Router - switch - another switch

[Ken C]

When (real soon we hope) the HD MVP arrives, I plan on using it to replace the Sage HTPC. And getting an upscaling DVD, maybe the Toshiba A2. There will be a period of time both the HTPC and the MVP will be side by side and both need a LAN connection with only one available.. Currently the LAN has a router hooked up the the cable modem and a gigabit switch hooked into a router port. Can I tandem in another switch to support multiple connections at the HTPC / MVP location ? This second switch would be connected to a port on the gigabit switch.

[HawgGuy]

You should be able to daisy chain your new switch to the existing one. Any additional latency would probably be unmeasurable.

[Conejo]

Originally Posted by Ken C

When (real soon we hope) the HD MVP arrives, I plan on using it to replace the Sage HTPC.

'Replace' doesn't quite sound right, I hope you mean 'as the main playback device.' Where will your SageTV HTPC be going?

[Ken C]

Originally Posted by Conejo

'Replace' doesn't quite sound right, I hope you mean 'as the main playback device.' Where will your SageTV HTPC be going?

"Move" would be a better description. I'll install Sage on the server in the office. All the videos are on the server now. I'm hoping never to have to deal with another video driver / video card 'upgrade' again !!


Thanks, HawgGuy, for the confirmation on the switches. With almost everything wanting an internet connection these days, the ability to daisy chain will minimize crawling around the attic.

[Djc208]

The HD-A2 also has a network connection to support special features as well as firmware player updates, so you may want to leave the switch in place even after the HTPC goes.
I'm in a similar issue, I'm getting ready to wire in ethernet in the house and kept debating running two lines to the entertainment center vs one line and a switch. Since I'm running cable I'll probably just run two lines so as to avoid another component requiring power at my entertainment center.

[Ken C]

Originally Posted by Djc208

. Since I'm running cable I'll probably just run two lines so as to avoid another component requiring power at my entertainment center.

Might want to run more than two ... HTPC/MVP, HD/BR DVD, Xbox/PS3, and whatever happens next year. As long as you are doing it, the cost of cable is cheap. This house came pre-wired with only one cable to each location, but if I were doing it today, I'd run 3 or 4 (maybe more) to the entertainment center.

[Djc208]

Originally Posted by Ken C

Might want to run more than two ... HTPC/MVP, HD/BR DVD, Xbox/PS3, and whatever happens next year. As long as you are doing it, the cost of cable is cheap. This house came pre-wired with only one cable to each location, but if I were doing it today, I'd run 3 or 4 (maybe more) to the entertainment center.

I keep thinking about how many connections I may want, but luckily the house is a ranch and my cables will be running in the attic, so I think I'll run two for now, if I need more it's fairly easy to add another run.
Turning my Sage machine into a WHS running Sage and putting it in the closet where all the media wiring will run will help cut down on how many extra cable lines I'll need. An ethernet line to the HD extender, one for the HD-DVD player and a cable and antenna line should do it for now.