SageTV with ExpressVu HD

[jmouland]

Hey all,
I started out just lookign for a media server for my MP3's, Pictures and Movies. I came across SageTV, but it seems you are missing out alot if you don't use the DVR functionality in Sage correct?

I currently have a Bell Expressvu HD PVR, am I able to get the same funtionality with Sage? I would want to record HD feeds and send them to my HDTV just like my HDPVR does. Is this possible using Hauppauge or something? If I want to record 2 shows at the same time would I need two Hauppauge devices? Multiple video cards int he pc? Thanks in advance

Jeff

[TorontoSage]

I don't have the Bell PVR but I have the Rogers one. I am in the process of moving to the SageTV, using a couple of Rogers boxes (I'll keep the Rogers HD PVR since I already own it, but not use the PVR features on it, and use my second HD cable box) to feed the 2 Hauppauge HD PVRs which will feed a computer that will store the video, which I'll then watch on 5 SageTV HD200 Extenders around the house, connected to the HDTV's.

My main reasons for switching were I wanted an electronic programming guide that had more than the 7 days I get with Rogers, (I think Bell only has 9), better programming search functions, ability to automatically skip commercials, ability to back up my stored video in case the hard disk dies and and the ability to quickly copy stored video to my laptop or other devices for trips.

What I realize from this forum is that it is not all 'plug and play' but that once you get it all set up it really is a leap forward from the closed end and constrained world of cable/satellite canned solutions.

[jmouland]

Ok thanks for the reply so I surmise that ..

In order to get the same funtionality as my Dual Tuner HD PVR I would need 2 HD SATB's (199.00 each) and 2 Hauppauge HDPVRS (250.00 each) plus two video cards (???.?? each)

Expressvu HDPVR 499.00 Each

So is this correct id have to spend twice as much as an expressvu PVR for the ability to get a longer schedule and transport the files?
I must be missing somethign here

[TorontoSage]

Originally Posted by jmouland

Ok thanks for the reply so I surmise that ..

In order to get the same funtionality as my Dual Tuner HD PVR I would need 2 HD SATB's (199.00 each) and 2 Hauppauge HDPVRS (250.00 each) plus two video cards (???.?? each)

Expressvu HDPVR 499.00 Each

You don't need any extra video cards. You don't really need one if you decide to get a separate server (like a WHS server) except to install the operating system. If you have a video card on your existing computer, that's enough.

You don't need any expressvu HDPVR's. You just need a source for the signals, which can be 2 HD satellite boxes or even an Over-The-Air (OTA - the HD and SD signals are free) antenna. I just mentioned my Rogers HD PVR because I already own it, so I am going to use that, along with the regular HD cable box I own, instead of buying another regular HD cable box. I just won't use the PVR feature on it. I am not using an OTA because the specialty HD channels are not broadcast OTA.

So it's 2x$250 each for the HD PVR's (there are better deals - I got mine on sale at Dell last week for $172 each), $80 for the SageTV media software (that you need to run on the computer to record the video streams), and then you need client PCs or SageTV HD200 extenders (they're connected to HDTV one one end and to the computer that stores the video via ethernet cable on the other end) unless you just connect the main PC to an HDTV. So that's $580 USD (plus tax/shipping) minimum plus $200 minimum per TV if you go the extender route.

Originally Posted by jmouland

So is this correct id have to spend twice as much as an expressvu PVR for the ability to get a longer schedule and transport the files?
I must be missing somethign here

It looks like you have missed all of the advantages I listed in my reply to you:

'electronic programming guide that had more than the 7 days I get with Rogers, (I think Bell only has 9), better programming search functions, ability to automatically skip commercials, ability to back up my stored video in case the hard disk dies and and the ability to quickly copy stored video to my laptop or other devices for trips.'

I didn't mention placeshifting, which allows you to watch the programs recorded at home when you are in another location by connecting via the internet to your home pc (they may be programs not available where you are, or programs recorded after you left your home, etc.)

Judging by your response, maybe SageTV is not for you. I suggest you take a good look at some of the threads on here and read about what people like about SageTV. Maybe the best way to answer your last comment is first to ask you "Why are you unhappy with your Bell Expressvu HD PVR?".

[jmouland]

Thank you for the quick reponse

The two SATB's I was referring too weren't PVR's just the regular HD recievers. I would need two I assume in order to record two programs simultaneously

Unfortunately I am not able to get any OTA HD content where I live

I forgot that the Hauppauge HD PVR's connect by USB so the new for two Video Cards was definately incorrect

I am not unhappy with my Bell HDPVR, but I am building a new home and while investigating media sharing options (MP3's, AVI's) I came across SageTV. It seemed like a possible alternative to my current setup, and maybe a more cost feasible means to share recorded video to multiple rooms.

From what I am gathering it wouldn't be cheaper than buying a 399 dollar PVR that has two tuners in it but it would gain alot of funtionality and flexability.

So I guess the decision is whether the added features are wortht he extra money?

[TorontoSage]

Originally Posted by jmouland

So I guess the decision is whether the added features are wortht he extra money?

Yup. And remember this isn't plug and play. You have to load software on a computer, set up client pc's or extenders, possibly set up a server, etc etc. So, the extra features have to be worth the cost and have to be worth the tweaking you have to do (on an ongoing basis).

It is definitely worth it for me, but it isn't for everyone...

[wayner]

The other advantage to Sage, that I don't think you have with Bell, is a whole home solution that only requires network cabling to all rooms in your house where you want TV. Just put a Sage HD extender by every TV and you have ALL of your content available at ANY room in your house. It could allow you to economize on the satellite boxes you need - i.e. put together a server with 2 HD satellite boxes and 2 HD PVRs. As long as you will never need more than two shows then you don't need any more satellite boxes in your house. You may want to throw in another SD satellite box and SD tuner just in case. The only downside to this setup is that channel surfing is kind of slow but there is no reason to channel surf when you just record anything that you want to watch.