Getting more and more confused: hardware set-up

[bfb1963]

I need help. I've searched and read so much I am back where I started.

Setting up my wired home network from scratch:

1. WHS Server
2. HTPC will be Dell XPS 420 with dual CableCard/8800GT/Quad6600/NIC/X-Fi as Client
3. HD-100 x4

Here are my questions:

1) Since the Dell is already used for its CableCards, shouldn't all other tuner cards and peripherals go in the Dell?
2) Is it better to run SageTV from the HTPC or WHS?
3) I'll have more hardware questions based on answers to #2.

thanks, barry

[BFisher]

since no one else answered, i'll give you my opinion...

I like having the server dedicated to capture and sharing files. I'd be nervous using your HTPC as your capture device. I'm sure it's me, but since my server is dedicated and never touched - I've had no problems with it (5 tuners serving 6 extenders/MVPs). Most people here that seem to have problems seem to be asking their PC to be both a capture and a display device.

[jerryt]

Originally Posted by bfb1963

I need help. I've searched and read so much I am back where I started.

Setting up my wired home network from scratch:

1. WHS Server
2. HTPC will be Dell XPS 420 with dual CableCard/8800GT/Quad6600/NIC/X-Fi as Client
3. HD-100 x4

Here are my questions:

1) Since the Dell is already used for its CableCards, shouldn't all other tuner cards and peripherals go in the Dell?
2) Is it better to run SageTV from the HTPC or WHS?
3) I'll have more hardware questions based on answers to #2.

thanks, barry

I "assume" that if you have CableCards that you are running Vista Media Center. Installing SageTV on a Vista Media Center computer causes VMC (Receiver service) to crash, and so the receiver service has to be disabled, thus defeating the CableCards. Catch 22.

I have been able to have SageClient and VMC coexist with VMC using a single Fusion HDTV card, but as soon as I install addition cards, VMC receiver service crashes. You would need to test SageClient with your CableCard installation to determine if VMC receiver service crashes.

Long and short, I would install SageTV in the WHS separate from your CableCards.

[gplasky]

Originally Posted by bfb1963

I need help. I've searched and read so much I am back where I started.

Setting up my wired home network from scratch:

1. WHS Server
2. HTPC will be Dell XPS 420 with dual CableCard/8800GT/Quad6600/NIC/X-Fi as Client
3. HD-100 x4

Here are my questions:

1) Since the Dell is already used for its CableCards, shouldn't all other tuner cards and peripherals go in the Dell?
2) Is it better to run SageTV from the HTPC or WHS?
3) I'll have more hardware questions based on answers to #2.

thanks, barry

Sage doesn't support the Cablecard tuners. Since you have those and probably VMC running on that I would avoid installing Sage server on there. You will just complicate matters. Install SageTV server using the .msi install for WHS on your WHS server and install your tuner cards in there. You can also install the Sage PC client on your Dell and enjoy the Sage recordings thru the Sage interface on that machine.

You could also set the VMC recordings directory to be an Import diirectory in Sage. You could then watch those recordings in Sage but you wouldn't get any of the TV media info for the file.

Gerry

[garys]

Originally Posted by BFisher

I like having the server dedicated to capture and sharing files. I'd be nervous using your HTPC as your capture device.

I've had a very similar experience to BFisher where once the server was set up I've had nearly zero problems (never even have to think about it). It's actually kinda scary when I do think about it I also agree with previous posters that having a dedicated box that does not share other duties (HTPC: display device, web, playing other vids, games, etc.) is generally better, if feasible and you seem to already have the hardware.

So, I'd probably keep the HTPC as-is and go backend with Sage on the WHS. Then you could either put Sage Client on the HTPC or go with the STX-1000 HD media extender that Sage offers. There are quite a few people around here that are excited about the STX-1000 over a client PC because of the quality, no-hassle implementation and zero maintenance (especially people who have had client PCs). I don't speak from experience here, because I just have standard-def MVPs at the moment, which work great IMHO, but am anxiously awaiting delivery of an HD extender. Just what I've read around the forums.

-Gary

[bfb1963]

Thanks for the info.

I have not bought anything yet, except the HD-100's. So, I'll forget about the VMC based machines and the CableCards.

So, what is an ideal Processor and Video Card for the WHS server?

[Mitch G]

Well, assuming the WHS server is not connected to a TV, then you don't need any video card other than what's provided on the motherboard. Or, if you need a separate video card get the cheapest one you can find.
My server doesn't even have a monitor attached to it, I do everything via VNC.

As far as processor, I really like my Core2 Duo and I can't picture myself ever going to back to a single core processor. I'm running a 1.8GHz Core2 Duo on my server which runs Sage, with two Hauppage analog cable tuner cards (PVR-1600, iirc), an HDHR with both QAM tuners being used and presently 1 HD-100 and soon to be 2 HD-100s. I also run SqueezeCenter on the server driving 2 SqueezeBoxes, plus it's my network drive server for other PCs in the house.
(It might be worth noting, however, that I'm running XP Home on the server.)

Hope this helps,


Mitch