PVR-250 PCI vs PVR-250MCE?

[Brent94Z]

Hello!

New guy here but have been reading here off and on for over a month trying to decide what to do. I had a huge post typed out with lots of questions but it was so long I figured people would lose interest so I ditched that one. LOL!

Anyway, from what I can gather, the only difference between the two is:

The PVR-250 PCI has in IR port and the 250MCE does not.

The 250MCE has a FM tuner, the 250 PCI does not.

It seemed like I read that one has a remote but the other does not but can't find mention of that here at the online store?

I'm also talking about the cards that can be purchased HERE as I plan on getting some type of bundled deal

What does the IR port do for me? Does it allow me to get like a USB-UIRT and "plug it in" directly to control the card using that? I haven't really been able to find out what the IR can do for me that would be a "good thing".

Thanks for any insight!

[stanger89]

Yes the 250 comes with a remote:

...using the included remote control.

The 250 (with IR port) comes with a remote and an IR sensor that plugs into the port, no extra hardware is required. It's not clear from your post if you know this, but if you want to control Sage with a Remote, then you need an IR reciever of some sort, either the one that comes with the 250 or the USB-UIRT.

I'd say if you need a USB-UIRT (to control a cable/sat box) then get the MCE and use a remote of your choice. The UIRT is a little more flexible, or at least it's easier to work with (no messing with files).

However if you don't need a UIRT, you're money ahead at least if you get the 250 and use it's remote.

[Brent94Z]

Thanks, stanger89!

I missed the part about the PVR-250 coming with a remote... sorry about that

From what I understand, I currently don't actually "need" the USB UIRT because I don't have a cable box or sat receiver. However, I might some day get digital cable. Also, I like how the USB-UIRT can perform several operations at once... like turn on a few components with one press of the remote.

So, sounds like the PVR-250MCE, USB-UIRT, and a remote of some sort would be best, eh?

Sorry too about not being clear in my post about the remote. Yeah, I do definitely want to be able to control Sage with a remote so I'll need either the PVR-250 PCI or the PVR-250MCE, remote, and USB-UIRT.

I think the above just answered something I was wondering... the PVR-250 is more expensive than the PVR-250MCE... is this because the 250MCE lacks a remote?

Thanks very much!

[stanger89]

Originally posted by Brent94Z
Thanks, stanger89!

I missed the part about the PVR-250 coming with a remote... sorry about that

From what I understand, I currently don't actually "need" the USB UIRT because I don't have a cable box or sat receiver. However, I might some day get digital cable. Also, I like how the USB-UIRT can perform several operations at once... like turn on a few components with one press of the remote.

So, sounds like the PVR-250MCE, USB-UIRT, and a remote of some sort would be best, eh?

Just be aware that what you describe won't be plug and play, you'll have to get a hang of girder to be able to do all that.

Sorry too about not being clear in my post about the remote. Yeah, I do definitely want to be able to control Sage with a remote so I'll need either the PVR-250 PCI or the PVR-250MCE, remote, and USB-UIRT.

I think the above just answered something I was wondering... the PVR-250 is more expensive than the PVR-250MCE... is this because the 250MCE lacks a remote?

Probably something like that.

Thanks very much!

Not a prob.

[Brent94Z]

Just be aware that what you describe won't be plug and play, you'll have to get a hang of girder to be able to do all that.

Yeah... I figured I'd have to do a little macro programing or something along those lines

Off to read about "girder" now. I thought that supported a bridge but guess it does more than just that.

[SHS]

Well here an option FireFly, Streamzap remote and for I know nobody making a Super Comb Remote with USB IR Transmitter/Receiver that all work in one package.

[Brent94Z]

Originally posted by SHS
Well here an option FireFly, Streamzap remote and for I know nobody making a Super Comb Remote with USB IR Transmitter/Receiver that all work in one package.

Is a Super Comb Remote a brand? You're saying that the USB-UIRT and a remote don't work well together or just that I'd have to get the packages separately?

Thanks!

[stanger89]

I think the point he was getting at is that the UIRT is just a reciever, doesn't come with a remote. The Streamzap/Firefly are remote/reciever combos that could potentially be easier to setup. I'll add that they are less flexible and don't allow IR transmition, which it sounds like you want so you can control your other devices.

One thing you might want to consider is using serial to control some things. I wouldn't be surprised if your DTR has a serial (RS-232) port.

[Brent94Z]

Originally posted by stanger89
I think the point he was getting at is that the UIRT is just a reciever, doesn't come with a remote. The Streamzap/Firefly are remote/reciever combos that could potentially be easier to setup. I'll add that they are less flexible and don't allow IR transmition, which it sounds like you want so you can control your other devices.

One thing you might want to consider is using serial to control some things. I wouldn't be surprised if your DTR has a serial (RS-232) port.

Ahh... gotcha Yeah, I'd like the flexibility to be able to control other components as well.

And, yep, the DTR has a serial input. Don't have a clue how it works but is has one back there. The DTR also has a CAT-5 connection which hunts out music files on the network. Works pretty good but isn't very flexible

[Brent94Z]

FYI, just placed an order.

Got the SageTV Multi-Tuner bundle and remote (STVSMBR) and also the USB-UIRT.

The above gives me two 250MCE cards. I then also ordered from Circuit City a "regular" 250 card for $90 after rebates (thanks for the link in the other thread!). So, I'll have three cards and couple remotes... might end up putting one in a computer in the office so the extra remote will come in handy. Got the UIRT so I can control some other stuff as well

Thanks very much for the assistance! I'm now on my way to hopefully a cool setup like you guys have