I need to gain some knowledge

[craigap]

I'm researching on how to build my own PVR and I was curious about the sage software and remote control isssue. I've noticed that pretty much any tuner card comes with its own software for viewing/rewind/pause......etc. If using multiple tuners, is it the sage software that I would load instead of the software that comes with the tuner cards to coordinate the functions of all the cards at once? I guess to relate it to something, would it work just like my current 3 tuner HDTV PVR from my cable company? Again, for instance, If I set up programs to record does sagetv tell which tuners to record which ever channels while the other changes the channel I'm watching etc?

Also, when it comes to a remote I currently use a logitech harmony 659 to contol my TV/PVR/DVD. I know the remote uses IR, so do I get an IR blaster or a usb-virt or maybe I have to go another route.

One more thing. Do I have to find tuner cards that are compatible with Sagetv or does any card work. How about these.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16815100134
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16815117802

The info is greatly appreciated.

[Opus4]

Originally Posted by craigap

I've noticed that pretty much any tuner card comes with its own software for viewing/rewind/pause......etc. If using multiple tuners, is it the sage software that I would load instead of the software that comes with the tuner cards to coordinate the functions of all the cards at once?

The only software from the card that you would normally load would be the drivers for the card. SageTV controls the tuners via their drivers & if you run other software that uses the cards, SageTV will not be able to use them. The tuners are used only for recording; they are not used for playback. Playback just needs to access a recording, whether it is a "live" recording or pre-existing recording of a completed show.

Also, when it comes to a remote I currently use a logitech harmony 659 to contol my TV/PVR/DVD. I know the remote uses IR, so do I get an IR blaster or a usb-virt or maybe I have to go another route.

If your tuner doesn't come with an IR receiver, a USB-UIRT probably woldn't be a bad idea for a verstile IR receiver/transmistter.

Do I have to find tuner cards that are compatible with Sagetv or does any card work.

There is a list of compatible cards on the SageTV System Requirements page.

- Andy