Newbie questions

[acrowe]

Good Afternoon all.

I am looking at SageTV to replace my DishPVR. I'm switching to cable and want to keep most of the same functionality. My PC sits in the office behind the wall behind my entertainment center. I currently have things patched through the wall for networking etc. I'm going to keep using the PC for normal PC stuff, but want it to act as the PVR too. I'm looking at the Happauge 350 bundle so that the video and audio come right off of that card and into the TV and amp.

So my questions are:
1. Does that sound feasable?
2. I have a Sony AV-3000 remote, what is the cheapest and easiest way to get that working (the USBIRT would work, but its a tad pricey)?

Any other feedback you have would be wonderful.

Thanks!

[Kanati]

You really should have a dedicated box for a PVR. My personal opinion, but if it's doing something like that it should really be a box all to itself.

the usb-uirt is for changing the channel on your cable box... If the 350 comes with a hauppage remote (dunno if it does or not), then you can use your sony probably and just remap the sage commands to your remote's commands. I did hear somewhere that the hauppage IR receiver doesn't recieve all signals though so take that for what it's worth.

[Opus4]

If you are considering the 350 with the PC in another room, you might be better off with the MVP connected to the PC over your existing network. I believe they will both play the same types of files (mpeg-2 video only) & the MVP won't run into a chance that it causes problems on the PC like the 350 might.

If you want to be able to play DVDs on the PC, then don't use the 350 or the MVP -- you'll either need to run cables from the PC through the wall to the TV/stereo or set up an htpc-only pc (perhaps a client to keep it smaller/quieter) near the TV.

The non-MCE versions of the Hauppauge tuners come with an IR receiver & the 150 also has a blaster. (And the Hauppauge receiver is limited in terms of which IR signals it can receive.) Beyond that, the USB-UIRT is the most versatile IR receiver/transmitter. You could also look into controlling any possible converter box via serial cable, if the box has that option.

- Andy

[acrowe]

I'm actually already planning on running cables. Its a lot cheaper than another piece of equipment Long term we may very well switch to a dedicated box, but right now we're trying to keep it on the cheap initially.

is there an extension cable for the haupage receiver? I've heard its pretty short.

[Kanati]

is there an extension cable for the haupage receiver? I've heard its pretty short.

I don't know if it's serial or usb, but probably usb. You can run to radio shack or probably even wal-mart and get a USB extender.

[nielm]

Originally Posted by Kanati

I don't know if it's serial or usb, but probably usb.

Neither -- its a mini jack plug.

[Kanati]

plugs directly into the pvr card??? Well... mini rca (think that's what you are saying) extenders are easy to pick up at radio shack too.

[Opus4]

Originally Posted by acrowe

is there an extension cable for the haupage receiver? I've heard its pretty short.

It uses a 2.5 mm stereo plug; see Hauppauge IR sensor Extension?

- Andy

[Kanati]

... disregard ...

[Opus4]

No, it needs 2.5 mm or so, not the 'standard' 1/8"/3.5mm/whatever size it is. The part number you referenced at Radio Shack is 1/4" at one end and 1/8" at the other. Please see the referenced links since the plug size was covered in those old threads.

- Andy

[Kanati]

Actually I did... It appeared to be a standard mini rca...

I just got off the phone with Hauppage tech support just to verify that... And initially they were telling me "sure. A standard mini rca extension will work just fine." (The tech's name was "Phar" or "Far") I had him verify it for me and he put me on hold for about 5 minutes and came back with the same thing you stated. "It's slightly smaller than a headphone jack actually." Glad to know their techs almost seem to know what they are selling eh?

So disregard everything I said. Listen not to me... I'm not the droid you are looking for...

[Blue]

Originally Posted by acrowe

I have a Sony AV-3000 remote

BTW, that remote should work fine with the Hauppauge IR receiver. I have an earlier version of this remote, and just used the Hauppauge remote to train the Sony.