HTPC Newbie Question

gaspower · #1 01-13-2006, 09:39 PM

Hello,
I am new to the HTPC systems and wanting to build one. I would like to use the Sage software but have some questions before I start.

1> This is not going to be for my computer network, but actually going into my home theatre system. So, will the video card they suggest output HD TV through componet video, or do I have to get another card, if so what suggestion.

2>If I have a Directv HD box, will Sage software record in HD?

3> I would like to store my DVD collection on the hard drive, can I store DVD on the drive and will sage goto the internet to get the correct DVD images for the menu system?

Thanks JR

Guyverix · #2 01-14-2006, 06:11 AM

I am still new to HTPC stuff as well, but I think

can answer part of this..

3> DVD covers via the internet.... No, you will either have to scan the image, or grab one off of the net and save it in the directory... ( at least you can get different pics if the normal ones stink)

2> This is where I start getting very unsure of myself... I believe that you will need an HD tuner card and an IR blaster to actually record HD from your Directtv box output on to your Sagetv box.

1> THIS IS JUST A WAG! I dont have HDTV myself! If your HDTV has a VGA compatable input (DB15) use that, or you can go from your DVI on the video card (if equiped with one) to the DVI in on the HDTV. People have had good luck with ATI video cards, as well as nVidia cards. From lurking in the forums, it appears that nVida is more popular, but ATI has fewer problems. ( just my opionion though) Personally I like the ATI better myself, since the AIW that I have while old, has DVI, VGA, Svideo, and composite. It also has an extention on it so that I can plug in a camcorder in to the card, and not have to mess with the rat's nest of wires in the back. They are also really cheap hehe...

I hope someone else will chime in here, with possibly better suggestions to help you out a little more..

stanger89 · #3 01-14-2006, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gaspower

Hello,
I am new to the HTPC systems and wanting to build one. I would like to use the Sage software but have some questions before I start.

1> This is not going to be for my computer network, but actually going into my home theatre system. So, will the video card they suggest output HD TV through componet video, or do I have to get another card, if so what suggestion.

What video card that who suggests?

Quote:

2>If I have a Directv HD box, will Sage software record in HD?

Can't record HD from satellite unless you get your box modded by 169time.

Quote:

3> I would like to store my DVD collection on the hard drive, can I store DVD on the drive and will sage goto the internet to get the correct DVD images for the menu system?

Not out of the box, but there are a couple STVs that can import metadata and images for you, check the customizations forum.

gaspower · #4 01-14-2006, 08:02 PM

Hello,
Thanks for all the replies, but what is the reasoning for not being able to record HD from the Directv receiver box?

Thanks JR

stanger89 · #5 01-14-2006, 10:02 PM

Not practical, you need hardware that costs several thousand dollars, and recordings would be over 100GB/hr (possibly up to 600GB/hr).

gaspower · #6 01-15-2006, 09:08 AM

Thank you for the reply. So I understand, the Tivo/Directv HD does not record in true HD, all I am trying to do is replace it with the HTPC. Sorry for the questions, just trying to learn how it works.

Thanks JR

stanger89 · #7 01-15-2006, 11:32 AM

The DTivo does record true HD, because it just captures the compressed bitstream (about 12Mbps) broadcast by DTV. The PC only has access to the uncompressed video (1500Mbps) from the boxes outputs.

gaspower · #8 01-15-2006, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stanger89

The DTivo does record true HD, because it just captures the compressed bitstream (about 12Mbps) broadcast by DTV. The PC only has access to the uncompressed video (1500Mbps) from the boxes outputs.

Hello,

Thanks, so when I setup the HTPC with SageTV, I am only going to be able to record the uncomppressed video. Basically, I am just looking to replace my Tivo, and would like the Sage system to do all the Tivo does plus more, and my source is the Directv HD box.

Thanks JR

stanger89 · #9 01-15-2006, 02:14 PM

Unless you get your sat box modded by 169time (or Nexcom/R5000 but that doesn't work at all in Sage) you can't record HD, in HD, from Satellite.

gaspower · #10 01-16-2006, 08:35 AM

Hello,
Thanks for your time in answering my questions. Sorry, still a little confused. If I just have a HD receiver from Directv, will Sage record in standard definition, so I can just have one receiver box.

Thanks JR

stanger89 · #11 01-16-2006, 08:43 AM

Yes, it just won't/can't record in HD.

gaspower · #12 01-16-2006, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stanger89

Yes, it just won't/can't record in HD.

Hello Stanger89, thanks so much for the help. Another question for you. If I decide and probably will want to record two shows at one time, so I need a TV card or cards. Do you have a brand you recommend? Is there one card with two tuners?

Thanks JR

stanger89 · #13 01-16-2006, 11:02 AM

You will need (with DirecTV) one TV tuner and one DirecTV box for each channel you want to record simultaneously.

For your two at a time example, that means 2 tuners (or a single dual-tuner card like the PVR-500) and 2 DirecTV boxes.

Hauppauge cards (PVR 150/500) are quite popular and well supported.

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