SageTV HD Extender Update

[tmiranda]

Originally Posted by reggie14

We were warned, but I must say I'm finding this new extender quite underwhelming.

I humbly disagree. The fact that this thing functions without a PC is a big deal. This is the beginning of a real "out of the box" Sage product.

Good job Sage.

[dagar]

Good gouge stanger, tks m8

[skyeclad]

If I didn't already own an HD-100 I would buy this. However, a more capable Extender is not compelling enough to completely replace my client PC.

Maybe there's more functionality to come? They added more features to the original unit with firmware updates. Maybe this unit has upgrade potential that the original does not.

Still wish this were a client killer ootb.

[valnar]

Two more questions - Are the remote codes the same as the HD100? Is the IR receiver more sensitive? (The old HD extender was pretty bad)

[reggie14]

Originally Posted by stanger89

Nope, different firmwares.

That doesn't mean Sage can't release updated HD100 firmware with the same features as the HD200. The HD100 has USB ports, and the server-less functionality is purely a software issue. The only things that can't be duplicated are updated performance due to the assumed new chip, and faster firmware upgrades.

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by reggie14

That doesn't mean Sage can't release updated HD100 firmware with the same features as the HD200.

Of course.

The HD100 has USB ports, and the server-less functionality is purely a software issue. The only things that can't be duplicated are updated performance due to the assumed new chip, and faster firmware upgrades.

The standalone mode thing might be horsepower related too though. The HD100 just "feels" kind of maxed out without having to run the server/core code natively. While technically capable, the HD100 might not have satsifactory performance for that (just speculating here).

[Ken C]

Made it to Engadget,

http://www.engadget.com/

[Opus4]

Note: I've updated the first post here & the extender FAQ with a link to the downloadable PDF manual for the HD200:

SageTV_HD200_Manual.pdf (Right click & choose "Save Target As...")

- Andy

[Brent]

Originally Posted by mightyt

Anyone think the new extender would work well with a Wireless-N Bridge?

Based on what I know, I think it is very likely it will support a Wireless N bridge (its similar to some other media player devices that can do this) but I would think it would require a firmware update by SageTV to enable this. I agree it is something they should do.

Originally Posted by LehighBri

Any word on if the new extender can do true online video/audio from places such as hulu, netflix, or pandora?

I haven't heard anything that would lead me to believe any of these are built-in as of yet. If SageTV does this it will be a very big announcement and the world will know about it I would think...

Originally Posted by Mitch G

Interesting. It's a Sage-capable network media tank. I think this is a very good move product-wise.
One question I have, though, is whether or not the user interface is customizable ala SageMC, etc.
Mitch

Yes, the UI is customizable just like the HD100. As said by SageTV folks, it looks like it can do everything the HD100 can plus:

• Faster CPU
• More Memory
• Active USB ports
• Stand-alone mode
• Smaller form factor
• No buttons on front of unit

As said many times, this isn't a huge change from the already very excellent HD100 extender. It is more of an evolutionary change with several nice-to-have improvements all for the same price as the slower, slightly less functional HD100. I think it's a no-brainer for those who have been clamoring to get the extenders in stock and it likely adds enough to push a few on the fence about purchasing to buy it now as well.

[Brent]

I have a question for the SageTV guys that I'm not sure has been answered.

When should these ship for those that have ordered already?

[ace007]

I'm in for one... I've only been using Sage for about 6 months with the server hooked to my projector and a Media MVP in my bedroom on the standard def TV. The only piece I was missing was a HD extender for the 40' HD TV in the living room.

Wish I could have afforded the money for 2. I stresses the heck out of the server to play HD recordings from itself. I cannot even set the resolution to full 1080p or it stutters like crazy.

[jmv]

ok, got my order in for 2...I'll have a hybrid network with 1 HD100, 2 HD200, and 3~4 client PC's.

[OldPCGUY]

Well I just ordered 2 after waiting for 3 months. Sage exceeded my expectations by saying the media server would be available in December and then making it available on DEC 1!!

Sage delivered on their promise and the new Box is not that big of a change so I hope there are not any unpleasant suprises.

[LehighBri]

Ditto on Brent's question around when can we expect these to be shipped if we ordered one today.

Also, Opus, can we get any additional detail around the chipset that was used in the new extender? Would be great to compare against the older extender in terms of CPU speed, etc.

[Opus4]

Due to the high volume of orders, I'm guessing that it may take a couple days to get all the orders out the door. I think tracking numbers go out when they get shipped, but I'm not involved with that.

- Andy

[valnar]

I just read the manual. I hate to complain, but since I already have a couple of the older models, I will.

It doesn't look like a hardware refresh at all. 'About the same capability as the old one.

[OldPCGUY]

Here is what the manual says

"When used as a stand alone player, the HD Theater just needs access to media either on a PC on the local network, on a network-attached storage (NAS) device on the local network, or on a storage device connected to the HD Theater. It can also access online content with an Internet connection."

So this offers some interesting options

It also makes it an indepandant Media Server for the general Market Place.

[briands]

Originally Posted by Opus4

If the IR port were on the back, there would be a problem using the remote with it... but maybe I missed the point on that one.

That reminds me: I didn't see a picture of it, so I should mention the remote is the same.

- Andy

I would think you could do a bottom edge that would receive either from the front or below. Then you could stick it to the back of your TV with just the edge peeking out and still control it.

[iammike]

In for two here. I've been waiting for HD extenders to become available again for quiet some time. Other than some issues with certain mkv files, the HD100 is my most reliable client. Hopefully this new model will exercise the mkv demons.

[Brent]

Originally Posted by valnar

It doesn't look like a hardware refresh at all. 'About the same capability as the old one.

Very much like the old HD100 except for:

• Snappier UI
• Faster firmware upgrades
• Faster CPU
• More Memory
• Active USB ports
• Stand-alone mode
• Smaller form factor
• No buttons on front of unit

For the same price. It has to be based on a little different sigma chip then the HD100 or the above wouldn't be possible right... So I would say yes it is an evolutionary change to the HD100 with slightly better hardware at the same price.