Questions about using Media Extender

[royphil345]

Hi,

Just bought my SAGEtv license. Version 4.1 finally made me do it!!!

Working excellent in my system. Have a TV hooked up to my video card and bought an overpriced little switchbox to switch the sound between my TV and computer speakers (dont like using splitters). Picture looks better than I expected and I'm really enjoying the intelligent recording feature. Thanks SAGEtv!!!

Now... Would sure like to extend this into the living room... Maybe play a few mp3s stored on my computer on the home theater as well.

The SAGEtv Media Extender looks like just what I need. I also have enough "leftovers" to build a pretty decent computer system (would just need a case, video card, and a wireless keyboard / mouse). Which would be the best way to go? Would the picture quality be better from the Media Extender than from a software decoder / video card? What about sound quality? I must admit, using the second computer is tempting. Would have the option to do a little big-screen web surfing... maybe use a different media player with visualizations for music?

Also... I know absolutely nothing about computer networks. Right now I've got my DSL modem plugged into my network card and that's about all I know how to do with it!!! What would I need to buy in order to use the Media Extender or second computer in the other room while keeping my DSL hooked up here? I'd also like to suggest (if anyone from SAGEtv sees this) that a simple diagram showing roughly how the Media Extender is connected included in the advertising might help sell more units to morons like me!!!

Thanks MUCH for any help!!!
Roy

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by royphil345

The SAGEtv Media Extender looks like just what I need. I also have enough "leftovers" to build a pretty decent computer system (would just need a case, video card, and a wireless keyboard / mouse). Which would be the best way to go? Would the picture quality be better from the Media Extender than from a software decoder / video card? What about sound quality? I must admit, using the second computer is tempting. Would have the option to do a little big-screen web surfing... maybe use a different media player with visualizations for music?

Is your display an HDTV? Do you have a reciever that takes digital audio?

If the answer to these is yes, then you'll get better quality building a full PC client. If no, then the extender will probably server you better.

Also... I know absolutely nothing about computer networks. Right now I've got my DSL modem plugged into my network card and that's about all I know how to do with it!!! What would I need to buy in order to use the Media Extender or second computer in the other room while keeping my DSL hooked up here? I'd also like to suggest (if anyone from SAGEtv sees this) that a simple diagram showing roughly how the Media Extender is connected included in the advertising might help sell more units to morons like me!!!

You'll need to buy a router probably. Then DSL modem -> router -> PCs/network devices.

[royphil345]

No HDTV, yes digital audio inputs.

Wouldn't know what kind of sound card to get for digital output (another thing I haven't gotten into yet). Would I be able to hear all the computer sounds or just certain file types?

Boy... Am I feeling DUMB tonight!!! Used to think I was pretty good with computers

...Had a feeling I was going to need a router... thanks for the help so far!!!

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by royphil345

No HDTV, yes digital audio inputs.

Honestly, I'd probably just go with an MVP then.

[royphil345]

You're probably right. It looks like a nice, neat, inexpensive solution.

...But I've got all these parts here (P4 2.8 GH, 1GB DDR complete with mainboard and quiet CPU cooler, 80 GB 7200 RPM hard drive), just itchin' to be built into my #2 system!!! LOL

Thinking surfing the net at 600 x 800 with fuzzy text wouldn't be that great. The option to use other media players, maybe play some games sounds like it might be fun and really improve my home theater though. Could do my digital recording from vinyl through shorter cables.

Then again... Sometimes simple is better. The hardware decoder in the Extender may work better than software decoding... I'll have to stew on it awhile while I shop for a good router after Christmas. Any other opinions / suggestions / instructions very welcome!!!

Thanks again stranger89!!!

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by royphil345

You're probably right. It looks like a nice, neat, inexpensive solution.

...But I've got all these parts here (P4 2.8 GH, 1GB DDR complete with mainboard and quiet CPU cooler, 80 GB 7200 RPM hard drive), just itchin' to be built into my #2 system!!! LOL

I know the feeling

Thinking surfing the net at 600 x 800 with fuzzy text wouldn't be that great. The option to use other media players, maybe play some games sounds like it might be fun and really improve my home theater though. Could do my digital recording from vinyl through shorter cables.

Especially when you consider that it's not eve 800x600, using the TV out, it's all converted to 480i (720x480).