Straighten me out on the MVP vs. Media Extender

[robhix]

Hey all,

Just got Sage set up last night on the PC and things are looking great. Now for the next step in the build. I need to get an MVP/Media Extender.

I understand that the Media Extender is nothing more than an MVP that runs a linux version of the SageTV software which it obtains from the server.

The question in my mind is which to buy. If I but the MVP, I get the Hauppauge software. Then I buy the extender client license and I am good to go. This way I can use the MVP as either a Sage media extender or as it was intended to be used.

If I buy the Sage Media Extender, it is $30 cheaper since I do not have to purchase the media extender software license. But, do I get the Hauppauge software with the Sage Media Extender.

If I could just work this out in my mind, I am ready to go with it. If there are any other hidden things I need to know, please elaborate.

Thanks in advance,
Rob Hix

[Opus4]

They are the same. The only difference is that when you buy it from SageTV, it comes with a SageTV Media Extender license.

- Andy

[jbarr]

Be sure to check out PCAlchemy.com. They have good pricing on MVP's and licenses.

[Alfiegerner]

You can always download the hauppage softwae if you want to use that.

[jrnChimera]

Anybody have opinions and experiences with both the Haupage MVP and the SageTV Media Extender? They both appear to provide the same functionality at about the same price. Does one outperform the other and what are the pros and cons of using one over the other?

I'm trying to determine which device to purchase...

Thanks all.

* merged with existing topic *

[sainswor99]

They are the same device; the difference in price is that the Sage branded version of the MVP includes a Placeshifter/Media Extender licence so you can access SageTV on the extender. The generic version has its own software (which is much more limited, but may be useful to some users).

If you're running SageTV (which I'm assuming you are since you're at this forum), it's worth the few extra bucks to get the licence (assuming that they have the MVP's in stock).

Stu

[jjstok]

I ordered the Sage TV Media extender and Sage sent me the MVP. The Extender appears to be more robust then the MVP. I have yet to get an answer as to why they sent the MVP. I assume Sage actually makes their own Extender correct? Any opinions on the difference? I'm not happy when I order one thing and receive something else.

[Fluffdaddy]

Originally Posted by jjstok

I'm not happy when I order one thing and receive something else.

The SageTV Media Extender and Hauppauge MVP are the same thing. You did not do your research

[jjstok]

I am a new Sage user so sorry I can offer no help but I do have a question. Why do you use an MVP instead of the Sage Media Extender? I ask because I ordered an Extender and they sent me an MVP.

* merged with existing topic *

[Fluffdaddy]

They are the same. The only difference is that when you buy it from SageTV it comes with a SageTV Media Extender license. The SageTV Media Extender and Hauppauge MVP are the exact same thing. Just renamed for sagetv

[Fluffdaddy]

Oh I see we were merged

jjstok do you understand now why you was sent a MVP?

[jjstok]

Why would I research something like that? I saw nothing on the Sage site in the specs for the Extender that mentioned anything about the MVP except in the code name, plus they have their name on the Extender in all of the pictures. You claim consumer ignorance but the bottom line is that is fraudulent advertising.

Oh well, I hope it works! I can't wait to use it! Thanks for the enlightening!

[FidgetyRat]

Originally Posted by jjstok

Why would I research something like that? I saw nothing on the Sage site in the specs for the Extender that mentioned anything about the MVP except in the code name, plus they have their name on the Extender in all of the pictures. You claim consumer ignorance but the bottom line is that is fraudulent advertising.

Oh well, I hope it works! I can't wait to use it! Thanks for the enlightening!

It will work good. As stated they are identical. I agree with you about expecting to receive a sage product but instead getting a hauppauge one. It feels very deceptive even though it is assumed most people know the differences. (especially with reading the forum for 5 minutes). But sage should put a note that the item pictured is not what you receive or take their logo off of the hauppauge products.

All in all though, you should be pleased. (as long as you don't get a defective model )

[Fluffdaddy]

Originally Posted by FidgetyRat

All in all though, you should be pleased. (as long as you don't get a defective model )

Or purchased the wireless Media Extender aka MVP

[flavius]

Why is that?

[Fluffdaddy]

From many users reviews here and a poll that I posted a while back the wireless units are not plug and play, very very hit or miss

http://forums.sage.tv/forums/showthr...highlight=poll