Very basic questions from a newbie!

[JFQs]

After reading the posts in various forums for quite a while, I've only confused myself more.

I have DirecTV (w/o HD) connected to 2 TVs using Samsung sir-s300w receivers.
I'm trying Tivo for a while (standalone, series 2 that a friend loaned me), but am already disappointed that I can't watch one station while recording another. If I try SageTV, will I be able to:

1) Watch and record on different stations?

2) If so, will it require more than one tv tuner card?

3) Record premium content?

4) Transfer all recordings to PC, where I can record to DVD, etc.?

5) If I wanted to watch recorded content on the other TV, what would that
entail (as far as additional hardware or software goes)?

6) I haven't seen anybody admit to getting this same Samsung box working
with SageTV. I do know that there is no serial interface. The Tivo's IR
control works with it to change channels, though. This box was mfg in
2004. Are my odds good in getting SageTV to work with it?

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by JFQs

After reading the posts in various forums for quite a while, I've only confused myself more.

I have DirecTV (w/o HD) connected to 2 TVs using Samsung sir-s300w receivers.
I'm trying Tivo for a while (standalone, series 2 that a friend loaned me), but am already disappointed that I can't watch one station while recording another. If I try SageTV, will I be able to:

1) Watch and record on different stations?

Yes it is possible. You will need 1 box per channel you want to record simultaneously, so to record one and watch another you need two boxes connected to the PC.

2) If so, will it require more than one tv tuner card?

Yes, or a dual-tuner card.

3) Record premium content?

Anything you can watch.

4) Transfer all recordings to PC, where I can record to DVD, etc.?

They're recorded on a PC, so yes.

5) If I wanted to watch recorded content on the other TV, what would that
entail (as far as additional hardware or software goes)?

Easiest/best way would be a SageTV Extender (the HD one is better, even for just an SDTV).

6) I haven't seen anybody admit to getting this same Samsung box working
with SageTV. I do know that there is no serial interface. The Tivo's IR
control works with it to change channels, though. This box was mfg in
2004. Are my odds good in getting SageTV to work with it?

I'd say good if the Tivo can control it, you'll just need an IR blaster. Dish Network boxes don't have serial either and a lot of people use Sage with them.

[JFQs]

St(r)anger89,

Thanks much!

[JFQs]

The second satellite box - does it have to be on a subscription? As I said, there are two, but I can't see connecting the 2nd one to the PC (easily), since it's in another room.

Thanks.

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by JFQs

The second satellite box - does it have to be on a subscription?

Yes, if not, it won't tune/decode anything. The only way to view channels on DTV is with a box.