superuser' privileges. You can also access the Bash shell in the X window system, otherwise known as X or X11, with an xterm or similar X-terminal-emulator. Commands to be performed at the Bash prompt, but referenced in a paragraph of this document, usually look like this: do this now

Commands and/or the resulting output of commands may also be outlined with screen output in their own paragraph or heading:

$ date Sun Jul 27 22:37:11 CDT 2003

When a command is written in front of the Bash prompt (e.g., $ date above), it is assumed the [Return] or [Enter] key has been pressed after the command, possibly followed by the output on a new line as shown in the preceding example.