Should I use service mode?

[osburnfamily]

I have a question about using the service mode or not.

I have a dedicated PC that functions as both client & server connected to my TV. No other extenders or clients connect and the PC does nothing but run Sage.

I am running Vista.

Do I even need to install/use the service with this setup?

thanks!

[DFranch]

I have a similar setup to you and I use the service mode for 1 specific reason. When using the service the recording is controlled by the service. If I have to restart the UI it does not interfere with the recordings. When you don't use the service if you have to restart the UI it will stop recording until it is re-started. Mind you I rarely have a problem these days, but it can save some headaches.

[UFGrayMatter]

can you explain why one would use Server Mode when there are no clients attached, besides the ONE client on the same HTPC??

[osburnfamily]

Originally Posted by UFGrayMatter

can you explain why one would use Server Mode when there are no clients attached, besides the ONE client on the same HTPC??

well i suppose that's my question. my understanding is the only 'advantage' to running the server service (when you're not using clients/extenders) is that it will maintain recordings even if the standalone client crashes.

i guess my real question is--is there any 'disadvantage' to running the service if all you use the pc for is a single client?

[Opus4]

Maybe check out: Service mode VS Standalone?.

- Andy

[osburnfamily]

Originally Posted by Opus4

Maybe check out: Service mode VS Standalone?.

- Andy

lol--that 'bout summed it up!

thanks.

[Polypro]

The first time you you hit "X" instead of "Stand By", you'll be wishing you ran Sevice Mode. It's set it and forget it, starts everytime Windows does. I game while the service is chugging along. I just prefer it.

P

[GKusnick]

Originally Posted by UFGrayMatter

can you explain why one would use Server Mode when there are no clients attached, besides the ONE client on the same HTPC??

Don't confuse Server with Service. Service means the recording engine runs in the background, separate from the UI. Server means it will accept connections from SageTVClient, Placeshifter, and Extenders. Two completely different concepts. You can run as a service (in the background) without enabling the server; you can also enable the server without running as a service.

[osburnfamily]

Originally Posted by GKusnick

Don't confuse Server with Service. Service means the recording engine runs in the background, separate from the UI. Server means it will accept connections from SageTVClient, Placeshifter, and Extenders. Two completely different concepts. You can run as a service (in the background) without enabling the server; you can also enable the server without running as a service.

very good point!

for purposes of this thread I am referring to the "service" aspect. the server option is already disabled within the gui.

do you know if the "service" take up any more extraordinary resources that may cause conflicts or studdering while dealing with HD content?

[DFranch]

Originally Posted by osburnfamily

do you know if the "service" take up any more extraordinary resources that may cause conflicts or studdering while dealing with HD content?

I use the HDHomerun and many times I am recording 2 HD streams while watching a HD stream and I have had no problems. It worled fine when I had a single core CPU and still works fine with my dual core CPU. I could play back HD even with my old 6600GT, although that card was causing random BSOD's so I got an 8500GT. I have to use FSE to get smooth playback.

[osburnfamily]

Originally Posted by DFranch

I use the HDHomerun and many times I am recording 2 HD streams while watching a HD stream and I have had no problems. It worled fine when I had a single core CPU and still works fine with my dual core CPU. I could play back HD even with my old 6600GT, although that card was causing random BSOD's so I got an 8500GT. I have to use FSE to get smooth playback.

Good to know. Sounds like exactly what I want to do. Which decoders (audio & video) do you use w/your setup? (I'm using powerdvd/ac3filter)

[Mark57]

Back when my Vista box was spontaneously rebooting every 12 - 14 hours because of bad video and SATA drivers, running in service mode was a real added benefit. Nvida finally released better drivers and that's all fixed now. Also, not running the GUI and just the service is a bit more efficient on memory if you're tight in that area.

[DFranch]

Originally Posted by osburnfamily

Good to know. Sounds like exactly what I want to do. Which decoders (audio & video) do you use w/your setup? (I'm using powerdvd/ac3filter)

Purevideo/ac3filter

[osburnfamily]

Originally Posted by DFranch

Purevideo/ac3filter

Purevideo? Wow--figured you'd say cyberlink.

Do u have it set to Smart or Automatic? (Assuming you say prefer VMR)

[Polypro]

Vista or XP? On Vista, Smart/Pixel Adaptive...on XP, Automatic/Pixel Adaptive. PV may be old but to my eyes it provides a better picture than Cyberlink (very close though, can't go wrong with either). AC3Filter is simply awesome.

P

[osburnfamily]

Originally Posted by Polypro

Vista or XP? On Vista, Smart/Pixel Adaptive...on XP, Automatic/Pixel Adaptive. PV may be old but to my eyes it provides a better picture than Cyberlink (very close though, can't go wrong with either). AC3Filter is simply awesome.

P

Very cool. Thanks for the info. You & I have very similar uses and builds for Sage.

[DFranch]

Originally Posted by osburnfamily

Purevideo? Wow--figured you'd say cyberlink.

Do u have it set to Smart or Automatic? (Assuming you say prefer VMR)

Automatic, I have MCE 2005 and that seems to work better. I've used the nvidia codec for years. I've never had cause to try anything else.