easiest/cheapest way to add these hardwares

[korben_dallas]

I currently have SageTV, Plextor ConvertX (USB 2.0), and Streamzap remote.

I would like these hardwares in this order of priority:

1. Control of my digital cable box. Currently it is not connected to the SageTV PC; I'm just using a splitter to send analog cable to the Plextor.
2. A 2nd capture device. I'm thinking PCI because my desk space is at a premium, and the Plextor is already in the way.
3. A better remote (more buttons than the Streamzap), but not an LCD remote cause those are too $.

Option 1 - I can just go w/ a USB-UIRT. I think that'll be about $40, and I wouldn't have to change anything else, but I'd still only have one tuner and same remote.

Option 2 - Drive 5 minutes down to CompUSA and buy the 150 retail box for $99. That will give me the IR Blaster for cable box control and a 2nd capture card. I get a remote, but it's no better than the one I have.

Option 3 -

[Opus4]

USB-UIRT: can use practically any remote + can control more than 1 STB, for future expandability.

150 remote/blaster: Remote is more flexible than the StreamZap receiver, since you can at least use another remote (JP1 is inexpensive) & program more buttons into it. Can only use a single IR blaster on a PC, so you can only control a single STB with it.

Other: Perhaps look into whether you can use serial control for your STB.

- Andy