How to best evaluate client/server config

[timg11]

I am getting ready to try out SageTV. Ultimately, I want to run a client/server configuration, since I already have a Win2K Server box that runs 24/7. I want to be able to turn the HTPC at the TV off except when watching something.

21 days seems like too short of a time to verify something this complicated, so I want to get advice from those who have done this before before I start.

Should I install the "Media Center for Windows Version 6.4" on the HTPC first and try it out as a "standalone" system? (I could leave that PC on for a few weeks for testing)

Or should I first install Media Center on the server and install "Client for Windows" on the HTPC and try and get it working in my desired final configuration from day 1?

Also, does the "Placeshifter" license include a "Client" license? If I would ever use the Placeshifter (while traveling), then I would definitely not be using the Client PC at the same time. Hopefully one license would support both functions. As I understand it Placeshifter is for anywhere on the Internet, and Client is on the local LAN. I would like to get the Placeshifter license and use it for the HTPC system while at home.

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by timg11

I am getting ready to try out SageTV. Ultimately, I want to run a client/server configuration, since I already have a Win2K Server box that runs 24/7. I want to be able to turn the HTPC at the TV off except when watching something.

21 days seems like too short of a time to verify something this complicated, so I want to get advice from those who have done this before before I start.

Should I install the "Media Center for Windows Version 6.4" on the HTPC first and try it out as a "standalone" system? (I could leave that PC on for a few weeks for testing)

Or should I first install Media Center on the server and install "Client for Windows" on the HTPC and try and get it working in my desired final configuration from day 1?

That's what I'd do. No point trying to bother setting up Sage for playback on the server if you're never going to use it that way.

Also, does the "Placeshifter" license include a "Client" license? If I would ever use the Placeshifter (while traveling), then I would definitely not be using the Client PC at the same time. Hopefully one license would support both functions. As I understand it Placeshifter is for anywhere on the Internet, and Client is on the local LAN. I would like to get the Placeshifter license and use it for the HTPC system while at home.

Unfortunately, they're separate licensing schemes. You can use Placeshifter on a LAN too if you want, though it doesn't have all the options for configuration, like which decoders it uses.

[timg11]

I would also like to get the HD-PVR eventually. From looking at it, it appears to have only a USB connection to the computer and not Ethernet.

In a client / server system, (where the server is located far away from the TV set and cable box), how could I make this work?

I have an HDhomerun tuner, which uses Ethernet, so there is no problem putting the HDhomerun near the cable box, (which already has Ethernet running to the the server)

But USB has something like a 16 foot limit. Running a wire from my Cable box location to the server room would be 60 to 75 feet. (and involve lots of drilling, working above ceilings, etc) How can I make the HD-PVR work in this configuration? Would I have to move my server to the living room? Would the HD-PVR work with so-called USB extension cables?

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by timg11

I would also like to get the HD-PVR eventually. From looking at it, it appears to have only a USB connection to the computer and not Ethernet.

In a client / server system, (where the server is located far away from the TV set and cable box), how could I make this work?

It works the same way as any other tuner, Ethernet, PCI, PCIe, USB, makes no difference. The Client doesn't use tuners, it sends requests to the server to Watch a show. If that show happens to be one that is currently airing and not already being recorded, the server starts a recording.

The Client has no idea where that show is coming from. But I guess that's not what you were getting at.

But USB has something like a 16 foot limit. Running a wire from my Cable box location to the server room would be 60 to 75 feet. (and involve lots of drilling, working above ceilings, etc) How can I make the HD-PVR work in this configuration? Would I have to move my server to the living room? Would the HD-PVR work with so-called USB extension cables?

You put the cable box next to the HD PVR by the server, that's the easiset way. Otherwise you're running long component cables and IR cables, or you're looking at USB repeaters.