Server for SageTV-software

[Boy]

Hi,

I'm thinking about buying a SageTV-solution.

I'm planning to buy 3 HD300, and install the server software on a smaller pc, that only acts as a server - no client-activity.

This server is going to deliver to the HD300's - in worst case 3 times BluRay-streams.
I want to attach 2 tuners, so that I can record and watch programs on the same time.

I want to attach an external BluRay-drive, so it's possible to view discs. I guess I need to install AnyDVD on the server then, to decode the Bluray-disc.

How big a pc/server is required for this?

I've been looking at an older Aopen MP945-VXR with 2Gb RAM, Dual core T5500 1,67Ghz, but maybe this is too small?

Looking forward to hearing comments.

[MacDaddy]

I think you'll be OK. I have an old P4 3.4Ghz serving 2xHD200, 1xHD100 and a PC client. And one of the HD200s is wireless.

[wrems]

One thing to add to the consideration is your network. Especially if you're passing around BD rips. Get a good GigE switch and couple that with a Intel nic on the server.

[osx-addict]

I would second the suggestion to ensure you're working with nothing but a Gigabit ethernet network -- ensure you don't have anything that will drop the speed down to 10/100 as you'll probably have issues with that drop.

I've currently got a core-2-duo 1.86Mhz (HP DC7700p) running a pair of HD300's and find no discernible load (haven't checked now that I've got comskipping on) -- I find my system when streaming to one HD300 and getting live stream data from an HdHomeRun (ethernet based tuner) has about 0.5% network load and no more than 1% CPU load with XP Pro..

[Boy]

I know - I have a wired giga-network, with ports behind every TV - so this part should be ok and prepared for the HD300

[Nelbert]

Originally Posted by osx-addict

I would second the suggestion to ensure you're working with nothing but a Gigabit ethernet network -- ensure you don't have anything that will drop the speed down to 10/100 as you'll probably have issues with that drop.

That'll be the HD300's out the window then as they only have 10/100 interfaces?
If you buy a decent switch, and not "it should be free in a cereal box junk", mixed speeds on the ports shouldn't be a problem.

If you have connection/speed/bursting problems and you've enabled jumbo frames disable them. If that doesn't fix it drop all ports down to 100 and see if the problems clear. If they do bring each device, starting with the server, back to full speed one at a time until it all falls apart. Then you know which device has junk interfaces.

[Boy]

I see

But with 3 HD300 it's probably a good idea to have giga on the Sage-server and on the NAS as well.

The switch should hopefully be able to change speed to 100/full on the HD300-ports.

[Boy]

Anyway - the conclusion must be, that the Dual core T5500 1,67Ghz should be able to do the trick.

What OS is the best to install on the server? I prefer Windows, but will I get the best performance with XP, Vista or Win 7?

[Nelbert]

Yes, you want gigabit, esp at the server.

A decent switch will give no issues with mixed port speeds, so having devices at different speeds should give you no headaches. If you can't run a switch with a mix of giga and 100M devices then there is a problem with either that device, the switch, or changes made without knowing why by the owner.

There should be no need to have everything in a Gig switch running at Gig speeds. Quite often the issue is things like jumbo frames on at the server (because website/forum X said that would give faster than light speed) but not elsewhere, with a switch that isn't able to buffer the different speeds correctly or even run all ports at full speed.

Devices are build down to a price point, the lower the pricepoint the cheaper the build/dev/design. Also everyone is human and even the better companies make mistakes. One of the nas co's (infrant I think) release a firmware many years ago that ground nas connection speeds to a halt if jumbo frames were enabled.

[Nelbert]

Originally Posted by Boy

Anyway - the conclusion must be, that the Dual core T5500 1,67Ghz should be able to do the trick.

What OS is the best to install on the server? I prefer Windows, but will I get the best performance with XP, Vista or Win 7?

Unless you have a device that only has drivers for XP, then use Windows 7.

XP and Vista are dead products from a support, security, maintenance and development point of view.