Ultimate SageTV Software Server Build?

[ChaOConnor]

Hello All! Longtime reader, first time poster...

I've been trying to eliminate my cable bill, or at the very least reduce it meaningfully. In light of that, I’ve decided to go w/ SageTV plus the new Extender. I’ve already upgraded my PC w/ more ram, storage, installed an HVR-2250 and an old PVR-350 I had. I’ve been ripping all my old DVDs to the new storage solution, I have Live TV now, and I am going to swap my DVD-R drive for a new BluRay one shortly.

I guess, my question is this, what’s the best software build for SageTV? This will be 99.9% a SageTV server, so what’s the most optimized way to set it up?
Vista, XP, or even Linux?
What are the best codecs to install? Should I put my PowerDVD codec on or let Sage handle it?

I was thinking of documenting all of this and then building a step by step instructions. Kind of like how HowToForge does an “Ultimate” desktop build for new Linux Distros. But unfortunately I don’t know what everyone has found to be the best.

Anyway, appreciate any insight you may have, thanks for taking the time to read this!

[mayamaniac]

As with many posts before asking for hardware configurations for SageTV, you have to list what your needs are. For example:

How many tuners you want, SD or HD?
How much storage you require?
How many TVs you want connect to it?
And what are your sources, cable, OTA, or Satellite?

And you seem to want to have this server to be your playback device also, have you considered the HD extenders?

[ChaOConnor]

Thanks for the reply! I'm sorry for the confusion, I already have the hardware worked out and I am purchasing the HD Extender. My question was more about the software build that SageTV will go on. I have the server done, tuners and all and I'm going to be feeding it to the HD Extender, so what I want to figure out now is the "Ultimate" OS Build for this sucker to run on. What codecs should I install or let SageTV handle it? etc.

[mayamaniac]

sorry, I misunderstood.

Although SageTV is available for Windows, Linux, OSX, it started out primary on Windows and development for the Windows version is always on higher priority base on the fact that the Windows version is always released first. Plus SageTV users on Windows out number Linux and OSX users.

I have tried SageTV on Windows XP, Windows 2003, and Windows Vista x64, it runs equally well on all Windows operating systems. If you use your server as a playback device, you might want to give Vista a try since the upcoming version of SageTV supports Vista's EVR for smoother playback.

[ChaOConnor]

Great, thank you! I'm thinking I'll stick with Vista. Would you recommend shutting down all of the Media Center services, etc.? I have Vista Ultimate. I'm also curious about the Windows 7 beta out there, seems like a lot of folks are really liking it.

[mayamaniac]

Yes, shut down the VMC services so they don't conflict with SageTV. Also, disable Vista's UAC before installing SageTV. I wouldn't run a beta OS for SageTV.

[gplasky]

Originally Posted by mayamaniac

I wouldn't run a beta OS for SageTV.

Not unless you're looking to get divorced.

Gerry

[S_M_E]

I ran Sage on WHS while it was in beta, it was fine. I prefer WHS for a Sage OS anyway...