HD Extender, EVR, codec, etc

[jasongrimme]

Hello,

I read (and try to understand) this forum as much as possible, and 1 thing I never seem to get a firm understanding of is folks who use 3rd party encoders/decoder, evr, codecs, and the like. My understanding is that, with the HD Extender, I really don't have to worry about these things. However, if there is something I can do on the server, either with hardware, software, or both, to enhance my playback or recordings, I would be very interested.

For recording, I have an HD-PVR connected to a STB from the cable company (looking to add more if/when they get a bit more stable and predictable). Unless another option comes out for recording encrypted cable channels (and PCI card w/ a CableCard slot would be HOT!!).

My utopia will be when I can stack a bunch of cable company STBs in the basement, connect to them via FireWire for channel changing and to HD-PVRs (or whatever comes around that does better) for recording, then drop HD Extenders on the TVs throughout the house.

I guess I'm basically wondering if I can safely ignore those threads about EVR, encoders/decoders, or if I need to continue to try and decypher them for any nuggets that may help me out.

Thanks for your time and consideration, Love SageTV and my HD Extenders!!!

[jerryt]

Ignore EVR and decoders talk as long as your do all your viewing by way of HD-100 boxes. If you set up the Server to display any recordings or live TV then that is a different story.

HD-PVR has a lot of talk to listen to, about drivers and revisions of the HD-PVR....

[paulbeers]

Originally Posted by jasongrimme

Hello,

I read (and try to understand) this forum as much as possible, and 1 thing I never seem to get a firm understanding of is folks who use 3rd party encoders/decoder, evr, codecs, and the like. My understanding is that, with the HD Extender, I really don't have to worry about these things. However, if there is something I can do on the server, either with hardware, software, or both, to enhance my playback or recordings, I would be very interested.

For recording, I have an HD-PVR connected to a STB from the cable company (looking to add more if/when they get a bit more stable and predictable). Unless another option comes out for recording encrypted cable channels (and PCI card w/ a CableCard slot would be HOT!!).

My utopia will be when I can stack a bunch of cable company STBs in the basement, connect to them via FireWire for channel changing and to HD-PVRs (or whatever comes around that does better) for recording, then drop HD Extenders on the TVs throughout the house.

I guess I'm basically wondering if I can safely ignore those threads about EVR, encoders/decoders, or if I need to continue to try and decypher them for any nuggets that may help me out.

Thanks for your time and consideration, Love SageTV and my HD Extenders!!!

As JerryT stated, when it comes to the HD100 and a server, all codec talk is not necessary. That is one of the main reasons for even going to Extenders, it makes all the hassles of drivers, codecs, etc obsolete. I am completely without a full client. I have 3 MVP's and 3 HD100's. I have 2 SD receivers and 1 HD reciever sitting in my basement next to my Sage server and it records all of my HD and non-HD content. I couldn't be happier. I am using an HDPVR to record off of my HD receiver and my PVR500 to record the SD off of the SD receivers. I capture all of my locals in HD via other means (to free up my STB's to capture what I can't get else where). It works flawlessly. Now I should say, my basement is quite cool so the HDPVR never over heats, I am only using analog (stereo) audio capture (just haven't gotten around to trying the 5.1 sound) and I only have 1. Also, I am not using the built in Hauppauge IR Blaster, but rather using a USB UIRT since I have 3 STB's and needed to use the USB UIRT for the two SD STB's anyway.

My story is a successful one and I have had little to no problems (some audio sync and a video studder very rarely) early on but with a driver update that seems to be gone.

[jasongrimme]

Great guys, thanks! That is what I was hoping to hear.