Want to use my current CPU as SageTV box

[landale]

I'm new to this whole sagetv thing but it all seems like a better option then my replaytv, especially the fact I can use two tuners. So I guess I am just looking for some advice here on if I can do what I want to do and how I should do it. What I'd like to do is use my everyday desktop computer as a two tuner sagetv box(it's a p4 2.4ghz, 512mb ram, 2x 120gb HD), while still keeping it fully functional as a windows desktop. my video card already has svideo out, but what would I do about the sound output because I assume I can't output the sagetv sound to my tv while still outputting the windows sound to my computer speakers. The PVR-350 seems to look good for doing a lot of this but it also looks like it doesn't play well in a multi-tuner system. So what do you guys think would be the best solution for me with what I am trying to do, which is essentially take my current computer and kinda give it background functionality as a two tuner sagetv box.

[stanger89]

This would probably work:

2x PVR 250s
1x new soundcard (or onboard if you're not using it)

Then just set Sage to use the soundcard you aren't using for Windows sounds, and you should get Sage audio from one SC and Windows from the other.

Another option would be to put SageTV on your desktop and run it as a server and then build a small client to put next to your TV.

[landale]

that sounds like it could work but it sucks having to fill 3 pci slots to do it. is anyone else using their computer like this or does everyone just do sagetv with a dedicated box.

[stanger89]

You don't actually need the extra soundcard, you only need it if you want the Sage audio to go somewhere different than the Windows sounds. You could always get PVR USB2s, those don't take PCI slots but their more expensive.

A lot of us have either a dedicated HTPC (with Sage) or have a dedicated client next to the display.

[carlgar]

Originally posted by landale
that sounds like it could work but it sucks having to fill 3 pci slots to do it. is anyone else using their computer like this or does everyone just do sagetv with a dedicated box.

I use my server as a working computer without problems. I was using what is now my client computer as a working computer before I got the newer system. I believe my average usage with 2 250's on the client system was about 25%. My current usage with 2 recordings going and watching one on the server is between 18% and 24%. I used the sound that came on the motherboard without any problems on both systems.