Question for kernel expert

[Frans]

On Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:51:06 -0600, Mike Adolf wrote:

> I have been attempting to install a tv tuner, pctv 800i, chipset
> cx23883-39.  I bought this after reading in the mythtv wiki that it
> worked under linux and that all one had to do was extract firmware file
> from a windows file and build and install the latest v4l driver tree.

http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php/Pinnacle_PCTV_HD_Card_(800i) doesn't
say you *have* to build and install the latest v4l driver tree, just that
the latest v4l driver tree has support for the card ;-)
 
> WELL! I tried that and it corrupted the kernel (2.6.24-21) so it would
> no longer boot.  Through help from members of this list I was able to
> reinstall (2.6.24-21). Determined to get this tuner installed I returned
> to the Mythtv wiki and noticed the fine print that said if you try this
> with Hardy it will destroy a couple of alsa related modules (cx88-alsa
> being one of them).  Why, because alsa was not compiled into the kernel.
>  Several kernels have been released since Hardy was released.
> 
> How can I tell if alsa is compile (2.6.24-21)?  I did not see it using
> lsmod. The only alsa module showing up is cx88-alsa. The alsa base
> support files are installed.  I read that a bug has been fixed and
> alsa-driver 1.0.16 can now be used. It can be downloaded from
> 
> https://launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/alsa-driver/1.0.16-0ubuntu4
> 
> I have used linux for many years and this is the first time I hit a
> brick wall.  Can I, one with moderate system knowledge, install this
> alsa-driver in the kernel?  Can someone out there help!
> 
> OH BTW the mythtv fix is to install vanilla 2.6.25 kernal from source.
> But I'm not about to try this.  Who knows how many patches Ubuntu put in
> the kernels they distribute.
> 
> Mike

Reading https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+bug/220857 "build and
install the latest v4l driver tree" on Ubuntu Hardy gives problems for
which no good solution has been found yet.

However, on an updated Hardy I get this:
frans at frans-desktop-ubuntu:~$ modinfo /lib/modules/2.6.24-21-generic/kernel/drivers/media/video/cx88/cx88-dvb.ko
filename:       /lib/modules/2.6.24-21-generic/kernel/drivers/media/video/cx88/cx88-dvb.ko
license:        GPL
author:         Gerd Knorr <kraxel at bytesex.org> [SuSE Labs]
author:         Chris Pascoe <c.pascoe at itee.uq.edu.au>
description:    driver for cx2388x based DVB cards

frans at frans-desktop-ubuntu:~$ modinfo /lib/modules/2.6.24-21-generic/kernel/drivers/media/video/cx88/cx88xx.ko 
filename:       /lib/modules/2.6.24-21-generic/kernel/drivers/media/video/cx88/cx88xx.ko
license:        GPL
author:         Gerd Knorr <kraxel at bytesex.org> [SuSE Labs]
description:    v4l2 driver module for cx2388x based TV cards

so it seems either the cx88-dvb or the cx88xx module should work for you,
probably the first if you want to use digital tv sources. 

If you really need a new module version for your card:

Running the Intrepid beta live CD I get this:
ubuntu at ubuntu:~$ modinfo /lib/modules/2.6.27-4-generic/kernel/drivers/media/video/cx88/cx88-dvb.ko 
filename:       /lib/modules/2.6.27-4-generic/kernel/drivers/media/video/cx88/cx88-dvb.ko
license:        GPL
author:         Gerd Knorr <kraxel at bytesex.org> [SuSE Labs]
author:         Chris Pascoe <c.pascoe at itee.uq.edu.au>
description:    driver for cx2388x based DVB cards

Good luck!

    -Frans