[wellylug] SAA7134

[JP]

I've read all the posts about this card.

I have the same chipset, bought from DSE a couple of
years ago, and getting it working under Debian with a
2.4 kernel required:

1. Downloading a backported 2.4.24 kernel (the stock
Debian kernels won't handle the patch on my box)

2. Applying several patches, including v4l2

3. Some futzing about with module loading.

It now works, provided I don't try to use stereo sound
(no sound at all when I do).  I also have the problem
with sound not turning off when the radio app is
closed.  Gerd Knorr, who wrote the driver and xawtv
and radio, was kind enough to answer a request for
help but it still isn't fully functioning for me.

I can encode perfectly to avi or (jpeg frames + wav)
on my P750 machine.  As for mpeg, mencoder is tricky
legally, so I don't run it.  I only keep the huge avi
files until I have watched a programme because
otherwise they would clog up my HD.

In short, I had some fun getting it all going and it
now works acceptably but not perfectly.  I can't
legally encode to mpeg under Linux, though I think I
could using the bundled app under Windows.

Fine for us enthusiasts; not fine for someone walking
off the street looking for a TV card to put in their
Mandrake box.  

With a 2.6 kernel, the drivers are included without
recompilation, although stereo still doesn't work for
me.  And note that it took TWO YEARS for support to be
standard in the official kernel.

I feel a bit sorry for DSE, because they put the
penguin on the box as a sign that the card will work
under Linux, which people like me value.  But a user
who wants plug and play is likely to be less happy
about the assertion it works under Linux, when it only
works with quite a bit of fiddling.

Cheers
Tony

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