Thinking of buying a new Hauppauge HD-PVR - is it worth it?

[gmikej]

Here's my setup:

Single Server directly attached to my LCD TV (DVI).
SageTV Machine:
AMD Sempron 3200+ (maybe 3400- it's been a while)
512MB
500GB
Two Hauppauge 150's
Zapper remote

I found I can get digital cable through Charter with a HD STB for about the same price as I'm paying now for standard cable.

I'd like to look at getting the new HD-PVR since I don't want to have to change inputs to go from what I'm currently using (The SageTV DVI connection on my TV) to using the HD-STB (the digital coax input on my TV) when I want to watch HD, and from what I've been reading it sounds like SageTV will be able to handle the HD-PVR.

Here are my questions:
1. Will my SageTV computer be able to handle the HD-PVR? It's been working flawlessly for nearly 3 years, but if I need to upgrade it may be best to start from scratch (DDR memory and 939 Processors are cost prohibitive and underpowered).
2. How does SageTV handle the HD-PVR and the PVR-150s when recording? Does it default to the HD tuner first?
3. Does the quality of the HD signal justify the $250 of the HD-PVR?
4. WAF - will my wife notice a large difference in how SageTV looks/feels/works or will it be flawless? I'm assuming somewhere in the middle.

Thanks,
-Mike

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by gmikej

Here's my setup:

Single Server directly attached to my LCD TV (DVI).
SageTV Machine:
AMD Sempron 3200+ (maybe 3400- it's been a while)
512MB
500GB
Two Hauppauge 150's
Zapper remote

I found I can get digital cable through Charter with a HD STB for about the same price as I'm paying now for standard cable.

I'd like to look at getting the new HD-PVR since I don't want to have to change inputs to go from what I'm currently using (The SageTV DVI connection on my TV) to using the HD-STB (the digital coax input on my TV) when I want to watch HD, and from what I've been reading it sounds like SageTV will be able to handle the HD-PVR.

Here are my questions:
1. Will my SageTV computer be able to handle the HD-PVR? It's been working flawlessly for nearly 3 years, but if I need to upgrade it may be best to start from scratch (DDR memory and 939 Processors are cost prohibitive and underpowered).

Probably not unless you can get a video card with full decode, like a GeForce 9 series or ATI 3000 series or newer.

2. How does SageTV handle the HD-PVR and the PVR-150s when recording? Does it default to the HD tuner first?

It attempts to use "better" tuners first, but you can setup merits to use whichever one you prefer first if possible.

3. Does the quality of the HD signal justify the $250 of the HD-PVR?

There's really no way to answer that, HD is noticably better than SD, especially on a large screen.

4. WAF - will my wife notice a large difference in how SageTV looks/feels/works or will it be flawless? I'm assuming somewhere in the middle.

Shouldn't notice a difference if everything is setup right.

[gmikej]

Thanks for the reply!

Originally Posted by stanger89

Probably not unless you can get a video card with full decode, like a GeForce 9 series or ATI 3000 series or newer.

What streams will it be decoding? I see talk of h.264, .mp4, etc. but by default what is the HD-PVR going to be recording in?

Thanks again,
-Mike

[gmikej]

Would this card work?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814161237

(trying to keep it as cheap as possible)

[sleonard]

The only format the HD-PVR records in is H.264.

That video card should work well.

S

[mayamaniac]

If you watch mostly local channels (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, etc), the HDHomerun is a better choice. It comes with two tuners and still cost a third less than the HD-PVR, plus no STB rental fee.

I got the HD-PVR because of sports recordings, where HD is really needed, more so than other programs. Its night and day difference watching sports in SD and HD. With NFL and NBA in the off season, I find very little HD programs I want to record on the encrypted HD channels. Most other HD shows I record are on local channels, I have the HDHR for that.

Lastly, this is just me, but channel changing is a big deal for me. I hate using the IR blasters. Swtching to firewire channel changing made a huge difference, it might affect WAF factor too. We're walking trimming from 15 seconds down to 5 seconds to complete a channel change. So I highly recommend firewire or serial cable and steer away form the IR blasters.

[sic0048]

Well, you'll still be able to record the current material even if you switch to digital cable. You should still get the analog channels and be able to record them as usual with your current set up.

So changing to digital cable will not mean you HAVE to change your setup. You could always get it, see if HD makes a difference to you (I'm sure it will) and then decide how to best proceed.

If you are lucky, you may receive a number of digital channels in clear QAM (unencrypted). You should check out your local Cable thread on AVS Forum for details on what it encrypted and unencrypted.

If you get a lot of unencrypted channels, then I agree that the HDHomeRun would be a good choice.

If most things are encrypted, your only other choice (besides the cable company's DVR) is to go with the HD-PVR.