WHS and SageTV (yet another question)

[j_p_a]

Okay, I've tried every search I can think of with no success, so I'll post a quick question. I have a WHS that I'm using to backup my DVD's Blu-Ray discs etc., but now I want to be able to play them (novel idea, right ). However, my WHS is relatively close to my TV (in another room), and it has an HDMI port. So I would like to just run an HDMI cable to my AV receiver and play my media from my WHS directly to my home theater without adding anymore hardware . Is SageTV the answer? Does it provide a front end that is compatible with WHS? I realize I would also have to have a remote with an IR repeater or something like that.

[S_M_E]

Originally Posted by j_p_a

Okay, I've tried every search I can think of with no success, so I'll post a quick question. I have a WHS that I'm using to backup my DVD's Blu-Ray discs etc., but now I want to be able to play them (novel idea, right ). However, my WHS is relatively close to my TV (in another room), and it has an HDMI port. So I would like to just run an HDMI cable to my AV receiver and play my media from my WHS directly to my home theater without adding anymore hardware . Is SageTV the answer? Does it provide a front end that is compatible with WHS? I realize I would also have to have a remote with an IR repeater or something like that.

As you know, WHS is meant to be ran headless, you're not supposed to use it as a desktop. It does have a GUI that will run on WHS, assuming that you install of the required SW but, since it's not a desktop it might also require other tweaks that would affect performance. Personally, I wouldn't do it but you certainly could try it. Most WHS+Sage users run extenders to the TV or other clients.

EDIT:
It also depends on how you have your BR/DVD disks ripped...

[j_p_a]

Originally Posted by S_M_E

As you know, WHS is meant to be ran headless, you're not supposed to use it as a desktop. It does have a GUI that will run on WHS, assuming that you install of the required SW but, since it's not a desktop it might also require other tweaks that would affect performance. Personally, I wouldn't do it but you certainly could try it. Most WHS+Sage users run extenders to the TV or other clients.

EDIT:
It also depends on how you have your BR/DVD disks ripped...

I don't suppose you have any details concerning what type of performance hit it would cause or why sort of tweaks you have in mind? Not knowing anymore about it, I can't think of what would be affected by running a program like SageTV if the mobo and/or video card have drivers for WHS? It's certainly not worth breaking my WHS install, but if it will work I'd sure like to try it.

[dealsdyker]

it does require a *little* tweaking... look here. If you find a better codec than I used Please reply to the thread and PM me.

[j_p_a]

Originally Posted by dealsdyker

it does require a *little* tweaking... look here. If you find a better codec than I used Please reply to the thread and PM me.

Thanks for the link. I downloaded the SageTV trial and installed it. So far, no luck. Installed fine, but I'm getting an error about failure to render the audio or some jazz like that. As your post said, I would guess it's a codec issue. I have ffdshow installed, but there's seemingly endless tweaks.

[S_M_E]

Originally Posted by j_p_a

I don't suppose you have any details concerning what type of performance hit it would cause or why sort of tweaks you have in mind? Not knowing anymore about it, I can't think of what would be affected by running a program like SageTV if the mobo and/or video card have drivers for WHS? It's certainly not worth breaking my WHS install, but if it will work I'd sure like to try it.

Java 1.6, dx9, codecs, decoders, and drivers, of course. Also, since WHS is a server, desktop performance may suffer. If you tweak the OS settings to make desktop performance better then server performance could suffer.

[dealsdyker]

gotta download and install directx 9 too.

[SWKerr]

I have a pretty good video card in mine and it will play all of my DVD and BluRay rips. You could use Total Media Extreme if that is all you want but you can also do it in Sage with a little setup work.

[Beefcake550]

I'd say forget the headache and get an HD200 extender while running SageTV on the WHS. If you don't need PVR capabilities, then just get the HD200 and forget about SageTV.

-Brian

[j_p_a]

Originally Posted by Beefcake550

I'd say forget the headache and get an HD200 extender while running SageTV on the WHS. If you don't need PVR capabilities, then just get the HD200 and forget about SageTV.

-Brian

Headache doesn't even begin to describe the pain involved with playing a simple DVD rip.......

I guess I'm just being stubborn. I have so much hardware under my TV now, that I hate to add anything else. I've got the 360, the PS3, the wii, the cable set top box, and the router. With all of those flashing lights I almost expect a plane to try to land in my living room one day. But the way things are going now, I may have to break down and by an extender as you've suggested.

[toony]

Originally Posted by j_p_a

Headache doesn't even begin to describe the pain involved with playing a simple DVD rip.......

I guess I'm just being stubborn. I have so much hardware under my TV now, that I hate to add anything else. I've got the 360, the PS3, the wii, the cable set top box, and the router. With all of those flashing lights I almost expect a plane to try to land in my living room one day. But the way things are going now, I may have to break down and by an extender as you've suggested.

LOL... get the HD200, it will blow your mind, best thing I have purchased in ages.

[S_M_E]

Originally Posted by j_p_a

But the way things are going now, I may have to break down and by an extender as you've suggested.

If you do use an extender, you can move the WHS into a closet or hide it someplace else. I keep mine in the garage and use a Sage client in the house. No performance issues that way either...