SageTV reinstall on new server advice please

[pvr599]

Hi guys,
Here I am again stating a new thread needing advice on how to get Sage back up and running fast on a brand new server. Here is a little background.

My current setup has PVR-150 and PVR-500. I have one tuner changing channels on a SD STB and the other coming straight from the wall. I recently found out that my cable company is going all digital. So, I am rebuilding completely to accommodate 2 HD STB's and 2 HDHR's. With some awesome help in the forums, I have the hardware ordered and it's on it's way.

I am getting 2 Colossus cards to record on 2 HDbox's
I have 1 HD100 (in the bedroom) and 1 HD200 (on the main TV) Headless server
I do plan on doing comskipping (which is working very well right now)


Now, the fun part. I have been using SageTV for around 5yrs and love it, but I do remember, when I first set this up, it being a serious PITA trying to get all the software, drivers and codec's I needed. Not to mention getting the USB-UIRT to change channels and all that stuff.

So the questions are, if you were starting from scratch with a brand new Win7 server, where would you start? What would you install first?

Do I need to install the WinTV software? I remember having to do this, is it necessary now?

What codec's should I use? I'll have to admit, I'm terrible at codec's.

Do I need specific/better drivers for 2 Colossus cards?

I'm going to stop here. I will have a ton more questions as this goes along. I would love to get a headstart on this now.

Thanks a ton in advance!!

[gplasky]

OS, service packs patches.


Device drivers

Copy your wiz.bin and drop it in place after you Sage install to keep your info like recording history, metadata, favorites, etc.

Shouldn't need the WinTV software unless you are going to use one of the IR blasters from Happague. And you'll only be able to use one of them. That's all the IR software supports. And you'll need to figure out which board has the functioning blaster.

Win 7 has all the codecs you need built in. (For the most part.)

You'll probably want to keep working with the latest beta drivers for Colossus and the latest beta of Sage 7.

I always disable UAC after the OS first boots. Less trouble from apps and srivers and installing in general.

Gerry

[pvr599]

Shouldn't need the WinTV software unless you are going to use one of the IR blasters from Happague. And you'll only be able to use one of them. That's all the IR software supports. And you'll need to figure out which board has the functioning blaster.

I plan to use the USB-UIRT. Does this apply to me? The new HD boxes are 4250HD. I hope the USB-UIRT will work with those. I've used lrnhelper a long time ago. Just have to relearn myself

You'll probably want to keep working with the latest beta drivers for Colossus and the latest beta of Sage 7.

So should I just get these off the Hauppage website? I always see reference to SHS's version.

I always disable UAC after the OS first boots. Less trouble from apps and srivers and installing in general.

These are great tips I can always use. I am going to be new to Windows 7 also.

[KeithAbbott]

For your headless server, you might want to consider installing Win 7 from a usb drive instead of a DVD drive. You can get software to copy the Win 7 install DVD to a usb drive from wintoflash.com. Even better if you can use the Win 7 SP1 DVD, saves some time having to upgrade to SP1. Going this route, I haven't found a need to have a DVD drive in my server...

[vividweb]

Setup a USB drive to install Windows 7 from instructions here http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/m.../dd535816.aspx Works well. I am in the process of rebuilding my Sage Server to a new i5 box.

[pvr599]

Thank guys for the tips, I will certainly think about installing Windows like that. Although, I'm more looking for advice on setting up a new Sage server after Windows has been installed. Anything you can think of for tips in that area would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again for the tips!

[KeithAbbott]

Originally Posted by pvr599

I do plan on doing comskipping (which is working very well right now)

fyi, comskip for files created by the Colossus will require the donator version of comskip...

Originally Posted by pvr599

What codec's should I use? I'll have to admit, I'm terrible at codec's.

I believe codec's are only required if you are using the SageTV client software. If you are using a headless server and HDx00 extenders, you should not need to deal with codecs.

[pvr599]

Thanks Keith, those are the things I'm looking for. I'll try and find that version of comskip and read up on it.

[doncote0]

1. If you put sage in it's own directory at the root level, you will forgo any UAC problems. C:\SageTV works great.

2. Windows 7 X64 (SP1) (but 32 bit java for Sage!!!)

3. If you want to go SSD, it will be easier to start with that setup than to upgrade a existing configured system to it.

4. Find the sagebackup utility and use it whenever you think, "wow it would sure suck if this didn't work".

5. Videoredo Suite V4

6. Donation version of comskip

7. EDA-FT08300 drop amp

[davephan]

The first choice for Windows 7 is 32-bit or 64-bit. I recommend 64-bit, which should work for everything except for firewire. If you want to build it fast, you'll also want to recover it fast. I recommend Acronis True Image 2011 or Ghost imaging, rather than using the Microsoft backup software. The recoveries are very reliable and quick using either product. I've used Microsoft backup software over the years and found recoveries sometime fail. Maybe Microsoft backup software has improved in recent years, but I would not trust it. During the build process, take periodic images. If you have problems during the build, you will not have to start over, just go back to the last image. After the build is complete, take periodic images. You're recoveries will be less than 30 minutes not hours or days. Store the images on hard drives, never DVDs. DVD based recoveries sometimes fail. Keep the C drive as small as possible within reason to reduce the image file sizes and increase the imaging speed.

The hardware should be a fast quad-core, about 3 gigs or more. Use at least 3 gigs of fast memory.

I also recommend using the USB-UIRT. I have had many problems with the Hauppauge IR, so I don't use it. You can control 3 set top boxes with one USB-UIRT. Many more set top boxes could be controlled if the set top boxes have different IR codes. The USB-UIRT will give to the freedom and flexibility to switch providers with different set top boxes when the try to jack up their rates. You don't want to be stuck with one content provider. If you can't get the USB-UIRT to work with the set top box, then you might be able to get it to work with a different remote control. I couldn't get my HD cable box to work with it's remote control. I had another remote control for an older cable box that also worked with the newer cable box and worked with the USB-UIRT. Keep the older remote if you have to turn in the old cable box, keep the old remote control in case you might need to reprogram the USB-UIRT in the future.

Use RealVNC for remote control. If you use Windows 7 64-bit, the free version will not work.

Configure Windows 7 for fastest performance in the control panel. The default setting slows down Windows 7.

I have a Crucial 128 gig SSD on my general purpose Windows 7 64-bit computer, it significantly boosts the speed and is well worth the cost. I plan to add one to the SageTV computer in the future.

I also recommend the Comskip donor version so you can process h.264 files. I don't recommend Showanalyzer, since the support seems to be gone unless that has changed in recent months.

Setup Sage Job Queue. I recommend version 3 rather than version 4. The GUI is better on version 3 (unless the version 4 GUI has been improved recently). You can selectively Comskip process only commercial channels and will not waste computer resources processing non-commercial channels. Dirmon2 might work too, but it isn't as flexible.

Set up with webserver software so you can so remote control SageTV with the web browser.

Redundancy for the video recordings will help protect your recordings. You can use RAID or automatic file copying with the free Syncback version. A separate unRAID server is another way you can backup the files and really grow your storage. Although if your storage increases too much, you'll never have the time to watch more than a tiny percentage of your recordings, but you won't have to delete files as often.

I also recommend Videoredo Suite. It is a great video editing program. It is best to run it on a separate computer. An SSD really speeds up the Videoredo editing.

Dave

[pvr599]

1. If you put sage in it's own directory at the root level, you will forgo any UAC problems. C:\SageTV works great.
2. Windows 7 X64 (SP1) (but 32 bit java for Sage!!!)

More great tips!!

3. If you want to go SSD, it will be easier to start with that setup than to upgrade a existing configured system to it

.
I can't really afford the SSD's now.

4. Find the sagebackup utility and use it whenever you think, "wow it would sure suck if this didn't work".

I gotcha on this one, I know that feeling.

5. Videoredo Suite V4

I've used Videoredo Suite in the past, but not with SageTV. I'm assuming I can set it up so that resaves after it deletes out all the commercials to save space? I'll check that out later on.

6. Donation version of comskip

I will check this out too!! Is this a plugin or separate install?

7. EDA-FT08300 drop amp

I have one of these already. I was having some issues with pixelization and freezing on my standalone HDSTB, so I called the CC out to look. He said he thought it was the amp pushing too much signal. I don't know

The first choice for Windows 7 is 32-bit or 64-bit.

I do plan on going with Windows 7 64-bit. I have WinXP on the current setup. Would any backup and restore work between the 2 OS's? I didn't think it would.

The hardware should be a fast quad-core, about 3 gigs or more. Use at least 3 gigs of fast memory.

I'm posting a link to another thread of all the hardware I just ordered. Money IS an object so I had to do the best I could. Please tell me I'm not going to have a lot of trouble with this. http://forums.sagetv.com/forums/show...7&postcount=34

I also recommend using the USB-UIRT

I have one and am using it for one STB rgiht now. Is there a thread that has the .ir codes for a 4250HD box? I have used the lrnhelper in the past. See, I've had my server setup for 5yrs and it's been running perfect. I'm only changing because of the digital cable transition in my area and to streamline the whole TV watching thing. I have been switching back and forth between the standalone HDSTB to watch HD and Sage to watch everything else. PITA!!

Use RealVNC for remote control

I have been using remote desktop, but will check this out too.

I have a Crucial 128 gig SSD on my general purpose Windows 7 64-bit computer, it significantly boosts the speed and is well worth the cost. I plan to add one to the SageTV computer in the future.

I can' really afford an SSD unfortunately. Especially after you look at my hardware choices and tell me I should have at least went with an i5. I had a lot of help deciding on hardware and went with what I thought was the best I can afford, but I also would like to make this as troublefree as I can.

THANKS A TON FOR THE HELP YOU GUYS!!!

[davephan]

You should install Windows 7 clean.

I bought the Windows 7 Home three license pack for about $120 on sale. It included a 32-bit and 64-bit DVD. The Windows 7 upgrade can be installed 'clean'. Just Google installing Windows 7 upgrade clean install.

If you can't afford Acronis or Ghost, then use Clonezilla, which is free. Clonezilla will image the system independently of Windows. I haven't tested Clonezilla Windows restores yet, but it is supposed to work. I have imaged and recovered Linux many times with Clonezilla and it works perfectly.

Be sure to set up the system for Faster Performance in the Control Panel. The graphics are more plain, but you don't need extra graphics on a 'headless' computer.

Dave

[Rico66]

Originally Posted by pvr599

I can' really afford an SSD unfortunately. Especially after you look at my hardware choices and tell me I should have at least went with an i5. I had a lot of help deciding on hardware and went with what I thought was the best I can afford, but I also would like to make this as troublefree as I can.

THANKS A TON FOR THE HELP YOU GUYS!!!

Don't worry about the SSD. A SSD for a HTPC is overrated. The biggest benefit is fast launching of applications, which typically doesn't apply.

[doncote0]

Nice processor. Should handle the load. VideoRedo works in conjunction with the comskip to help mark (and potentially cut-out all commercials).

7. EDA-FT08300 drop amp

I have one of these already. I was having some issues with pixelization and freezing on my standalone HDSTB, so I called the CC out to look. He said he thought it was the amp pushing too much signal. I don't know

IMHO, that is crazy talk. I have never heard of that with that model of drop amp. Other cheaper models, sure but not the EDA-FT08300. The amp is designed to allow up to double strength signal at all outputs without overamping. I would expect the issues you are still seeing to come from any of the following: cable damage, RG-59 in any point along the route to the STB, low overall signal strength, defective STB, non-power pass splitters (or other non-powerpass amps) using a DC block anywhere, plugging the cable into an older "surge protector" or line conditioner that introduces noise or is actually RG-59 based, bad connectors on ends of cables (improper ground due to mistake in making custom or homemade cables), having an extremely hot electrical and/or poorly shielded electrical cable running close to a coax cable or component, etc.

The good news is that if you trace the cable from the street to the TV and isolate areas you stand a good chance of finding the problem. If you see any couplers, connectors or splitters that you are not sure about, replace them with ones that you are sure about.

Don't worry about the SSD. A SSD for a HTPC is overrated.

True, don't worry about it. Overrated? Maybe some. It is completely quiet, should at least double the life expectancy for the system drive, uses much less power (especially Intel's) and gets rid of latency. My HD WEI is 7.9 (out of a possible 7.9).

The biggest benefit is fast launching of applications, which typically doesn't apply.

It will allow transcodes to happen much faster. Comskip will also be faster. Anything that runs from this drive (even if it is looking at a non-ssd drive) will be faster. One of the biggest benefits is from a SSD pagefile, however. Putting the pagefile on a SSD drive will improve overall computer performance greatly. Find out how much windows recommends for a pagefile (maximum) and set both the minimum size and maximum size to that value on the SSD. Pagefiles are typically read 40X more than they are written to, so having that information on a faster interface is huge.

[doncote0]

1. "Line conditioning" for all powered components related to your Sage setup (viewing, tuning and recording areas). A plus on HD setups and should provide superior surge protection as well.

2. Blu-Ray Drive

3. Make the system quiet. Gelid case fans, quiet power supplies, quiet video cards, cpu water cooling solution (there are a few off the shelf solutions like the Corsair CWCH50 a.k.a. H50).

These are optional and are for fine tuning an already extremely satisfying system. I would get the Blu-Ray drive first if I already had some surge protection.

[davephan]

The line conditioning could be accomplished with a UPS. I don't know if you have a UPS, but if you don't, you should add a UPS. Make sure to also plug in the set top boxes to the UPS. Some set top boxes have to reprogram for 20 minutes if they lose power for a short time.

The water cooling is a bit much for a headless computer that is placed in a out of the way room, like a basement. A little fan noise in a room like that isn't going to be noticed by anyone. You'd be better off putting the extra cash into the SSD programs/boot drive for superior performance.

Dave

[pvr599]

Thanks for all the great tips. I am reading very this very carefully along with the Colossus thread which is making me very nervous. It seems not a lot of people have had success with using 2 at once. I've only read to the end of February tho, so I hope things get better as I read

[doncote0]

The water cooling is a bit much for a headless computer that is placed in a out of the way room, like a basement.

Not really, this one is not that difficult to install and sets you back a whole $61.36 @ newegg:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-010-_-Product

If that is too much, I would go with something like this to save a few bucks...it will cost you $42.98 so you save $18.98:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-023-_-Product

The main point is that even though the standard CPU cooler that comes with the CPU will suffice for most individuals that use computers, those that are intense gamers or make a heavy use of video will be poorly served by that cooler.

If you have already upgraded the CPU cooler above the one included with the CPU, you can spend your money elsewhere.

[Rico66]

Originally Posted by doncote0

Not really, this one is not that difficult to install and sets you back a whole $61.36 @ newegg:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-010-_-Product

If that is too much, I would go with something like this to save a few bucks...it will cost you $42.98 so you save $18.98:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-023-_-Product

The main point is that even though the standard CPU cooler that comes with the CPU will suffice for most individuals that use computers, those that are intense gamers or make a heavy use of video will be poorly served by that cooler.

If you have already upgraded the CPU cooler above the one included with the CPU, you can spend your money elsewhere.

But still, unless you're planning to overclock it's a bit pointless. For a headless server you can go with regular fans. Also, these liquid cooling solutions use fans as well, though typically 120mm case fans.

And btw, I do have a CORSAIR CWCH50-1, though not in any system that I run Sage on

[doncote0]

But still, unless you're planning to overclock it's a bit pointless. For a headless server you can go with regular fans.

Maybe, maybe not.

Use a benchmarking or stability utility to bring your Sage system up to 100% CPU usage and hold it there for an hour. If your system is stable and your average CPU temp is 80C or less you are probably okay. If not, you should upgrade from the free P.O.S. CPU heatsink that comes with the CPU.

Also, these liquid cooling solutions use fans as well, though typically 120mm case fans.

Most of them do (see reserator), although most 120mm fans are quieter than most 92MM or 80MM fans.

The Corsair fan was quiet, but my server is also my workstation, so I wanted quieter. I replaced the Corsair with a GELID 120MM initially and later added another which knocked my temps down another 4C. The GELID fans are great because they are quiet, while still moving a lot of air with a good amount of differential pressure.