understanding SageTV 2.0 features

[rak306]

Is there a manual for 2.0? I don't get how to use it. I have been using 1.4 for a few weeks (which I like) and just started using 2.0 for the OSD on the PVR350. I can get it to work, but I don't know what it's supposed to do. Is these a feature list, description of how things work, or do you just play with it until you discover what it does? Then guess which behaviors are features and which are bugs.

Also, in reading through the threads on this forum, I get the impression most like it vs 1.4. I like that it has good control from the OSD, but I think:

1) The OSD font is way too small for most TVs, and very hard to read. It also has too much info.

2) When channel surfing, all I really want is the channel and name of program, on the display (like 1.4). Then if you want more info, press a (single) button to get it.

3) Too many menues, not enough single (remote control) button commands.

4) There does not appear to be a "swap", to toggle between 2 channels. I realize that most want this as a TIVO, but you also want it to function as a TV when you are not recording.

5) Volume control/mute does not seem to work on the 350. Is this a hardware issue with the 350, a bug, or something wrong with my setup?

Thanks in advance for your comments.

Rick

[stanger89]

I tackle what I can.

1) 2) Not sure what to tell ya, I haven't seen any other complaints lately, and except for bugs, 2.0 is feature locked for release. If you want it changed submit it as a feature request an maybe it will happen in the next release.

3) Well, for remote buttons, I'm not sure what you want, there are commands to get to most of the highly used Sage areas, TV, Guide, Library, etc. However some/many of them may not be mapped to anything by default.

4) I believe the Previous Channel command does this, it swaps between the last two files played, which could be the last two channels or a channel/recording or recording/recording.

5) I'll leave that for someone with a 350.

[Opus4]

Originally posted by rak306
Is there a manual for 2.0?

Not yet... you'll probably have to wait until it is released for a full manual.

4) There does not appear to be a "swap", to toggle between 2 channels. I realize that most want this as a TIVO, but you also want it to function as a TV when you are not recording.

Use the Previous Channel command, which is not mapped to a remote button by default. (I'm not even sure if it is give a default keystroke.)

- Andy

[rak306]

This is not a product yet, just beta, so my "attitude" was out of line, but even for 1.4, there are a lot of stumbling blocks one encounters that I haven't seen mentioned. e.g. when using the client, it must remain the "active window" or the Haup remote won't function. You must disable windows "power off" in the screen saver, etc.

For the initial user (that is me), there needs to be an area where one can go to find the most common user setup problems. The FAQ area looks pretty basic.

I'm trying to determine oif this product is stable enough, and functional enough for the wife (and me). So far there have been many "issues", most have been my doing, its hard to determine what is broke, and what just isn't there.

Does 2.0 work like 1.4, same commands just different user interface? So the commands can be mapped to the remote. If not is there a list of commands and key functions?

The best thing is the forums section. You people are absolutely great in both knowledge and help.


Thanks again,

Rick

[Opus4]

Originally posted by rak306
there are a lot of stumbling blocks one encounters that I haven't seen mentioned. e.g. when using the client, it must remain the "active window" or the Haup remote won't function.

Technically, this is a function of the Hauppauge remote's software, as it simply sends the keystrokes to the active window. Use Girder if you wish to specify which window is to receive a command.

For the initial user (that is me), there needs to be an area where one can go to find the most common user setup problems. The FAQ area looks pretty basic.

I've been trying to get people more involved in extending the FAQ thread.

Does 2.0 work like 1.4, same commands just different user interface? So the commands can be mapped to the remote. If not is there a list of commands and key functions?

Most of the commands are the same, though there are a few new ones. This hasn't been added to the FAQ list yet, so simply search the forums for a list of commands. Or, do to Detailed Setup -> Commands -> Link... and scroll through the list.

- Andy

[turak]

Originally posted by rak306
when using the client, it must remain the "active window" or the Haup remote won't function.

If you don't mind spending more $$ on your sagetv setup, you can purchase a USB-UIRT. With the UIRT you can use any remote you want (I use tivo remotes) and the window doesn't have to remain active. The down side to this that the UIRT is way over priced.

USB-UIRT - $50 (+$12.82 second day shipping)
Tivo Remote - $34.99 (+$10.84 second day shipping)
Total: $84.99 ($108.65)


That's alot of money just for a decent remote control.

[rak306]

Opus4 wrote:
" Most of the commands are the same, though there are a few new ones. This hasn't been added to the FAQ list yet, so simply search the forums for a list of commands. Or, do to Detailed Setup -> Commands -> Link... and scroll through the list."

Thank you Andy, this is most helpfull. I totally skipped this menu, thinking it only applied to external remotes like Girder. or USB-UIRT.

My main point is that regardless of what hardware you use (and ther are a lot of combinations), there are going to be a lot of gotghas. Most (hopefully) will have workarounds. But if the FAQs covered the main setup issues (e.g. setup separate partition for you video, partition with 64k block size,...,...). This would make it a lot easier.

From the sounds of it I'm preaching to the quire.

Rick

[rak306]

>From the sounds of it I'm preaching to the quire.<


I meant Choir!! (engineers can't spell)

Rick

[stanger89]

Originally posted by rak306
>From the sounds of it I'm preaching to the quire.<


I meant Choir!! (engineers can't spell)

Rick

That's funny, I just got out of a class/presentation (Electrical Engineering) where it was mentioned that most engineers can't write.

We could probably add a lot more info to the FAQ though.

[Opus4]

Originally posted by stanger89
We could probably add a lot more info to the FAQ though.

OK, everyone go add suggestions for what should be in the forum's FAQ: Just the FAQs: how about some updates?

Oh... and I couldn't resist becoming an 'official' forum member with the requisite style of avatar...

- Andy

[Watter]

Originally posted by rak306
1) The OSD font is way too small for most TVs, and very hard to read. It also has too much info.

I'm using a the OSD through a PVR350 as well and completely agree with the font issue (although not the "too much info" part). This wasn't a problem before the .14 version but since then the font on many screens is no more than a single pixel wide and has almost no spacing. It's extremely difficult to read.

-Watter

[kny3twalker]

you can disable window screen saver in the property file in the SageTv folder
you do not have to turn off the windows screensaver itself
whenever you sleep Sage and walk away
windows screensaver will kick in when you have it set for
but not in SageTV
I also think there is too much info in the screen
When I change the volume thats all I want to see not everything
even Snapstream does that
Sorry did not mean to say the SS word
hopefully studio will be released with version 2 since it is feature locked!

[stanger89]

I have this feeling that Studio will go beta when 2.0 goes gold, but that's just a feeling. Maybe we'll get a MediaMVP client beta then too, that would be cool.

[kny3twalker]

yeah I was just kidding but the smiley I added did not appear




there we go

[BigGator]

Opus,
you inspired me..
Just changed my avatar as well.
"-)