Ok, I can customize...but how much?

[drozwood90]

Hello all, first post and potential new user.

I've been weighing out buying SageTV over upgrading my HTPC for some time. Basically, my HTPC needs ~$200-300 in upgrades to allow it to play Bluray. It does everything else...

I use Homeseer software as my home automation software. It allows web serving and control over my lights, etc.

Back to the setup for my question:
At first, I decided against the HD-200 as I use a custom interface for Movie "drill-down" and display of information. Basically I use DVD Profiler (I don't think I can post links yet...as I'm a new user...but google is your friend) to gather all the information. From there, I export that to a XML database file.

Then, in Homeseer, I have a customized version of "DVD Collection" (google for "homeseer dvd collection" will bring you to the forum link for this). I took what was provided and hacked it up to make it do what I wanted. DVD Collection interprets the XML to create an interlinked web database that I can use to search for actors, get random movies, find all movies by an actor, in specific fields (comedy, action, etc.). Kind of like my own private IMDB...but it only has movies that I own in it.

After you choose a movie, click the link "WATCH" and the server commands the HTPC to play the movie. Processing is done locally on the HTPC, but it is remotely controlled by the server.

I spent a LOT of time on this and got it to show my movies just right. So, I discounted Sage as it needed a server and probably did things it's own way...maybe not even displaying all the information.

However, then over at w w w . c o c o o n t e c h . c o m, I was told that the HD-200 can actually play stand alone. That lead me to ask the question, but can it "view" my custom interface? And if so, can it actually be commanded to play?

My first question, I THINK is yes. Based on searching through and skimming the "How to Customize the STP-HD200 Media Player UI" thread. I'm inclined to as for confirmation, but it looks like I might be able to make the HD-200 open my webpage. Heck, even if not, if SageMC can read in the information...even if it is from the XML, I'm ok with that.

Second, if it can display the webpage, can I setup something to command the Sage to choose this movie to play?

The positives of moving to Sage is if it works with only the HD-200, then it's instant on, low power, no maintenance! My HTPC, is only instant on...kind of (use Hibernate to shut it off), and being Windoze, it requires a bit of maintenance here and there...

Sorry for the long winded post, but there was a lot to get out there so everyone here might understand my questions.

Thanks!

--Dan