MediaMVP Extender

[mattsm]

So there is now an official MediaMVP extender. But there is not a lot of information. What formats can it play? The same ones as before? Can I watch HDTV recorded shows (at SDTV quality) over the MediaMVP?

Any other information would be great....

-Matthew

[flavius]

See here http://forums.sagetv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14712

[shhas]

Anyone knows anything on wireless capability on this extender? any hacks to or methods to use wireless networking?

(I see a picture of a wireless MVP here http://www.hauppauge.com/Pages/press/press_pictures_mvp.html)

[mattsm]

None of those threads answer my question:

I want to use an HDTV tuner in my main htpc. I want to be able to watch those same shows on the MediaMVP (STDV is FINE!). How will this work? This had to be an issue encountered...

-Matthew

[AndyS]

I want to use an HDTV tuner in my main htpc. I want to be able to watch those same shows on the MediaMVP (STDV is FINE!). How will this work?I don't think you can. Sage doesn't transcode HD to SD.

Andy.

[mattsm]

Yes, but there was no thought put into this? I read in another thread that the purpose of having an SDTV extender was because most people would have their HTPC connected the their HDTV. So what gives? There is not even an option to record the analog and digital version at the same time?

Otherwise it is useless..... :confused: :confused: :confused:

[PeaceKeeper]

I am interested in this too. If I have a HDTV card in my server will I be able to watch the HDTV (live or recording) on an extender?

Thank you in advance,
_PeaceKeeper_

[flavius]

Yes, but there was no thought put into this? I read in another thread that the purpose of having an SDTV extender was because most people would have their HTPC connected the their HDTV. So what gives? There is not even an option to record the analog and digital version at the same time?

Otherwise it is useless..... :confused: :confused: :confused:

Here is the link I intented to post http://forums.sagetv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14691

[mattsm]

I know the MediaMVP cannot play HDTV. It does not have enough horsepower. I think that is all the thread addresses. There has been no clear statment as to it there is a solution:

1) transcoding on the fly
2) recording analog and digital version
3) ???

Anyways, I need to know how/if this is addressed.

-Matthew

[ToxMox]

The manual states that the MVP can't play HDTV content.

[MTuckman]

:blush: Perhaps I am a bit dense, but with 4.1 are the new capabilities (including enhanced performance) of the MediaMVP Extender available with the original Hauppauge MVP?

So if I had a client license, could I exchange that for the MVP license and use the Hauppauge MVP?

And... If so, is there more than one version of the Hauppauge MVP?

[SprDtyF350]

Unless I'm missing something it won't do Xvid/Divx files either. Just Mpg, MP3, and Pictures. I am wondering what is going to make the Sage version any better than Matts client that works perfectly well for the same files..

[dbfresh23]

I could be wrong, but the main difference that i see is that you can use Matt's version at no extra cost while to use the sage version you need to purchase client licenses. Doesn't seem that any of the functionality aside from menu rendering has changed, so if you're happy with matts it would seem silly to upgrade - though it is only $30...

[SprDtyF350]

I'm hesitant to try it because everything is working real nice now. I also wonder if/how you would use a different STV. I use SageMC on everything but since the MVP can't do DVD, or my Xvid videos I have those selections disabled. How would you make those changes on the Sage version? I was really hoping for the ability to play my Xvid/Divx stuff with the MVP. Then I could get rid of 2 client PC's. Hauppauge MVP software plays them, how come no one elses wants too?

[DIBU]

hi,

i have bought a client licence for all my mediamvp's and use this with matt's client (so that i have a licence for every mvp). when i use the new mediaserver from sage, can i use this with this licence. and when not, can i change this licences to media-licencens?

vu
dibu

[Opus4]

I could be wrong, but the main difference that i see is that you can use Matt's version at no extra cost while to use the sage version you need to purchase client licenses. Doesn't seem that any of the functionality aside from menu rendering has changedI certainly got good use out of Matt's plugin & I say "Thanks" for the use over the past year or so, but the built-in MVP support allows a much faster drawing/responding UI, better FF/REW, less load on the server, and for some of you: smooth FF/REW during playback on the MVP.

I'm hesitant to try it because everything is working real nice now. I also wonder if/how you would use a different STV. I use SageMC on everything but since the MVP can't do DVD, or my Xvid videos I have those selections disabled. How would you make those changes on the Sage version?It has the full SageTV UI, so you can choose whatever STV you wish to use. The default STV 'knows' when it is in-use on the MVP and customizes a few things accordingly, such as not providing any DVD playback options.

i have bought a client licence for all my mediamvp's and use this with matt's client (so that i have a licence for every mvp). when i use the new mediaserver from sage, can i use this with this licence. and when not, can i change this licences to media-licencens?See the announcement that was made for v4.1: SageTV Version 4.1 Now Available.

- Andy

[mattsm]

Take a look at the annoucement, all the license issues are addressed.

-Matthew

http://forums.sagetv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14703

[mattsm]

The manual states that the MVP can't play HDTV content.

I'm aware of this, and am curious if there is anything that was done to address the issue, since if we record in HDTV the MediaMVP is useless. Is there an option to record an analog version also? Is there support for transcoding?

[TakeFlight]

I'm aware of this, and am curious if there is anything that was done to address the issue, since if we record in HDTV the MediaMVP is useless. Is there an option to record an analog version also? Is there support for transcoding?

If you also have an analog tuner, just record the same program on the analog channel.

[mattsm]

Yes, I'm asking about automation to this process. I don't want to manually do it everytime.

[Homebuilder]

If you buy the sage media extender for 99, do you also have to buy an mvp license for 30? or is it included?

[mattsm]

It seems like it is included. The license is only for people who already own MediaMVP's but want to use it with Sage. This is there way to make money on their hard work.

-Matthew

[Homebuilder]

I have no troubles with people making money.. I just wish it was per household thing, not a per TV thing.

Pricing models can be tricky and finding the best way to make money and gain market share can be hard.

In my humble opinion, I think sage would gain alot of support if they had a per household marketing plan... I am single, but want to be able to watch sagetv in any room in my house. So for one person, I have to buy how many clients?

This isnt a complaint, just wish sagetv would re-evaluate the marketing plan. I want sage to be successful and I think if they offered an "all in one" solution it would be more attractive to the less computer literate. After all, eventually micrsoft will get better, and now google is looking to get into Tv....

[TakeFlight]

Yes, I'm asking about automation to this process. I don't want to manually do it everytime.

Well, if it's a favorite, just set up one up for the analog tuner as well and then you never have to think of it again. If you are talking about a one time manual recording then yes, you will have to set it up twice (one HD, one analog). But really, is that such a big deal? How often are you setting up manual recordings?

[mattsm]

Well, if it's a favorite, just set up one up for the analog tuner as well and then you never have to think of it again. If you are talking about a one time manual recording then yes, you will have to set it up twice (one HD, one analog). But really, is that such a big deal? How often are you setting up manual recordings?

Ahh this is a possiblity, I will give it a shot.

-Matthew

[DIBU]

i will run sagtv in service mode. is it poosible that i can use the mediamvp with this?

i read that i must set the server in the sage gui on..

tnx and cu
dibu

[mattsm]

I don't see where I can select the shows to record on HDTV. Can you point me too this? Is it possible it is only there if you have tuners with different EPGs on the same Sage system?

-Matthew

[ukmgranger]

I was so hoping for DVD support! I mainly use my client for watching DVD's and I want something quieter as it is in the bedroom. The MVP could have been perfect - however without DVD support it's useless for me.

I did have an MVP in the bedroom for a while using Matts excellent plugin. But this didn't last very long because as I said I needed to view DVD's on it.

So is that it, that is the only extender that we get? Is there likely to be any work done on any other types of extender?

[Mahoney]

Agreed - the ideal is an MVP with DVD player that can play most formats of file (certainly HD). But isn't the problem that there isn;t any hardware out there to fit this spec? Sage aren't going to be creating hardware, as far as I can see.

[gplasky]

I think one of the reasons Sage rewrote the MVP support themselves is so that they will be able to support other devices as "extenders". Extenders have been talked about in the plural sense and if you look in the SageTV directory there is now a directory called "clients" (plural). Sure it can be more than one MVP but I think the glass is half full and there may be more to come. One of the DVD players that can be networked would be an excellent candidate.

Gerry

[JUC]

Did sage's version for the MVP fix the problem where some of us were having the display being offset by 1-2" to the right? Do AR adjustments work now? That would be great.

[flavius]

i will run sagtv in service mode. is it poosible that i can use the mediamvp with this?

i read that i must set the server in the sage gui on..

tnx and cu
dibu

I'm sure this refers to the general setting somewhere, run server or not.

[gplasky]

You have to use the GUI to enable the MVP. But I'm running the service and the MVP works fine.

Gerry

[flavius]

In the setup menue, under advanced, enable the server.

[AndyS]

So just to make sure I understand this:

I'm running Sage in Service mode and also I have a client installed on the same machine with its own license. I know that I need to convert the existing license. Does the MVP still run in a separate client, or (as I'm guessing) do I uninstall the separate client and the MVP runs from Sage? If this is the case do I still get to use the main UI independantly of the MVP?

Andy.

EDIT: Ignore this - my question has already been answered here (http://forums.sagetv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14731).

[wheelrandolph]

Thanks Andy for clearing that up a little; I am a little hesitant to mess up a good thing (like others have mentioned) since my MVP and Matt's client work SO well for me. But, the items you mention, quicker response, smooth ff, etc. are probably enough for me to try this.

Randy

[jominor]

Does this support modified STVs?
Does it support wireless?
Does it support Divx?

All for $99 dollars?

[stanger89]

Does this support modified STVs?

Yes.

Does it support wireless?

Does the MVP, Sage's client doesn't change the MVP's support for wireless.

[JUC]

no divx from what i can tell

[jominor]

Yes.



Does the MVP, Sage's client doesn't change the MVP's support for wireless.

Of course. I found this http://www.hauppauge.com/Pages/press/press_pictures_mvp.html, and the Hauppage site does seem to say divx. So I just really wanted to confirm that picture and this feature.

[JUC]

according to the manual---the sage version does not support divx. Matt's plugin never has either FWIW. Hauppauge's version transcodes it on the fly but sage will/does not at this time.

[TakeFlight]

I don't see where I can select the shows to record on HDTV. Can you point me too this? Is it possible it is only there if you have tuners with different EPGs on the same Sage system?

-Matthew

I'm not sure I'm following but this is how it works for me. I have three capture devices configured in Sage. Two analog tuner cards and a firewire connection to a Motorola DCT-6200 HD cable box. The analog cards get their EPG data from the local Comcast "analog" channel lineup and the EPG for the Motorola is set to the local "Comcast - Digital" channel lineup. So, for example, channel 10 is the analog NBC (for me) and channel 232 is the digital NBC. I can set up a Favorite for a particular show on channel 10 as well as a second Favorite for the same show on channel 232. The Favorite set to channel 10 will pick one of the analog tuner cards to use. The Favorite set to channel 232 has to use the Motorola. They both will record at the same time (I already do this since I never deleted any of my old Favorites that record on the analog channels even after setting up the same shows to record off the Motorola). It works great.

[Narflex]

Did sage's version for the MVP fix the problem where some of us were having the display being offset by 1-2" to the right? Do AR adjustments work now? That would be great.

YES!! We did fix this problem. :goodjob:

[JUC]

Thank you!!! That is great. Sorry, but i openned up a nother thread with this topic...
JUC

[SprDtyF350]

Of course. I found this http://www.hauppauge.com/Pages/press/press_pictures_mvp.html, and the Hauppage site does seem to say divx. So I just really wanted to confirm that picture and this feature.

Hauppauge software will do Divx. Matts client won't, and from what I read in the Sage manual the Sage MVP client won't either.:(

[michelkenny]

I have no troubles with people making money.. I just wish it was per household thing, not a per TV thing.

Pricing models can be tricky and finding the best way to make money and gain market share can be hard.

In my humble opinion, I think sage would gain alot of support if they had a per household marketing plan... I am single, but want to be able to watch sagetv in any room in my house. So for one person, I have to buy how many clients?

This isnt a complaint, just wish sagetv would re-evaluate the marketing plan. I want sage to be successful and I think if they offered an "all in one" solution it would be more attractive to the less computer literate. After all, eventually micrsoft will get better, and now google is looking to get into Tv....


You'll have to remember that Sage hasn't charged for an upgrade since v1, while almost every other software company will make you pay for new versions... some even make you pay each year as a subscription. I myself don't mind paying for each client (I have 1 server and 3 clients right now) since I get free upgrades (for the time being anyways).

[PeaceKeeper]

Oh well, I guess I will have to wait on the MVP. At first I was existed that I might be able to watch my HDTV recordings (even if they are transcended to DIVX), but I do not think I will be able to do this after reading this thread. The workaround seems to be to recored the same show on HDTV and analog, which I am not interested in at this point. Maybe in the future. This product does some promising :D …

_PeaceKeeper_

[Homebuilder]

I am not sure why or how, but somehow I was getting my divx in sage imported video files to play over the media mvp...

I stopped using the matt's mvp since I already had a normal client hooked up and it worked better over all.

of course it could have been a sugar induced fantasy... mmmm cookies..

[jptaz]

It sounds like from Jeffs post that there is some experimental ( Read unsupported ) code in the release that does transcoding. I have not tried it yet.


John

[Opus4]

there is some experimental ( Read unsupported ) code in the release that does transcoding.Instead of 'unsupported', I would read it more as 'not done yet':
But other audio/video formats are in testing. There's already experimental transcoding support built-in to 4.1.3....
Once it is done to their satisfaction, it will be documented & so on.

- Andy

[sleonard]

It sounds like from Jeffs post that there is some experimental ( Read unsupported ) code in the release that does transcoding. I have not tried it yet.


John

Does anybody know if this needs to be manually enabled or does it just work automagically?

Sounds like I'll be transcoding my DVD and video collections to DivX soon.

[parkimar]

Oh well, I guess I will have to wait on the MVP. At first I was existed that I might be able to watch my HDTV recordings (even if they are transcended to DIVX)

Hi Peacekeeper ,

Im assuming you meant transcode, transcending to DivX is probably beyond the ability of most PC's - it's more theological.

Sorry, not yanking your chain, it just amused me. :D

Cheers

Mark

[PeaceKeeper]

Im assuming you meant transcode, transcending to DivX is probably beyond the ability of most PC's - it's more theological.


Doh! :eek: Yes, you are right I ment transcode. :D

_PeaceKeeper_

[tybris]

Of course. I found this http://www.hauppauge.com/Pages/press/press_pictures_mvp.html, and the Hauppage site does seem to say divx. So I just really wanted to confirm that picture and this feature.
errr....isn't that...world news? :eek2:
It's the first evidence of a wireless MVP existing I have seen so far.

[flavius]

Ever since it came out, people have been using it that way.

[IKK]

There are a few network DVD players that can act as extenders out there. One being the Link Theater.

There wont be a sage skin but when I use to follow the AVSforum on this the maker did say the menu was XML and it was skinnable. Who knows maybe matt can make a new skin for this :D.

Also the IO data DVD player can connect to a network. I thought the link theater had the most promise the only issue I had was that it upscale all types of media except DVD and it only had composite. I hopping a DVI connection comes out in the future with upscaling DVD.

[spyork]

I'm glad to see that the SageTV folks have finally released official media extender support. I still think SageTV is the best commercial product available today. Unfortunately I've already switched to GBPVR and I'm not looking back. GBPVR has had MediaMVP support for some time now. With the latest release the performance has improved a great deal. The greatest thing about GBPVR is that you don't have to buy licenses to use a MVP. If something ever happens to GBPVR I'll probably take another look at Sage, but for now I'm sticking with GBPVR. Sub, the developer, has really written an excellent piece of software. Don't get me wrong though...I'm still a supporter of Sage.

[Stuntman]

I have 2 mvp's that have been running fine with Matt's client.. when I run SageTV 4.1 I get video on one of the MVP's, but the other MVP seems to crash with color bars and is non-responsive to the RC.. I have to unplug it..

Is there a way to tell Sage how many MVP's there are??

I have purchased 2 client licenses already, so I assume I'll need to fax both of these to Sage, assuming there is a way to use multiple MVP's with the new version??

Note: Rebooting the Windows PC fixed this problem.. Both MVP's are happily running along now (I sent my client licenses in to get rid of that "TRIAL" that is floating all around my screen).. Is somebody working at Sage this weekend to get back to me on that? :)

[jlindborg]

I have 3 licensed MVP clients running now - during my demo testing, though, I only had one instance installed and running. But it definitely handles multiple clients properly on my setup.

[stanger89]

Is there a way to tell Sage how many MVP's there are??

You'll have to register a key for each MVP.

I have purchased 2 client licenses already, so I assume I'll need to fax both of these to Sage, assuming there is a way to use multiple MVP's with the new version??

If you want to convert both, yes, but I think there's room on the form for more than one key.

[Griff]

I understand that client licenses are specific to each computer -- you cannot use one license for two separate computers, even if you do not use them at the same time. Is the same true for MVPs? E.G., if I have 3 MVP licenses, are the licenses specific to particular MVPs, or will I be able to run any three MVPs at one time?

[jlindborg]

So I see the wireless version of the MVP on the Hauppauge site but searching every online vendor they list in their "where to buy" page, I can find no hint of such a device available for sale - anyone know if this is available for purchase anywhere? I have one of my MVPs setup wireless with a game adapter and a hub - it's pretty goofy looking and I'd love to replace it with a nice wireless unit.

Since it's not even listed on their web store for sale and there's no info about it at all other than a couple pictures, I'm assuming this is a "coming soon" kinda thing...

[Opus4]

I understand that client licenses are specific to each computer -- you cannot use one license for two separate computers, even if you do not use them at the same time. Is the same true for MVPs? E.G., if I have 3 MVP licenses, are the licenses specific to particular MVPs, or will I be able to run any three MVPs at one time?Each MVP concurrently in use requires a license; see Using the Hauppauge MediaMVP with SageTV v4.1

- Andy

[shhas]

I read somewhere (some kind of online review) that the wireless unit is supposed to be released in Jan of 2006, and it does 80211.G. But of course, we all know what it means to firm dates and product releases for all the companies out there. ;)

[Juncti]

What is the PQ like on one of these? Does it manage to avoid the tearing and stuttering that happens on some programs when watching directly from the computer?

[jptaz]

It is pretty much the best playback I have seen on Standard Definition TV. Perfectly smooth. I have heard some people get stuttering if the network is not configured correctly.

[SprDtyF350]

What is the PQ like on one of these? Does it manage to avoid the tearing and stuttering that happens on some programs when watching directly from the computer?

It looks real nice. I only notice a little bit of pixelation once in awhile during fast action type things. I don't really notice any difference between it and a direct hookup to cable, or satellite.

Some people have stuttering. I have never seen it. Had trouble one time getting it to connect when it was hooked to my router. Putting a switch in between the router and MVP fixed that.

All in all for the $39.00 each that I paid for them at Radio Shack they have been great little devices.

[Juncti]

That's great. Definately going to get one to try out on my other tv. I'll also try it out on my projector and see if I get better PQ than my direct from computer hookup. If so I'll just get another and use that for the majority of my watching. Although I do love being able to have the tv playing while using the web in another window. So I may need to keep the VGA hookups as well. We'll see. Going to order one now.

[heffe2001]

Since I never use the UI on my server PC, can it be used with the Sage-supplied MVP client?

[jptaz]

Nope.
You need to purchase a seperate License for the MVP.

SHS pointed out in another thread that Frey probably has to pay licensing fees on a per user basis for all the Media MVPs that their software runs on so to allow users who do not use the UI would mean that could not control appropriately pay Hauppauge royalties...this is just speculation on mine and others part though.

John

[heffe2001]

What sucks is I have 2 licenses for Sage server, and 3 client licenses already. I was originally going to use the first mvp plugin on one of my systems with the 2nd license of server, and just use it as a network encoder/MVP client machine. Looks like my server may end up needing an upgrade to run multiple MVP's :(. (It's only a P4 1.4, I run Server & SA on it now, and the system seems to become completely un-responsive when I have the MVP logged onto the system, I'd hate to see what happens when SA fires off).

What I'd like to see is the ability to have one PC be a MVP server machine, which would basically just server the MVP machines... I could leave my existing Sage server as is (it's run without any problems really through the 4.0 release), and set up a 2.8 Celeron D I have floating around as the MVP server... (what I was planning on doing with the MVP plugin).

[blade]

What sucks is I have 2 licenses for Sage server, and 3 client licenses already. I was originally going to use the first mvp plugin on one of my systems with the 2nd license of server, and just use it as a network encoder/MVP client machine. Looks like my server may end up needing an upgrade to run multiple MVP's :(. (It's only a P4 1.4, I run Server & SA on it now, and the system seems to become completely un-responsive when I have the MVP logged onto the system, I'd hate to see what happens when SA fires off).

What I'd like to see is the ability to have one PC be a MVP server machine, which would basically just server the MVP machines... I could leave my existing Sage server as is (it's run without any problems really through the 4.0 release), and set up a 2.8 Celeron D I have floating around as the MVP server... (what I was planning on doing with the MVP plugin).

There is no need to upgrade your machine. With v4.1 the video and UI is rendered using the MVP's hardware. I think it was said that in theory you could run something like 20 MVP's off a 3 ghz box. If your server is sluggish then you need to do some digging and see if you can't find what the problem is. It shouldn't be lack of power.

[BobPhoenix]

What I'd like to see is the ability to have one PC be a MVP server machine, which would basically just server the MVP machines... I could leave my existing Sage server as is (it's run without any problems really through the 4.0 release), and set up a 2.8 Celeron D I have floating around as the MVP server... (what I was planning on doing with the MVP plugin).
Have you tried to setup the second Sage Server as a network encoder and then also enable the MVP extender on that one and disable it on your main Sage Server? I don't have two licences of SageTV to try it - yet. Probably wont work but you never know.

BobP.

[heffe2001]

There is no need to upgrade your machine. With v4.1 the video and UI is rendered using the MVP's hardware. I think it was said that in theory you could run something like 20 MVP's off a 3 ghz box. If your server is sluggish then you need to do some digging and see if you can't find what the problem is. It shouldn't be lack of power.

Once the UI loads & everything settles down, the percentages go to near pre-4.1 levels. I've noticed that starting/stopping clients hammers the server on my network... I can take Sage to 99% usage just starting up a client. I plan on getting a GB network card soon (it's got a firewire port too, and I plan on putting my HD cable box on it) and putting all my Sage stuff on the seperate GB backbone in the house :).

Have you tried to setup the second Sage Server as a network encoder and then also enable the MVP extender on that one and disable it on your main Sage Server? I don't have two licences of SageTV to try it - yet. Probably wont work but you never know.

Anybody know if you can use a full-blown copy of Sage as a network encoder as well as a client to another Sage server? If so then I can make what I have work, and convert one of my regular client licenses over to a MVP license :).

[BobPhoenix]

Anybody know if you can use a full-blown copy of Sage as a network encoder as well as a client to another Sage server? If so then I can make what I have work, and convert one of my regular client licenses over to a MVP license :).
I know it can be done here is what you are looking for I believe http://forums.sagetv.com/forums/showthread.php?p=129440&postcount=2

BobP.