System Layout Plus New Questions

[dislecksea]

OK – based upon my previous posts, I believe that I have the layout I am going with. The attached layout is my (lame) attempt to set it all down. Everything above the dashed line will be in the basement, everything below the line is in the living areas. I already own the stuff in green, I am ready to buy the stuff in red, and the stuff in yellow is for a future upgrade.
I do still have a few questions:
1. My server came with a graphics card but this is a straight server - it is never going to be used for games or anything. Should I leave the graphics card in or pull it out? I am thinking that it will probably just burn up electricity and not be of any value.
2. My server also came with an HVR-1800, but I am planning on using 2 HD-PVRs for recordings. It seems a shame to waste it though. Any suggestions on a basic way to use it? Could I just plug an HD antenna in there and use it for OTA HD local channels? I have planned on using DirectTV from the beginning so I don’t really know much about capturing OTA (FYI - I live in Atlanta).
3. My server has 6 USB ports but no serial ports. The Paterson Tech USB TV Translators are serial devices and I have one other serial device (a Z-Troller for Homeseer). I can either buy a PCI card (I have at least 1 open) that will provide the necessary serial ports or I can use USB to serial adapters. Anyone have an opinion about the desirability of one or another?
4. Any other glaring issues that jump out at you?
Thanks!
Miles

[paulbeers]

Originally Posted by dislecksea

OK – based upon my previous posts, I believe that I have the layout I am going with. The attached layout is my (lame) attempt to set it all down. Everything above the dashed line will be in the basement, everything below the line is in the living areas. I already own the stuff in green, I am ready to buy the stuff in red, and the stuff in yellow is for a future upgrade.
I do still have a few questions:
1. My server came with a graphics card but this is a straight server - it is never going to be used for games or anything. Should I leave the graphics card in or pull it out? I am thinking that it will probably just burn up electricity and not be of any value.
2. My server also came with an HVR-1800, but I am planning on using 2 HD-PVRs for recordings. It seems a shame to waste it though. Any suggestions on a basic way to use it? Could I just plug an HD antenna in there and use it for OTA HD local channels? I have planned on using DirectTV from the beginning so I don’t really know much about capturing OTA (FYI - I live in Atlanta).
3. My server has 6 USB ports but no serial ports. The Paterson Tech USB TV Translators are serial devices and I have one other serial device (a Z-Troller for Homeseer). I can either buy a PCI card (I have at least 1 open) that will provide the necessary serial ports or I can use USB to serial adapters. Anyone have an opinion about the desirability of one or another?
4. Any other glaring issues that jump out at you?
Thanks!
Miles

Here's my .02 worth:

1. Pull the card. Use integrated video if possible or some very low end video card (if you have it lying around). Technically the card won't pull down too much power as it will be idle most of the time, but I always recommend integrated video when possible for servers.
2. Use the 1800 for OTA. That way it can free up your HDPVR's for capturing other channels when necessary. I use Dishnetwork where they charge you $5 a month for locals and so I didn't get them. I use an HDHomerun to capture OTA and then all of my Dish boxes only tune the "cable" channels.
3. I can't help you here....I use a USBUIRT for Dishnetwork as I can't use serial control....

Hope this helps....

[jlmdxtv]

1) Looks like the wireless router belongs *between* the DSL modem and 1gb switch - especially if that router has a hardware firewall (like most do).

2) I'd try to move that DVD burner off of the Sage Server and move it to your client box. If you need to re-encode a large file for burning it could take a couple of hours and affect recordings.

john

[HelenWeathers]

Originally Posted by jlmdxtv

1) Looks like the wireless router belongs *between* the DSL modem and 1gb switch.
2) I'd try to move that DVD burner off of the Sage Server.

Totally agree with 1 & 2.

3. My server has 6 USB ports but no serial ports. The Paterson Tech USB TV Translators are serial devices and I have one other serial device (a Z-Troller for Homeseer). I can either buy a PCI card (I have at least 1 open) that will provide the necessary serial ports or I can use USB to serial adapters. Anyone have an opinion about the desirability of one or another?

I put a serial pci card in my Sage server and used the Paterson devices with my DirecTV receivers. Works like a charm. Havn't had a misstune in the two months I've used this way. Wanted to keep my USB ports free as much as possible but many use the USB/Serial converters as you described.