Newbie type hardware questions (2 TV hookups)

[lucasbuck]

I guess I'm not exactly a newbie, I've been using SageTV for years. BUT, only on one TV, and it's SD. So in these aspects, I'm a newbie (forgive me). And up front, I apologize for all the stupid questions but mainly want to confirm before I buy all this. Thanks in advance for any and all help.

I'm going to finally get an HD flat panel. We've had a 60 inch projection for years that still has a great picture, but it's time to upgrade. We're going to also get a second flat panel for the bedroom. So here's my current setup, and my questions.

I'm using an HVR-2250 and have an old XFX Geforce 8800 GT card.

1 - To watch different things in both rooms, I'm assuming I would need an extender? And I'm assuming they are no longer available. (Just wanting this part confirmed before moving on to my second question)

2 - So lets say, since we would probably never watch different programs in separate rooms (no kids), can I just use the dual outputs on the video card to run both TV's running the same content? Would I just set it up as 2 monitors, mirroring the content?

3 - If I do that, couldn't I still run a second cable box to another input on the 2nd TV, and be able to tune in cable channels that way (and not effect the whatever is playing on the computer running Sage)?

4 - Just confirming, to use Sage with HD content, I would need to get a Colossus card correct? Does that fit into the same slot as the 2250?

5 - There's not a dual tuner HD card is there (for recording 2 shows at once)?

6 - If anyone is using a Hotlink (everything is in a closet), you have to buy a second full unit to run in multiple rooms, correct?

[KeithAbbott]

Originally Posted by lucasbuck

1 - To watch different things in both rooms, I'm assuming I would need an extender? And I'm assuming they are no longer available. (Just wanting this part confirmed before moving on to my second question)

You would need an extender or a client. Extenders are still available on auction sites, albeit at a premium price tag.

Originally Posted by lucasbuck

2 - So lets say, since we would probably never watch different programs in separate rooms (no kids), can I just use the dual outputs on the video card to run both TV's running the same content? Would I just set it up as 2 monitors, mirroring the content?

I suppose you could, although each TV may need different overscan settings, you might need to compromise there. To me, the bigger issue will be that you will not be able to control Sage (channel changes, etc.) on the TV that does not have the computer nearby.

Originally Posted by lucasbuck

3 - If I do that, couldn't I still run a second cable box to another input on the 2nd TV, and be able to tune in cable channels that way (and not effect the whatever is playing on the computer running Sage)?

Absolutely.

Originally Posted by lucasbuck

4 - Just confirming, to use Sage with HD content, I would need to get a Colossus card correct? Does that fit into the same slot as the 2250?

It depends on your cable company. Most cable companies send HD broadcast (OTA) channels in the clear, your HVR-2250 should be able to receive those stations today via the coax input. For stations that are not send in the clear, you have two options: using an HD-PVR or Colossus, or using something like the HDHR Prime (with an m-card/cablecard) if your cable company sends the channels as copy freely.

Originally Posted by lucasbuck

5 - There's not a dual tuner HD card is there (for recording 2 shows at once)?

The HD-PVR and the Colossus can only encode a single channel. The HVR-2250 is dual-tuner, and the HDHR Prime can record three channels. Ceton (similar to the HDHR Prime) has a card with four tuners.

Originally Posted by lucasbuck

6 - If anyone is using a Hotlink (everything is in a closet), you have to buy a second full unit to run in multiple rooms, correct?

Sorry, can't help you there. No idea what a Hotlink is.

[lucasbuck]

Thanks for the reply!
1 - By client, you mean another computer, correct?
2 - Since Windows 7 would be running it as two separate monitors, and it would be setting up resolution, would overscan matter?
4 - If anyone could clarify what setup Insight cable has, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks again!

[KeithAbbott]

Originally Posted by lucasbuck

1 - By client, you mean another computer, correct?

Yes.

Originally Posted by lucasbuck

2 - Since Windows 7 would be running it as two separate monitors, and it would be setting up resolution, would overscan matter?

Maybe not. But as I mentioned above, I think the bigger issue is how are you going to control SageTV from the second TV.

Originally Posted by lucasbuck

4 - If anyone could clarify what setup Insight cable has, I'd appreciate it.

Can't help you here. If noone else responds, you may have to figure this one out yourself. My Motorola STB has diagnostics screens that you can get to via a specific key-press combination on the remote. From there, you can determine the value of the CCI flag for each channel. The flag is set for each show on each channel. The possibility exists that the flag could change from copy freely to copy once or copy never from one show to another on the same channel, although I think that is fairly rare. In most cases, the flag is set to a given value for a channel and does not change.

That all being said, even if your cable company has all of it's channels set to copy freely, they could change their mind at any time and restrict some or all of them. It's a risk that you need to accept before spending money on an HDHR Prime or equivalent.

Personally, if it were me, I would start by connecting the cable (using a splitter) directly to the coax input of the HVR-2250, and see if you can get the OTA broadcast stations in HD. Depending on your viewing preferences, you might find that that is good enough. Plus, you can get your feet wet in HD without spending much if any money.

[lucasbuck]

Thanks for all the help. The Hotlink is a remote extender\repeater\whatever you want to call it. I have an eye hooked up in the living room running to a repeater unit in the closet. I believe to use the remote in the other room, I just buy a second Hotlink.

One more question. Is there a difference with copy protection and HD and SD cable channels? It sounds as if Insight might block recording of HD broadcasts. But does that not apply to SD cable channels? I'm asking because currently I use Dish, and have no problem recording SD shows using a coax. Could I run into problems switching to cable?

[KeithAbbott]

Originally Posted by lucasbuck

Is there a difference with copy protection and HD and SD cable channels? It sounds as if Insight might block recording of HD broadcasts. But does that not apply to SD cable channels?

Again, it depends on the cable provider. My cable provider (Brighthouse Networks) provides all of the analog SD cable channels in the clear, so I am able to record them directly from the coax input on my HVR-2250. They also send HD broadcast channels (Fox, NBC, ABC, etc.) in the clear. All of the other HD/digital channels are not broadcast in the clear, and require a cable box and either a HD-PVR or a Colossus to capture them into Sage. And if all that wasn't enough, they have also chosen to set the CCI flag to "copy once", eliminating any possibility that I could use an HDHR Prime or equivalent.

In contrast, from what I have read, Comcast no longer has analog SD channels, they switched to all digital a while back and none are sent in the clear, with the exception of the broadcast channels.

I have no idea what combination of the above Insight cable has chosen to do.

[lucasbuck]

Okay, I'm just stupid (and have never had cable)!

My Dish just runs a coax into my sat box, then out to the 2250. Doesn't a cable box hookup the same way, a coax in and out? I wasn't planning on running the coax straight from the line to the 2250. If so, does running it through the cable box first solve the protection problem?

And if I understand what your saying, does running through a cable box and into a Colossus solve the problem with HD programing?

Sorry for all the stupid questions.

[KeithAbbott]

Originally Posted by lucasbuck

My Dish just runs a coax into my sat box, then out to the 2250. Doesn't a cable box hookup the same way, a coax in and out?

No, the cable boxes that I am familiar with have coax in and some combination of composite, component or HDMI output. If there is a coax out, it would strictly be passing the incoming signal through unaltered.

Originally Posted by lucasbuck

And if I understand what your saying, does running through a cable box and into a Colossus solve the problem with HD programing?

Yes, using the component input to the Colossus. This is what is referred to as "the analog hole". At present, no DRM is applied to the component outputs of cable STBs.

Finally, not to be a Debbie Downer or anything, many of us are still having difficulties getting the Colossus to perform satisfactorily. I am one of them. However, there seem to be just as many who do have it working well for them. So, YMMV with the Colossus solution.

[lucasbuck]

Thanks for your patience. I contacted Insight so we will see what they say. Probably a moot point, since Time Warner just bought them. I can always keep Dish if I have to. Or just get a Colossus and keep my fingers crossed it works.

Of course now I have to worry about Time Warner buying them out. I heard they cap internet speeds. That would be about my luck!