Help me go Sage (new user hardware help)

[bastage]

So in an attempt to drop my tivo hd's & the cost of cablecards as well as some of my unused channels I am trying to convert my household.

What I have for TV's is 2x HDTV's, & 2 older Analog sets. Currently the Tivo's are connected to the HDTV's & the analog sets are just getting basic cable (no cable box required here). Ethernet is already ran to all TV locations so no wireless junk needed.

I Would like to install sage on my WHS that is a Dual Core Atom with 2gb ram (will be back to 4 when I get an RMA completed with corsair). The one & only PCI slot in the system is Occupied with a SATA controller card.

So here is what I am having problems with.. I Need a Tuner (will need a minimum of 2 tuners total) that will get both ClearQAM, as well as Analog Cable & it has to connect via USB or Ethernet. I Was all set to get a HDHomeRun, until I realized it would not get the Analog Cable. So can someone recommend something that doesn't require a new motherboard & CPU?

[jsin]

You could try WinTV-HVR-1950 from Hauppauge; I've never used this model but I've been fairly happy with other Hauppauge devices so far. HDHomeRun is also a good choice. I have couple of HDHomeRun as well as several Hauppauge devices.

The real reason I'm replying, is to let you know that in my opinion, you really want a fairly decent processor(s) for your SageTV server. When you have multiple recordings *and* multiple viewings, you can never go wrong with having extra CPU horsepower. Especially true, if you are also running something like comskip to remove commercials on your server. You'll know when you are running out of CPU power; your recordings will be intermittently drop out and your viewing experience will be choppy.

Good luck and welcome to SageTV!

[bastage]

The WinTV-HVR-1950 is a possibility, but the HDHomeRun is not. It will not do analog cable.

Edit: anyone have any experience with the WinTV-HVR-950Q. Seems like it does the same as the 1950, but doesnt have a hardware decoder? How much of a performance impact will that make?

[jsin]

Originally Posted by bastage

The WinTV-HVR-1950 is a possibility, but the HDHomeRun is not. It will not do analog cable.

Yes I knew it doesn't do analog cable - what I meant was it's a good device for over-the-air-HD or clearQAM and you can get it in addition to WinTV-HVR-1950 for recording multiple channels.

I currently use WinTV-HVR-1600 (Analog+ClearQAM), WinTV-HVR-1800 (Analog+ClearQAM), 2xHDHomeRuns (ClearQAM), and HD-PVR (Cable Box). I don't recall recording more than 4 shows at a time, though, but I like having extra for "just in case".

[Fuzzy]

Honestly, I wouldn't recommend bothering with ClearQAM (and certainly not analog). Most likely, it won't be getting you much more than what you could get over the air for much longer, and the over the air stuff they DO carry on ClearQAM, is most likely recompressed. You'd probably be much happier getting an HDHomeRun with an antenna, and an HD-PVR with a single HD STB from the cable co. The HDHomeRun will be able to get two, full quality HD locals at a time, and the HD-PVR will be able to get anything else your cable carries. The nice thing is, a single cable tuner will usually get you most everything you need, as cable stations are usually airing a LOT of repeats through the week, minimizing potential conflicts.

[bastage]

My Cable Co (CableOne) is way behind in everything.. The analog cable is part of my package & they have no plans of phasing it out. & There are several programs that require cable that we are only getting in SD now anyway. So there is no advantage of a STB over just using an analog cable tuner. & Due to my Physical Location an OTA Antenna is not going to get me even all my Locals in HD without being large enough to need Approval from my HOA.

So please. Are there any tuners that would work well for my purposes.

[Fuzzy]

Originally Posted by bastage

My Cable Co (CableOne) is way behind in everything.. The analog cable is part of my package & they have no plans of phasing it out. & There are several programs that require cable that we are only getting in SD now anyway. So there is no advantage of a STB over just using an analog cable tuner. & Due to my Physical Location an OTA Antenna is not going to get me even all my Locals in HD without being large enough to need Approval from my HOA.

So please. Are there any tuners that would work well for my purposes.

I don't believe the HOA can impose limits on OTA antenna's... you're probably only about 25 miles from the towers, and they'd all be in the same direction. A decent directional antenna would probably pick them up just fine. (more specifically, i believe the HOA has to file a request with the FCC to be able to prohibit OTA antenna use)

[DigitalMan]

Originally Posted by Fuzzy

I don't believe the HOA can impose limits on OTA antenna's... you're probably only about 25 miles from the towers, and they'd all be in the same direction. A decent directional antenna would probably pick them up just fine. (more specifically, i believe the HOA has to file a request with the FCC to be able to prohibit OTA antenna use)

To add more detail, last time I checked, the FCC covers an antenna 1M in diameter or less and it may be possible the HOA has SOME say in placement, unless perhaps there is only 1 place you can put it to get a clear signal.

[Fuzzy]

Reception shouldn't be a problem anywhere around Kuna. The area as a whole is so flat, and I'm betting on a clear day you could see the the towers on the peak. (tvfool even classifies them as workable with an indoor set-top style antenna).

[bastage]

I Dont really care how its classified.. I Care that it doesnt work well for anyone in the area.

I Dont know how to be any more clear here, BUT I AM NOT GOING OTA. There are too many shows that we are not willing to give up & Hulu will not cut it. The only other option is to torrent them & I am fairly sure that even the network shows thats not legal.

[KeithAbbott]

Originally Posted by bastage

The WinTV-HVR-1950 is a possibility, but the HDHomeRun is not. It will not do analog cable.

Edit: anyone have any experience with the WinTV-HVR-950Q. Seems like it does the same as the 1950, but doesnt have a hardware decoder? How much of a performance impact will that make?

Well, seems like you've got your best options defined here, I do not use either the 950 or the 1950, but I do use several 2250s. I would definately spend the extra $50 and get the hardware encoding, particularly if you are using an Atom processor.

[pjpjpjpj]

I am a Tivo convert as well, and I think you will find, once you jump to Sage, that you will want more than two tuners. Probably at least three (in case you and another are both watching "live" on two TVs and you want to record one other thing at the same time). So look around for an analog USB tuner. I don't know all the model #s (I don't have any analog myself) but there is a list of compatible tuners on the Sage site (http://www.sagetv.com/requirements.html?sageSub=tv). Pick one or two of those and you will be set for analog. As far as QAM, the HDHR does this, it's a network device, and it also leaves open the option for OTA, should you change your mind. The dual tuner version of the HDHR comes with a splitter, you can split your cable into it and have two more tuners of QAM available.

[bastage]

Originally Posted by KeithAbbott

Well, seems like you've got your best options defined here, I do not use either the 950 or the 1950, but I do use several 2250s. I would definately spend the extra $50 and get the hardware encoding, particularly if you are using an Atom processor.

I Do Believe that you are right.. Now its jsut a matter of deciding to get the 1950's since there USB, or replace the Mobo & CPU so that I can use the slightly cheaper 2250's

Originally Posted by pjpjpjpj

I am a Tivo convert as well, and I think you will find, once you jump to Sage, that you will want more than two tuners. Probably at least three (in case you and another are both watching "live" on two TVs and you want to record one other thing at the same time). So look around for an analog USB tuner. I don't know all the model #s (I don't have any analog myself) but there is a list of compatible tuners on the Sage site (http://www.sagetv.com/requirements.html?sageSub=tv). Pick one or two of those and you will be set for analog. As far as QAM, the HDHR does this, it's a network device, and it also leaves open the option for OTA, should you change your mind. The dual tuner version of the HDHR comes with a splitter, you can split your cable into it and have two more tuners of QAM available.

This post made me giggle, Specifically the part about watching "live" tv.. The only one in my house that watches live at all is my 4 year old daughter. Neither me nor my wife can stomach commercials at all anymore. We haven't had to watch TV without a DVR in over 5 years. & Yea I Do believe that I will want more then 2 tuners, but I believe that to be the minimum I can get by with.

[KeithAbbott]

Originally Posted by bastage

I Do Believe that you are right.. Now its jsut a matter of deciding to get the 1950's since there USB, or replace the Mobo & CPU so that I can use the slightly cheaper 2250's

Well, if swapping the motherboard is also an option, your choices have just expanded greatly. I would suggest taking the approach that I did when I first looked into sage, read thru the previous postings in this forum about what has worked (and not worked) for others, and decide which approach makes the most sense for your situation.

[wayner]

Originally Posted by Fuzzy

The nice thing is, a single cable tuner will usually get you most everything you need, as cable stations are usually airing a LOT of repeats through the week, minimizing potential conflicts.

That depends on what you want to watch. I watch lots of sports, especially basketball and hockey. For that you will likely need multiple cable boxes and tuners since most games of this sort are only on cable stations and even if they are showed on a delayed basis that doesn't help you much.

[bastage]

Originally Posted by KeithAbbott

Well, if swapping the motherboard is also an option, your choices have just expanded greatly. I would suggest taking the approach that I did when I first looked into sage, read thru the previous postings in this forum about what has worked (and not worked) for others, and decide which approach makes the most sense for your situation.

which is why I am considering it. I have always preferred to have an internal card as to a USB device whenever possible & especially since I would be in need of more then one device. I have been contemplating this mobo & CPU, but that adds 150 bucks to whats needed. Setting that up in the living room with a pair of 2250's & then use the sage extenders for the other rooms (2 of the others anyway) would make it fairly clean, But total investment would be approaching 800 bucks including the sage software my wife isnt exactly good with that ideal.

Originally Posted by wayner

That depends on what you want to watch. I watch lots of sports, especially basketball and hockey. For that you will likely need multiple cable boxes and tuners since most games of this sort are only on cable stations and even if they are showed on a delayed basis that doesn't help you much.

thats the same thing with me.. Syfy, Spike, FX, & TLC all have shows that we watch weekly. & I Quite frankly dont have the bandwidth to support streaming them all without getting yelled at by my cable co (they complain about what I use as it is since its a rural area & were on an OLD docsis 2 network)

[JetreL]

Originally Posted by bastage

But total investment would be approaching 800 bucks including the sage software my wife isnt exactly good with that ideal.

WAF is important but you'll find getting started in this hobby can be a bit expensive but I can tell you the functionality and results are well worth it.

Originally Posted by bastage

Syfy, Spike, FX, & TLC all have shows that we watch weekly. I ..snip.. don't have the bandwidth to support streaming

Since OTA and streaming are out that certainly limits your options. You are going to have to go with a device that will take input from your cable box. If you want to do HD then you will need the HD-PVR, if you are doing SD a HVR-1600 or similar device will be needed.

[bastage]

Originally Posted by JetreL

WAF is important but you'll find getting started in this hobby can be a bit expensive but I can tell you the functionality and results are well worth it.


Since OTA and streaming are out that certainly limits your options. You are going to have to go with a device that will take input from your cable box. If you want to do HD then you will need the HD-PVR, if you are doing SD a HVR-1600 or similar device will be needed.

Yea the wife is happy with the Tivo HD's, But we are trying to make a good sized impact on our bills. & at 800 bucks thats 16 months to break even, so its just a matter of selling it to her.

& There will be NO cable box. I am not sure why there would be a need for the HD-PVR at all. All I need is the Locals in HD (through ClearQam) & everything else will be SD from analog cable.

[madpoet]

As long as you can get ClearQAM locals Comcast puts a filter on the HD locals unless you have a box in my area.

[bastage]

Originally Posted by madpoet

As long as you can get ClearQAM locals Comcast puts a filter on the HD locals unless you have a box in my area.

Dont they have to provide them via ClearQAM per the FCC?