Confused about product selection

[pharmboy]

Ok, I must be dense. I have an XP Media Center with a Linksys Media Extender that has never worked well. I just discovered Sage.

Looking at the website, I see "Buy $99.95 Sage TV v6 and Sage TV Placeshifter." I also see "Sage TV Media Extender." After reading all the descriptions, how are they different and just what do I need to record TV on my MC PC and watch it on my TV?

[CollinR]

SageTV = Server software with integrated client. < This is the basic package, you must have.

SageTV Client = Windows software to use the SageTV server from another local Windows machine.

SageTV Placeshifter = Windows software to use the SageTV server from a remote location across the internet.

SageTV Extender = License key for local hardware clients, ie Media MVP.


HTH
Collin

[kevine]

Originally Posted by pharmboy

Ok, I must be dense. I have an XP Media Center with a Linksys Media Extender that has never worked well. I just discovered Sage.

Looking at the website, I see "Buy $99.95 Sage TV v6 and Sage TV Placeshifter." I also see "Sage TV Media Extender." After reading all the descriptions, how are they different and just what do I need to record TV on my MC PC and watch it on my TV?

SageTV and the media extender (suggest wired version).

Placeshifter is for viewing primarily through the internet using Java on another computer (not a TV).

Questions that need to be asked:
Do you already have a tv tuner card in your PC? If so, what kind?
Cable, Satellite or over the air (OTA)?
Do you have other people in your house that will be using or are you the sole user?
Do you need to or see expanding to other TVs?
Do you plan on recording/playing HDTV? (very important)
What kind of network do you have in your house? 100bt/1000bt? Internet connection?

All these will help guide you in the right direction after the base install which is SageTV Media Center and a Media Extender.