Tree tuner System ?

[Paladin369]

Received more information on a "Three Tuner System" from Sage TV, it is a real nice machine. But, I don't need another computer, can I add one or two cards to my system to be able to record more then one show at a time? Has anybody build a system to do that? Is there a link on this forum for me to search?

[olyar15]

Yes, you can add cards to your own machine, assuming you have the free PCI slots.

[mlbdude]

I run a measly two tuner system but used to run a three tuner system. I had two Hauppauge 250's and one Creative DVCR. The DVCR turned out to not work so well with SageTV (even more so with multiple tuners). The two 250's work great. I am impressed every day with how well and stable Sage works with the two cards.

[Paladin369]

Which Sage TV application are you using, Sage TV, clint or recorder? Also, how difficult is it to set the cards up? I'm not in an area that seems to be supported by Sage TV, (Western Mass). I'm just starting out with this, trying to help a friend get away from hundreds if not more VCR tapes that he will never have time for to review. But haveing all this on the hard drive, it's easier to check the recordings, then keep, delete or burn onto CD's or DVD's.

Thanks again.

[mlbdude]

I built a dedicated dual tuner computer (mini-atx based system) for my living room running SageTV. It is all driven by my universal remote. It is networked and accessed regularly by two other computers running SageClient. Installing the cards is like installing any other kind hardware in windows. Just try and get the same version of cards. I know there are a couple of version of the Hauppauge 250's running around. Getting different versions to work together can be a pain. If you buy them at the same time from the same place you should be ok.

Installing and setting up SageTV is very simple. It may be more dificult using the XMLTV plugin though (I don't have to use that fortunately).

I run mine 24/7 and the whole family uses it for TV/recording. I am planning on trying out some competing products shortly just for fun (no names being mentiond), but I already know they fall short on features compared to Sage. I also actively watch their forums and it is apparent that Sage is quite a bit more stable as well. I just wish that Sage had a little better UI. That is realy the only argument the fanboys use to put Sage down. However, if you buy a TV watching application for the asthetic enjoyment you get when navigating the menus well, I won't go there.

Good luck!

[Paladin369]

Thank you for the help and advice, WOW looks like you have a real nice setup. If I need more help, I will post it on the forum.