I need help with my Masterplan!!!

[msurebel]

I’ve been thinking of the best configuration and setup of my home media system, including what I want it to be able to do, the equipment needed and what it will cost. Every time I think of a possible solution, it generates even more obstacles or questions. I would appreciate some input from you guys who have more experience with SageTV and media extenders

I have SageTV Media Center, which I have run on a Dual Xeon 933 with limited success, primarily due to getting my existing Dish Network receivers working properly with SageTV. I had constant problems with the codes and channel changing. When I first started using SageTV, I was only using 2 TV’s, but I now want to have all four of them utilizing some part of SageTV.

I only have one HD television, with the remaining 3 being old analog televisions that the kids will be using. I’m looking at going with Dish Network again; I have nothing now. Dish has an offer of 2 Duo722 DVR/Receivers to run all 4 televisions. I have two existing Dish receivers that I could use on the kids televisions, but they are the ones I had a hard time controlling. I would like to run at least one of the receivers thru SageTV to give me the ability to record anything I can’t get off OTA signals. Since the DVR/Receiver will be needed to run two of the televisions, or provide two sources to my primary television, how can I best set this up? OR would I be better off at getting individual receivers and let SageTV run it all? I just don’t want to spend a lot of money up front on receivers.

I plan on utilizing a NAS to store my recordings, but also plan to utilize the NAS as a backup of my NLE computer files, as well as archiving all of my DVD’s for viewing thru SageTV, either thru the Media Center or with the HD200. My NAS copy of DVD’s would be periodically backed up to a portable USB External drive. It would serve as a portable copy of my movies that can be used with the HD200, as well as a backup.

My current equipment is the follow;

Xeon Dual 933MHz Workstation (old and currently has MC on it)
2 Analog Media Extenders
NLE Computer Quad Core 3.0 MHz that could be utilized some.
61” Samsung HD (Primary Television)
37” Analog 4:3 television
2 – 19” Analog 4:3 television
Denon AVR3808CI at primary television
DVD/VHS at each television
Network throughout the home

One thing to keep in mind with your suggestions is to keep the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) affect as much as possible, since my wife and kids need to work it easily.

Appreciate any input, as well as obstacles you see in what I’m trying to do. I have considered going with Comcast, just to eliminate all the configuration with Sat Receivers, but I’ve always liked satellite better than cable.

[stanger89]

What IR blaster were/are you using?

[msurebel]

I used the one you guys recommended. I didn't have a problem of it sending the codes, but a problem with the number of characters per channel. IF I used 4, so that the latter channels for music etc could be used, the channels of 3 digit length would not read correctly. I've slept several months since I last tried it, so I don't remember all of the details, but it was the channel changing that caused me problems.