About to buy, questions, needing answered!

[ccerj8]

Hey Guys,

As I said before in the subject, that I have been looking at sage for quite some time now, and think that I am about ready to purchase, but before I do, I need to get some of my questions answered, so here it goes.

I have a digital cable box.

I need to know what stuff I will need to get in order to have everything working? (remote control etc..)

Also will I be able to record multiple things at the same time as long as I have the tuners using just the one digital cable box? ( for ex. 2 show, using 2 turners with one digital cable box)

Also, the programs I record, will I be able to possible edit them, (for ex. take out commercials), and be able to burn to a dvd?

Thanks for all the help in advance.

-ccerj8

[newmedia42]

In answer to your cable setup, the answer is definitely yes - your proposed system is just like mine - one PVR350 is hooked up via SVIDEO to my digital cable box, and a second PVR350 is hooked up to just normal analog cable. Another thing to note is you can also set the priority of which card recording will default to when the channel is available on both - in my instance, I prefer analog cable because sometimes my cable box crashes and turns itself off. Just make sure you also get a USB-UIRT to control your cable box... Mine is a Scientific Atlanta Explorer 3100, which wasn't explicitly supported in the build-in list, but I easily added and taught it to use it in about 30 seconds - just make sure to hold the remote control RIGHT NEXT to the USB-UIRT for training...

As far as editing the MPG2 streams, I know you can do it, but I haven't, but maybe someone else with some experience will chime in...

Good luck - I love my Sage! :)

[ccerj8]

Hey Newmedia,

Thanks for the promt reply.

So let me get this strait, I can use 2 pc turners to record two different things at the same time, using my one digital cable box, just to make sure...

Will I be able to record channels that I only get with the digital on both cards at the same time, if so, that would be great.?

And I need to get the USB-UIRT to work my cable boxes remote....Cool.

Just out of curiosity, what version of sage do u use newmedia?

Thanks, ccerj8

Keep the replys coming... :-)

[Opus4]

If you want to record 2 different channels that need to be decoded, you need 2 converter boxes (one for each tuner), unless your cable box can output 2 different converted signals... I have no idea if such a box exists.

- Andy

[stanger89]

Originally posted by ccerj8
Will I be able to record channels that I only get with the digital on both cards at the same time, if so, that would be great.?

You will need two cable boxes to do that (unless as Opus said you have a box with two independed ouputs).

You can however record on digital only channel and one channel on analog at the same time with 1 cable box and two tuner cards.

As for editing the MPEGs, either Womble MPEG-VCR or Video ReDo will hack out commercials without re-encoding, that means you don't loose any quality in the process and you can edit the commercials out of a two hour show in about 10 minutes.

[ccerj8]

Thanks for the help guys,

I have another question, if I can record one digital channel, and one analog channel at the same time, would I run them both through the cable box, or how would I work that?

&

would they both be recorded through the sage guide, how would that work?

Thanks, again! ccerj8

[stanger89]

You would split the cable before it goes to the box, and run one cable to the cable box (which would be connected to one TV card with s-video) and another cable to the RF-in on the other TV card. You would then set up two sources in Sage TV, one being "Your Provider Digital" and the other one being "Your Provider Basic." Sage then shows you all networks available in one guide. From there you don't really worry about which tuners have which lineups or how many tuners you even have, you just tell Sage what to record and it does it.

[ccerj8]

Ok, that sounds good.

sorry for so many questions, newbie stupidness.

Can you watch the shows on both the pc, and tv, also, can the guide be on the computer and the tv??

Another weird question - I have two digital cable boxes, but they are for different tvs, in different part of the house (upstair, downstairs) is there a way to have it hooked up, with the same sage for another person to use the pause rewind live tv??

Thanks guys!! or Gals!

ccerj8 :-)

[stanger89]

Originally posted by ccerj8
Ok, that sounds good.

sorry for so many questions, newbie stupidness.

Can you watch the shows on both the pc, and tv, also, can the guide be on the computer and the tv??

Yes.

Another weird question - I have two digital cable boxes, but they are for different tvs, in different part of the house (upstair, downstairs) is there a way to have it hooked up, with the same sage for another person to use the pause rewind live tv??

Thanks guys!! or Gals!

ccerj8 :-)

There are a couple ways to do that, but both will require some sort PC on each TV, one for the SageTV server, and one with SageClient. One way would be to move both boxes to the SageTV server pc and have two cards. The other way would be to leave one cable box by each PC and run SageRecorder on the client and have a tuner in there set up as a network encoder. You could build a small Mini-ITX system with a PVR 350 for the client system and have a somewhat "thin" client.

[ccerj8]

What about my other questions.

If I were to have just one dig cable box, have two turner cards in one pc, and do like stated above, would I be able to watch shows on both the pc, and the tv? Also what about recorded shows, could I watch them at either place?

& how is the quality of the shows recorded on sage?, I forgot to ask that? Im sure it depends on the quality you record at, but for the best quality, whats the gb/per hour?

And ... can you watch live tv, or a recorded show while viewing the guide?

Thanks again. The support on these forums is A+

ccerj8 :D :D :D

[stanger89]

Originally posted by ccerj8
What about my other questions.

If I were to have just one dig cable box, have two turner cards in one pc, and do like stated above, would I be able to watch shows on both the pc, and the tv? Also what about recorded shows, could I watch them at either place?

Yes, there are a couple of ways, one would be a client running SageClient, you'd be able to do everything you can on the server less some of the configuration things.

You could also have a computer and just play the file using Windows file sharing, functional but not really acceptable for usage on a TV in a living room environment (IMO).

Or you could get a MediaMVP which would be a compromise, nice user interface, but not the Sage interface.

& how is the quality of the shows recorded on sage?, I forgot to ask that? Im sure it depends on the quality you record at, but for the best quality, whats the gb/per hour?

Max quality is 5.6GB/hr, but about 3GB/hr is about the highest you need to go practically. I run my recordings between 2 and 3GB/hr and on one RCA HDTV with a poor tuner quality is better than live, and on the 46" Mitsubishi it's indistiguishable from live (both are displaying at a 1080i based resolution).

And ... can you watch live tv, or a recorded show while viewing the guide?

You can watch it in a small window, in the background, or on a second monitor (only if you're video card is capable of some sort of video mirror).

Thanks again. The support on these forums is A+

ccerj8 :D :D :D

Not a prob!

[ccerj8]

Thanks Once Again.

What turners do you recommend me get, I was thinking of getting the 350, but I don't know which I should get, if I want to add the 2nd turner.

Also do you recommend that I use a pc, just for the sage tv, or do you think a pc, that I have now that I currently use, would do the trick? The current pc, is in the same room as my tv where the sage would be hooked up?

Also, I thought I read that sage lets you play your mp3's through the sage interface, is that true, if I have a few GB's of mp3's on the pc would I be able to play them through the sage interface on the tv??...if so does it show album art, track tags, etc?

Thank Ya' Thank Ya' Guys!

-ccerj8

[stanger89]

Originally posted by ccerj8
Thanks Once Again.

What turners do you recommend me get, I was thinking of getting the 350, but I don't know which I should get, if I want to add the 2nd turner.

If you want two tuners, 250s are probably your best bet, combining a 250 and a 350 in the same machine could be problematic. However if you did get a 350, you could always get second 350 or a PVR-USB II, the I haven't heard of the USB2s conflicting with anything yet.

Also do you recommend that I use a pc, just for the sage tv, or do you think a pc, that I have now that I currently use, would do the trick? The current pc, is in the same room as my tv where the sage would be hooked up?

Ideally, you should give SageTV it's own PC, Windows and everything on it run better the less stuff you have installed. It isn't necessary, thought, to dedicate a machine to SageTV. If you have the option I'd say go for it, but it might also be worthwile to just try it on your current PC and get a feel for it. Regardless of whether you give Sage it's own machine, you really should give it it's own partition to play with (and formatted to 64k blocks just for completeness). For example I have a 180Gb partition dedicated to Sage recordings, that way Sage can manage the drive itself without interference from other programs/me/etc.

Also, I thought I read that sage lets you play your mp3's through the sage interface, is that true, if I have a few GB's of mp3's on the pc would I be able to play them through the sage interface on the tv??...if so does it show album art, track tags, etc?

Thank Ya' Thank Ya' Guys!

-ccerj8
On a video card's TV out I can tell you yes, on the 350 I'm not entirely sure, I remember reading about people trying it but I don't remember the result for sure. I think it came down to having to use a soundcard for mp3 output instead of the 350's audio out.

I should also mention that I currently use 2.0 and my answers are in that context. The biggest difference between 2.0 and 1.4 (aside from the interface) is that you can use the 350's TV out to see the Sage interface, that was/is not available with 1.4.

[ccerj8]

Hey Stranger, your the man, I wish there would be an easier way to talk to you such as msn messenger, or a chat room. You seem to know alot about what I am wanting to do. This is what I would like to get out of my pvr & sage.

I want to be able to use my digital cable box. (Record,Pause,RW,FF)

I want to be able to watch my recorded shows on both my computer, and tv.(I want to be able to edit shows also)

I also want to be able to view/lisiten to my mp3's and Pictures on my TV.(Which I see is going to be available on ver 2.)

I looked on my computer that I will be using for sage, and my graphics card is an 64 MB GeForce4 MX Graphics Card with TV-Out.

I don't know if that will help my situation but who knows?

I also want to know the difference betweent the Sage Ver. 1.4 & 2.0 ..... (about program guide etc)

I also want to know which turner card would be best for my situation, the 250 doesn't allow the user interface to show on the tv, using it's tv out, does that mean that you cannot see the guide on the tv??(If you could give me the main differences between the 250, and 350, that would be great)

Sorry for so many fricken questions, but everyone's help is really making a difference in my purchases.

Thanks, ccerj8


:bang: :flaming:

[stanger89]

Everything you list it definitely possible, and it's easier if you use the TV out on your TV card because then it's just like using your monitor (although the TV won't look as good as a monitor).

Guide
2.0
http://www.sage.tv/0_imgDir/V2LiveTVGuide.jpg
http://www.sage.tv/0_imgDir/V2GuideVMR.jpg
1.4
http://www.sage.tv/0_imgDir/SageGuide.jpg

OSD
2.0
http://www.sage.tv/0_imgDir/v2tvosd.jpg
1.4
http://www.sage.tv/0_imgDir/SageTVVideoAndOSD.jpg

The biggest difference is in the interface, it is much prettier in 2.0. Most of the core functionality is roughly the same. There are a few refinements like the DVD and Music modules are more refined than in 1.4.

As for which tuner to get, the big difference between the 250 and 350 is that the 350 has a hardware decoder/TV out that the 250 doesn't. The 250 you have to use your video card to display video, while the 350 can do it itself. I would probably recommend you get a 250, it will be simpler to set up (marginally) and will be less likely to give you problems.

[ccerj8]

Ok Stranger,

Let me see if Im getting this right,

The difference in the 250 & 350 is that the 350 has its own hardware decoder/TV out that the 250 doesn't. So that being said, I will need to use my graphics card tv out ...right??

& even with the 250 I will still be able to do everything that I want to do, and still be able to use the sage 2.0 and have my mp3's, and guide all be on both tv, and pc monitor.???

Also, as I understand it, the Sage 2.0 software is still beta, is it stable, & when will the 2. 0 officially be released?

Thanks, ccerj8 :coffee:

[Opus4]

This may be very minor, but don't forget that those station icons are not automatically part of SageTV v2.... I believe it was possible to use them in v1.4, but for both versions, you still have to do some of the work yourself to get them added. Regardless, the v2 interface looks better. :)

Also, I'm not sure if the question was to watch shows on TV only via SageTV, or directly through the cable box to the TV too, so I wanted to reiterate that unless the box is capable of decoding 2 separate channels, you can only decode 1 channel at a time. If the signal out of the box goes through a splitter to the PC & to the TV, they will both get the same picture. i.e.: you can't change the channle for one w/o affecting the other.

Oh -- and don't forget to look around the forum or ask a question in order to determine how you will have SageTV change the channel on the cable box. That's another topic you will have to cover. (No, I don't do that yet... just wanted to be sure you checked that out.)

- Andy

[stanger89]

& even with the 250 I will still be able to do everything that I want to do, and still be able to use the sage 2.0 and have my mp3's, and guide all be on both tv, and pc monitor.???

This is possible, but will depend on your video card, the interface on both at the same time shouldn't be a problem, but some cards support video on two displays simultaneously better than others.

[ccerj8]

Hey Andy,

On the tv part, I just want to be able to watch the sage programming on both my pc, and tv at the same time, I do realize that it will be the same on both, which I am fine with.

Also, to get the sage to change my tv channel on the dig cable box, I was told that I need to get a USB-UIRT ...em I missing something there also???

Thanks, ccerj8

[ccerj8]

Also, as I understand it, the Sage 2.0 software is still beta, is it stable, & when will the 2. 0 officially be released?

[stanger89]

2.0 is currently in Release Candidate 2, so I would say the release will be soon (nothing like being specific:))

As for multiple monitors, you'll need to set up your display for clone mode, this will display the same thing on both monitors, although video doesn't always work on both displays at the same time (this varies from card to card).

To change channels on the cable box, Sage needs to be able to controll the cable box, you'll need either an IR blaster like the UIRT which will mimic the box's remote control or if you're lucky the box will have a serial or "Low speed data" port which you would connect to the serial port of your computer and Sage would control it via that connection (serial is better if possible).

[ccerj8]

Hey Stranger,

Thanks for all the help, you and everyone have been giving me.

As usual I have more questions.

With Sage tv, I want to mostly watch all the tv on my telivision, I would basically like it to be just like it is now, except with the added "tivo" style dvr.

I guess my question is, will I be able to do most of the things strait from the tv, just like it was a tivo, and will the quality of my live tv be any different quality that it is now??

Also, my guide will change right, I really em' happy about that because the digital cable guide is terribly slow, and all you can do is lisiten to the audio when you are looking at the guide.

Also, when changing channels through sage, will it still give me that bottom bar crawler from the digital cable company when ever I change a channel?

Also I have a General Instruments Dig Cable BOx, how do I know if it has a serial port, what does it look like??

& I have been reading about when trying to program the digital cable remote, that some boxes are supported, and some aren't, where would I go to find the list???

Thanks A Million.

ccerj8

[sixdoubleo]

Also, when changing channels through sage, will it still give me that bottom bar crawler from the digital cable company when ever I change a channel?


Yes. Sage will change channels just as you had manually changed channels. So, whatever you see when YOU change a channel normally is what you'll see when Sage changes the channel.



Also I have a General Instruments Dig Cable BOx, how do I know if it has a serial port, what does it look like??


It is a 9-pin plug about 5/8-inch wide and 3/8-inch high.....sort of trapezoid shaped.

[stanger89]

AAAHHH! More friggin questions!!


Just kidding.

Originally posted by ccerj8
Hey Stranger,

Thanks for all the help, you and everyone have been giving me.

As usual I have more questions.

With Sage tv, I want to mostly watch all the tv on my telivision, I would basically like it to be just like it is now, except with the added "tivo" style dvr.

I guess my question is, will I be able to do most of the things strait from the tv, just like it was a tivo, and will the quality of my live tv be any different quality that it is now??

Yes, you'll be able to do everything on the TV. As for quality, I'm not sure what you're comparing too, but likely with the TV out on a video card, the quality will be slighly less than straight from the cable box, it will be way better than VHS though.

Also, my guide will change right, I really em' happy about that because the digital cable guide is terribly slow, and all you can do is lisiten to the audio when you are looking at the guide.

You can scroll through the guide at will, Sage updates the guide once/day.

Also, when changing channels through sage, will it still give me that bottom bar crawler from the digital cable company when ever I change a channel?

If you're using the cable box, the probably, since Sage just records the cable box output. If you use the analog cable, then no.

Also I have a General Instruments Dig Cable BOx, how do I know if it has a serial port, what does it look like??

It will probably look like a phone jack, or a 9-pin serial port and be labled data, or Low Speed Data. There's a pretty good chance your box has one (it would be on the back), take a look and if it does try that firts before getting a UIRT.

& I have been reading about when trying to program the digital cable remote, that some boxes are supported, and some aren't, where would I go to find the list???

Thanks A Million.

ccerj8

It seems to me that most boxes are supported via IR, and a lot of boxes with serial ports will work via serial.

[sixdoubleo]

Originally posted by stanger89
AAAHHH! More friggin questions!!

but likely with the TV out on a video card, the quality will be slighly less than straight from the cable box, it will be way better than VHS though.

I agree with Stanger. I would just like to add that when you're NOT using a TV-Out, the Sage picture can be BETTER than what you would get with straight cable or satellite. For those of us outputting in digital to an HDTV, we are getting a progressive-scan image that is usually of better quality than if we had just watched TV normally.

So my point is that Sage really has nothing to do with picture quality. It's the conversion of the image as it passes from composite, through the PVR card, to MPEG. back off MPEG to your decoder and then out the TV-Out that is giving you quality loss.

[ccerj8]

Ok, thanks for the help.


I looked at the back of my dig cable box, it has a 9 pin serial port, (im assuming), because its labled data. So that would be what I hook up to my pc's serial port, to change the channels???, so I wont need to buy a uirt.

Also once I get my 250 turner, is there any manual that comes with it, or a how to anywhere so I know how to get it hooked up?? I guess I can always ask this wonderful forum.

THanks again guys. ccerj8 :jump:

[stanger89]

No guarantees the serial port will work (the cable company may not have it activated) but I would definitely try it before spending money on a UIRT.

It's not really that hard to hook up, serial cable from PC to cable box (null modem cable I believe), s-video and L/R audio from cable box to 250 (you'll probably need one of these (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F007%5F002%5F003%5F009&product%5Fid=42%2D2483) to connect the audio).

[sixdoubleo]

Originally posted by stanger89
It's not really that hard to hook up, serial cable from PC to cable box (null modem cable I believe), s-video and L/R audio from cable box to 250 (you'll probably need one of these (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F007%5F002%5F003%5F009&product%5Fid=42%2D2483) to connect the audio).

Hey Stanger....question....

How would you compare the video and sound quality of the configuration you suggest (s-video and L/R Audio in) vs. just using RG-6 Coax??? Have you compared?

Im currently using Coax as it is all my cable box supports, but when I go to Satellite I will now have the option.

[stanger89]

:confused: Are you talking composite? RG-6 is generally associated with the cable into the house that carries both audio and video, while composite is video only connection between components (like VCR and TV).

I'd say S-video to be better than composite, probably noticeably, and that it is WAY better than coax (RF out/in). You'd probably see better colors going from composite to s-vid, and better everything going from coax/RF to s-vid (that would include better audio).

[sixdoubleo]

Originally posted by stanger89
:confused: Are you talking composite? RG-6 is generally associated with the cable into the house that carries both audio and video, while composite is video only connection between components (like VCR and TV).

Nope. I'm talking RG-6 Coax. Old school analog cable box! If you're running pretty good cable and have good connections and few splits, it can actually be very clear. I know mine is pretty clear.

Just wondering of those who have tried it, if there is a huge difference between the inputs on the PVR-250, given a clear source. I know my old IOMagic TV Tuner had a HORRIBLE coax-in, so I would convert it to s-video with a VCR first. The PVR-250 seems pretty clear even on the coax though.

I will definitely by running s-video when I switch to satellite. Looking forward to an even clearer picture.

[ccerj8]

Hey Stranger,

How would I go about actually setting up the sage tv, using the serial port, is it just plug and play, or is there some setup needing done to change the channel??

I hope I know how to set everything up, once I get the 250, and install it, then what do I do?...Install sage?, then how do I go about getting the remote to work with all digital channels?

Also how will I know if the serial port is activated or not??

Also do any cables come with the turner, or if I have to buy them, what cables em' I going to need for the setup?...I would like to have all my "ducks in a row" for to say, once my turner comes.

Thanks, ccerj8

[ccerj8]

Forgot to add another question to my previous post. This is something that I don't understand..Entirely

The 250 doesn't have a built in mpeg2 encoder, and I have read on some other posts about people talking about software decoders, em' I going to have to use a software decoder, and if so what are they...are they something like POWER DVD? or what?

Also with the 250, em' I still going to be able to play everything that I can on my computer on the tv?

Thank Ya' As always!

ccerj8 (also please answerr my question in my previous post)

[sixdoubleo]

Originally posted by ccerj8
[B]The 250 doesn't have a built in mpeg2 encoder, and I have read on some other posts about people talking about software decoders, em' I going to have to use a software decoder, and if so what are they...are they something like POWER DVD? or what?


The 250 has a hardware ENCODER. So recording the video is fairly painless as the card does all the work. However, you are correct, you will need a software DECODER to watch the video. Software decoders come with various DVD packages, such as PowerDVD, NVDVD (which comes with many nVidia video cards, etc). So if you have already installed PowerDVD, then you already have an MPEG decoder and Sage will use it.

[stanger89]

Originally posted by sixdoubleo
Just wondering of those who have tried it, if there is a huge difference between the inputs on the PVR-250, given a clear source. I know my old IOMagic TV Tuner had a HORRIBLE coax-in, so I would convert it to s-video with a VCR first. The PVR-250 seems pretty clear even on the coax though.

Ah, the tuner/RF in on the 250 is the best I've used (that's out of a TV Wonder, WinTV PVR PCI, and the PVR 250), it's actually better than the tuner on my TV. I just run standard cable so I haven't used the S-Vid in much. Assuming DTV is better than cable, the S-Video signal should be noticeably better than an RF modulated one.

[stanger89]

Well, I think six got your other question.

Originally posted by ccerj8
Hey Stranger,

How would I go about actually setting up the sage tv, using the serial port, is it just plug and play, or is there some setup needing done to change the channel??

I hope I know how to set everything up, once I get the 250, and install it, then what do I do?...Install sage?, then how do I go about getting the remote to work with all digital channels?

Now as I said in the previos post, I'm limited to analog cable so I haven't had to deal with cable boxes. But you install the 250, then install Sage. When you start Sage the first time it will take you through a wizard where you tell it your source, how it's connected, etc. I assume in this you tell it your box is connected via serial.

Also how will I know if the serial port is activated or not??

One way would be to call your cable company, tell them you're getting a Tivo (they won't know what Sage is) and ask them if you can use a serial cable or if you need IR. Otherwise search the net or ask here (probably in the HW forum).

Also do any cables come with the turner, or if I have to buy them, what cables em' I going to need for the setup?...I would like to have all my "ducks in a row" for to say, once my turner comes.

Thanks, ccerj8

It doesn't come with much, you'll probably need an S-Video cable and a cable like I linked to above (go for the better Ratshack model the cheap ones fall appart).

[ccerj8]

Hey Stranger, Got another question for ya'.

Could you possibly tell me how everything will hook up togather, such as what cable into what, and etc.

I would have my tv, dvd/vcr combo, cable box/sage, and playstation 2. Im really bad at knowing what lineup I should put that suff in, any help by anyone would be greatful.

Also, how would I tell if my tv has the right jacks, to support the tv out??

Thanks - ccerj8

[stanger89]

Assuming you have the cable box/VCR/PS2 connected already, just move the cables that go from the cable box to the TV from the TV to the 250 (should be S-Video and L/R audio - you'll probably need a converter like I linked above).

[ccerj8]

well, the only problem is, I don't have thoughs all hooked up right now, its such a mess of wires in my room, I currently have all my stuff spread over 2 tv's so I don't know how I will have to hook them up, sorry it could just be that easy for ya'.

Also, do u have a messenger chat,(msn) so it would be easier for me to talk to you though out my whole sage extravaganda??, I understand if you don't want to have to hold my hand through all of this, and understand if you don't want to help me anymore, but your so dang, intelligent about all this, it would be a shame for you to not give your smartness away :P

Thanks Alot.

CC

[stanger89]

Sorry I haven't got back to about the setup bit, middle of finals/moving home/etc so I've been kind of busy. If you list your components I'll see if I can figure out how to hook it up.

[ccerj8]

Ok Thanks,

Here are my conponents.

TV
PC W/ tv out W/ sage on it...(DUH)
Playstation2 "PS2"
DVD-VCR COMBO
Digital Cable Box

Also, what jacks will I have to have on my tv, to have everything play togather??, Im not sure what my tv has.?

Thanks, ccerj8

[stanger89]

Hopefully you'll have three audio/video inputs on your TV. What model is your TV?

[ccerj8]

currently it's a 23" SYLVANIA (it's pretty lame, but Im saving to get an LCD)....I cant move it to see what connections it has in the back, but the front has and AV jacks, one White audio, and other video Yellow.....I will try to get it moved sometime later, but I will have to get it out of the entertainment center.



Thanks, ccerj8

[ccerj8]

I think my tv model number is - SYLVANIA SRT2223X

[stanger89]

If you're lucky, it will have another set on the back, but regardless, you'll need some sort of switch (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1051384742482&type=product&productCategoryId=cat08063). You will just hook the PC, DVD, PS2 into one of the inputs on the switch, and the switch output to the TV.

[ccerj8]

Thanks, stranger,

Got another question for ya'

you said that it's good to give sage its own disk drive or at leat its own partition, can you tell me how to format it into 64k blocks.

Thanks, cc

[stanger89]

Try this.

[ccerj8]

Thanks again.

That pic will help me.

Also, my dvd - vcr combo is hooked up to my suround sound amp-woofer, that then goes through the 5 speakers, with using the switch will all of the components still all play through the suround sound??...also, will I still need that audio adapter that you showed me from radio shack even with the switch.

Thanks, ccerj8

[stanger89]

Does your "surround amp-woofer" have video inputs on it? I know my Yamaha reciever has a buch of A/V inputs. (If you aren't sure give me the model).

[ccerj8]

not sure


panasonic SA-HT800V

thanks, cc

[stanger89]

This may actually be easier that I thought.

There are probably three ways you could hook it up. I'm assuming you have the DVD/VCR/surround thingy hooked up to the back of the TV. You'll still need the adapter to go from the cable box to the 250 unless it has RCA type audio inputs like this one:
http://www.pcalchemy.com/images/hauppauge/pvr-250mce-0.jpg

So you'll go from the cable box to the 250 and then...

1)
PS2 -> Front inputs on TV
PC -> "Ext" input on the DVD thingy

2)
PC -> Front inputs on TV
PS2 -> "Ext" input on the DVD thingy

3)
PC -> A/V Switch
PS2 -> A/V Switch
A/V -> Switch to "Ext" input

[kny3twalker]

HE COULD ALSO USE A RECEIVER OR A VCR FOR SOME OF THE THINGS AS LONG AS THEY HAVE INPUTS

i PERSONALLY WOULD GO WITH A NEW TV OR RECEIVER BOTH WILL SOLVE THE PROBLEM EFFECTIVELY

SORRY ABOUT THE CAPS, I GOT MY SERIAL CONNECTION WORKING AGAIN

WELL AT LEAST WITH 1.4 KIND OF SCARED TO INSTALL RC3 BUT GOING TO

[ccerj8]

Thanks for the help guys.

Got some more questions.

With my potential setup, If I were to get my dig cbl box's serial to work, that way I could change the channels, where would the remote get it's signal from, would it be from the tv (preferably) or would it be the computer, because I will be watching most of my stuff through tv?

Also, In order for me to get my sage to get from my pc, to my tv, I will need to use my graphics card's tv out right??

Thanks, cc

[kny3twalker]

that is one way to SageTV to your TV but you can also use a PVR 350
also a X card but the Onscreen display is not working yet or supported yet
just the video
the PVR 350 is the best choice for most people but the 350s have issues with some motherboard chipsets