So, you'd like to host a Build-In.

»Photos from EFF Build-Ins

Building an HD-PVR can be even more fun with a group. If you'd like to bring a squadron together to fight restrictions on your digital television, EFF will help you with a handy build-in kit. Tell us about the build-in party you're organizing, and EFF will send some party favors. You just have to promise to post or send us photos of the event. Showing what you can do without a broadcast flag will help us fight off Congressional lobbying we expect from the motion picture studios.

You'll need:

• A group of technically inclined people. Your LUG or a school group might be a good place to start; the Amish circle might not. Building your own HD-PVR doesn't take super-hacker skills, but your participants will need to get their hands dirty with PCI slots and the command line.
• Space to spread out computers, with power outlets, Internet connections, and television reception.
• Tools and spare parts. Screwdrivers, extra Ethernet cables, an antenna or two, and extra power cords are handy. Monitors are bulky, but necessary.
• Pizza. A few slices often help in the troubleshooting process.

We'll send the EFF build-in kit:

• EFF hat and a few t-shirts
• Cool case stickers
• KnoppMyth ISO - a CD with the latest KnoppMyth distribution
• Print version of "Cooking with EFF: KnoppMyth and pcHDTV for DTV Liberation"

How-To:

1. Read through EFF's KnoppMyth Cookbook yourself to get a sense of what's involved.

2. Choose a location with adequate space, power, Internet, and television reception. See antennaweb.org for the direction to your transmitter, and test it out with your own TV or PC setup if possible. You don't want to reach the end of an install only to find that you can't see whether it's worked or not.

3. Pick a date enough far enough out that participants can assemble the computers and parts they'll need, including HDTV tuner cards. Some installs go quickly, but you should plan for a whole day (especially if friends are likely to show up late). Send an invitation with a pointer to http://www.eff.org/broadcastflag/cookbook/guide.php#requirements for recommended specs, and ask for RSVPs.

4. At least two weeks before your build-in: Let us know about it! Write buildyourTV@eff.org with your group's name, location, address (for shipping), and the number of people you're expecting. Feel free to get in touch with us if you have questions along the way, too.

5. The week before: Print out copies of the KnoppMyth Cookbook and installation guide so participants can have the step-by-step process in front of them as they work. (You can probably do without embossed place cards.) Burn extra copies of the KnoppMyth ISO to CD. Label your tools and equipment so things don't walk.

6. The day of: Order pizza / bagels / coffee. Set up your own equipment early so you have plenty of time to greet your guests. Take lots of photos! Please also take note of bugs or difficulties with the install, and send them to us to help improve the process for the next group.

7. After. Post your photos and send us a link. We'll add a link to the newest brigade in the Digital Television Liberation Front. Please keep in touch to let us know your experiences with liberated DTV.

Have fun!