Client/Server Relationship

[Myth2Sage]

I have glanced thru the forum but couldn't find anything quite exactly what I was looking for.

What I am envisioning is a Main Sage Server stuffed away in a closet. 2 or 3 Tuner cards (say a 350 and 2 250s). Plus stuffed in the closet as well would be all the STBs assosciated with said Tuner Cards.

Attached to that via my Home Lan would be a Sage Client that is hooked to my TV. The client would display all the UIs that one would see if the Server were attached to the TV. The client would be able to schedule recordings, delete recordings etc etc. Basically, all the things that one could do if the Server were being directly accessed. The client also would, obviously, be able to show recordings.

Now, let me ask a few questions.

1. Is such a setup possible? Or is that precisely what the Client/Server function is all about?

2. Would the Client require a TV Tuner card? I am guessing not, since there is no tuning on the Client.

Thanx in advance...


M2S

[Opus4]

Originally posted by Myth2Sage
What I am envisioning is a Main Sage Server stuffed away in a closet. 2 or 3 Tuner cards (say a 350 and 2 250s).

The first thing I have to say is: if this machine is stuffed into a closet, why would you want to put a 350 in it? The only advantage the 350 has over a 250 is the fact that it can do hardware decoding. If there is no TV connected to it, that isn't something you will be able to use.

1. Is such a setup possible? Or is that precisely what the Client/Server function is all about?

That's pretty much what the client is about. I can do pretty much everything I need to do on my client. I'm not sure if there is anything important in SageTV that SageTVClient can't do. Perhaps things like configuring the tuners?

2. Would the Client require a TV Tuner card? I am guessing not, since there is no tuning on the Client.

<whew> I almost answered that the client needed a tuner... but then I woke up and realized I was thinking decoder/video card. So... no, the client doesn't need a TV tuner; you will simply be watching the shows recorded on the server & even controlling what gets recorded. (See #1)

- Andy

[Crowdx42]

So I could have the main Sage TV app running on abox in another room, and then via a network still have all the functionality of the main app in a computer beside the tv without the need for a tv card in that box? Just a card that can handle TV out? Would the same specs apply to this pc? Would a PII 350 be able to run the client? Or is it still decoding mpeg2 locally on that box?

[Myth2Sage]

Originally posted by Opus4
The first thing I have to say is: if this machine is stuffed into a closet, why would you want to put a 350 in it? The only advantage the 350 has over a 250 is the fact that it can do hardware decoding. If there is no TV connected to it, that isn't something you will be able to use.

That's pretty much what the client is about. I can do pretty much everything I need to do on my client. I'm not sure if there is anything important in SageTV that SageTVClient can't do. Perhaps things like configuring the tuners?

<whew> I almost answered that the client needed a tuner... but then I woke up and realized I was thinking decoder/video card. So... no, the client doesn't need a TV tuner; you will simply be watching the shows recorded on the server & even controlling what gets recorded. (See #1)

- Andy

That sounds like EXACTLY what I am looking for then! It will tie up another workstation, but I have workstations coming out my ears?

What would ya recommend for best TV watching?

Also, will using a Client/Server setup bog down the LAN much?

Thanx again..

M2S

[ErsatzTom]

Originally posted by Crowdx42
So I could have the main Sage TV app running on abox in another room, and then via a network still have all the functionality of the main app in a computer beside the tv without the need for a tv card in that box? Just a card that can handle TV out? Would the same specs apply to this pc? Would a PII 350 be able to run the client? Or is it still decoding mpeg2 locally on that box?

Your 350 might work better in the server than the client. If you want to use a computer that slow in the client you will definitely need hardware decoding. Since the server uses all hardware encoding cards, all it really does is copy from memory to disk and from disk to network.

t

[Crowdx42]

Well I was hoping to have the slow machine at the tv due to the fact that the machine will not be able to be accessed to do any other work other than tv operations. With the fast machine as a server it would still allow me to use it for other none tv related work.

[Opus4]

Originally posted by Crowdx42
So I could have the main Sage TV app running on abox in another room, and then via a network still have all the functionality of the main app in a computer beside the tv without the need for a tv card in that box? Just a card that can handle TV out? Would the same specs apply to this pc? Would a PII 350 be able to run the client? Or is it still decoding mpeg2 locally on that box?

I happen to use a p2-400 as my _main_ TV machine/server, connected to the TV with 2 tuners and 410GB drive space, 370GB available for SageTV. (It is also used for family email, FM radio, dvd playback, ripped CD playback, etc.) So... a slow machine is certianly usable as your client.

*** BUT ***

Yes, decoding is done on the machine connected to your TV. The only way such a slow system is usable for playback is to have a hardware decoder -- either the Hauppauge 350 or the Sigma Xcard. Short pro/con comparison: 350 has a tuner, can't play DVDs; Xcard has no tuner, but can play DVDs.

[Edit: Oh yeah -- the 350 will be able to use the OSD in v2. Xcard still cannot do so; no idea if it ever will.]

My client is a dual cpu PC in my office. You know... watch TV while getting no work done...

- Andy

[Opus4]

Originally posted by Myth2Sage
What would ya recommend for best TV watching?

As I said above, I use a Sigma Xcard -- great picture quality. But, I _have_ to use one. I have no idea what video card is best for faster machines, or for connetion to a TV with a digital connection/etc.

Also, will using a Client/Server setup bog down the LAN much?

You have a 100Mbps wired LAN, or some wireless type? It isn't a problem on a wired LAN, since even the top recoding quality uses something around 12Mbps. I'll let people w/wireless LANs make comemnts on those.

- Andy

[Myth2Sage]

Originally posted by Opus4
As I said above, I use a Sigma Xcard -- great picture quality. But, I _have_ to use one. I have no idea what video card is best for faster machines, or for connetion to a TV with a digital connection/etc.


You have a 100Mbps wired LAN, or some wireless type? It isn't a problem on a wired LAN, since even the top recoding quality uses something around 12Mbps. I'll let people w/wireless LANs make comemnts on those.

- Andy

It's a wired LAN.

Thanx for the info. Much appreciated.

M2S

[ErsatzTom]

Additional con for Xcard: Currently no OSD.

t