Planning for HD w/DirecTV

[etrigan63]

Hey gang. I currently have SageTV on my Windows Home Server connected to a D11 DirecTV settop box controlled via serial cable. I want to upgrade that setup to HD. I know I have to get the Hauppauge HD-PVR box, but what DirecTV settop box do I need? Can I still control it with the serial cable? Any and all tips will be appreciated.

[Beefcake550]

do some searches...it will answer your questions in more detail...

DirecTV will send you a new HD receiver...msot likely an H2x model (21, 23).

Yes, you can control them with serial, but you'll need to get a usb->serial converter for the DirecTV end sicne they went to USB ports.

Save yourself a headache and get an HD200 while you're at it. I've had a heck of a time getting things playing back perfectly, and my HD200 accomplished in 30 seconds (how long it took to setup) what took me 4-5 months.

-B

[etrigan63]

I use that converter already. So the HD-PVR connects to SageTV via USB? If so then it will be possible for me to eventually move my WHS Media Server to a rackmount chassis.

[Beefcake550]

Definitely. I have a Vista box (server machine) sitting in the basement. It usually doesn't even have a video card, keyboard, or mouse attached.

I ran WHS for a while. I left it because I couldn't control what files went where and the "balancing" algorithm kept putting everything on the same physical drive for me. YMMV.

-Brian