My List of Issues with SageTV

[dshields]

Here are all the issues I currently have with SageTV. I'm going to work on resolving all these over time. Unfortunately, it's probably going to take a while.

1. Poor video playback quality: figure out if the problem is on the record side, the playback side or both. I suspect it is both. http://forums.freytechnologies.com/f...ad.php?t=17828
2. Figure out how to contol my DCT2244 when I use the RCA inputs to the tuner card. When I set it up this way, the IR blaster (USB-UIRT) stops working.
3. Figure out why the direct serial connection to my DCT 2244 will not work
   http://forums.freytechnologies.com/f...6&postcount=12
4. Is it possible to set a preferred video source (or preferred tuner card)?
5. Hauppauge Tweak Tool: Learn how to determine the correct settings.
6. NVidia Decoders: why do I get playback exceptions?
   http://forums.freytechnologies.com/f...1&postcount=15
7. Fix minor issues with commercial skip
8. Eventually, get SageTV to control 3 digital cable boxes
9. If I can resolve all the other issues, I'd like to start recording HD content (one day...)

Obviously, solving the quality issue is the most important, and I have posted several other posts about this. Has anyone put together a step-by-step list of trouble shooting steps aimed at a newbie? I've gotten a lot of helpful tips so far, but I think I really need something very basic and step-by-step because I'm a newbie. However, I also need advanced info about a lot of stuff because my issues don't seem to be of the simple variety. I've tried most of the simple suggestions and I have not gotten results. Maybe I just need a SageTV consultant to come and fix it all for me! If such people existed, I'd be willing to pay at this point!

[jominor]

Originally Posted by dshields

Here are all the issues I currently have with SageTV. I'm going to work on resolving all these over time. Unfortunately, it's probably going to take a while.

1. Poor video playback quality: figure out if the problem is on the record side, the playback side or both. I suspect it is both. http://forums.freytechnologies.com/f...ad.php?t=17828
2. Figure out how to contol my DCT2244 when I use the RCA inputs to the tuner card. When I set it up this way, the IR blaster (USB-UIRT) stops working.
3. Figure out why the direct serial connection to my DCT 2244 will not work
   http://forums.freytechnologies.com/f...6&postcount=12
4. Is it possible to set a preferred video source (or preferred tuner card)?
5. Hauppauge Tweak Tool: Learn how to determine the correct settings.
6. NVidia Decoders: why do I get playback exceptions?
   http://forums.freytechnologies.com/f...1&postcount=15
7. Fix minor issues with commercial skip
8. Eventually, get SageTV to control 3 digital cable boxes
9. If I can resolve all the other issues, I'd like to start recording HD content (one day...)

Obviously, solving the quality issue is the most important, and I have posted several other posts about this. Has anyone put together a step-by-step list of trouble shooting steps aimed at a newbie? I've gotten a lot of helpful tips so far, but I think I really need something very basic and step-by-step because I'm a newbie. However, I also need advanced info about a lot of stuff because my issues don't seem to be of the simple variety. I've tried most of the simple suggestions and I have not gotten results. Maybe I just need a SageTV consultant to come and fix it all for me! If such people existed, I'd be willing to pay at this point!

For picture quality, take a look at your decoder. Nvidia's Puredecoder is excellent. Also, try tweaking the color calibration settings. By switching between live tv and Sage, I was able to tweak the settings until my Sage systems is as good or better than my analog Cable signal.

[IncredibleHat]

"Nvidia's Puredecoder is excellent."

Where do you buy this? Or does it come with something? My NVDVD (plus codecs) appears to not contain it, as SageTV only shows "NVDVD Codecs" as a selection... and honestly, is HORRIBLE compared to the InterVideo Non-CSS Decoders.

? (sorry about the hijack... but it is quality topic related, heh)

[roxy99]

Originally Posted by IncredibleHat

"Nvidia's Puredecoder is excellent."

Where do you buy this? Or does it come with something? My NVDVD (plus codecs) appears to not contain it, as SageTV only shows "NVDVD Codecs" as a selection... and honestly, is HORRIBLE compared to the InterVideo Non-CSS Decoders.

? (sorry about the hijack... but it is quality topic related, heh)

30 day trial. check the nvidia website- google 'PureVideo'.

Anyways, back to the topic: Lets help dsshields with his video quality issues. Dsshield isn't getting any younger ya know : )

FWIW I'm partial to Cyberlinks powerDVD which Dshield has indicated he already has in another thread.

[IncredibleHat]

I've got PowerDVD from some piece of hardware I bought... what was it ... hmm... OH! Yeah, my Lite-ON DVD drive! lol... I just never had cared for the program, so I didn't think the codecs would have been worth the trouble, so I bought NVDVD with a bundle deal. I'll check out PureVideo, and maybe also install that PowerDVD I have and mess with it too. Thanks.

[jominor]

Originally Posted by IncredibleHat

"Nvidia's Puredecoder is excellent."

Where do you buy this? Or does it come with something? My NVDVD (plus codecs) appears to not contain it, as SageTV only shows "NVDVD Codecs" as a selection... and honestly, is HORRIBLE compared to the InterVideo Non-CSS Decoders.

? (sorry about the hijack... but it is quality topic related, heh)

Just check out Nvidia's web site. It has a pretty long trial. Well worth it!