Network upstairs, Big screen downstairs

[MBenjamin]

Is there a way to view Sage recordings on a PC that is not networked to the PC on which I installed SageTV? I want to be able to plug my laptop into the big screen downstairs without running a network cable down from the network on the second floor. I tried SageTV Client (trial version) and I couldn't get it to work when not connected to the network.

[salsbst]

Sage recordings are just MPEG2 (or DIVX) files. Tons of players are available.

[stanger89]

Or, since wired isn't an option, you could try 802.11a or 802.11g.

[Cayars]

I use 802.11g running in 108MB mode and I can stream 3 simultanous feeds to client computers and you can't tell it's a wireless network. No hickups, no nothings. Of course when it comes to wireless YMMV. If you don't have any wireless components yet and plan to add them seriously look to equipment that does 108MB version of the G protocol.

[thatdude90210]

Originally Posted by Cayars

I use 802.11g running in 108MB mode and I can stream 3 simultanous feeds to client computers and you can't tell it's a wireless network. No hickups, no nothings.

How about Xvid videos? I'm running 54MB 802.11g (netgear) and with mpegs of whatever rate, no problems. But viewing Xvid videos, 350mb for 45min shows, I see very slight hiccups once in a while. So I'm curious if 108MB would be different, even though Xvid should not have enough data to saturate a 54MB connection.

[Cayars]

What happens if you try and play the XVids through WMP through your wireless network? Do you still see any hickups that way?

Personally, I've always had little hickups with XVid and switched to DivX files back in February and I haven't looked back.

[mightyt]

Just MHO ... I like Wireless-G a lot, but I would not oversell it ... performance is one thing ... obstructions, range and frequency interference are equally important. I'm using Linksys and have had issues with getting a stable connections due to interference (I believe microwave) getting through walls using an upstairs / downstairs configuration and of course losing performance on the fringe of the range. Tried moving AP and wireless systems around and even bought High Gain Antenna for the AP and tried channel changes. Anyway, don't get me wrong, I love wireless for doing email and stuff like this post from my family room couch, but not sure about it when I want a 100% (or at least as close a possible) reliable Sage experience. For me, I am planning on running CAT5 where ever I can most easily for my Sage HTPC experience and use the wireless for casual computing ...

T.

[salsbst]

Good point, T.... people might not like to hear this, but 802.11a may be best for media, given that it is a lot less likely to have interference problems (and has speeds similar to 802.11g. At 30 feet, the distance limitations of 802.11a are probably not going to bite you.

That said, though we have 802.11a in our apt, I wouldn't use it for media -- I'd fight the wiring battle.

[thatdude90210]

Originally Posted by Cayars

What happens if you try and play the XVids through WMP through your wireless network? Do you still see any hickups that way?

Personally, I've always had little hickups with XVid and switched to DivX files back in February and I haven't looked back.

Interesting, I've been meaning to try that but never got around to it. I just tried it today and watching the same Xvid video using media player 9, it's perfect, no hiccups at all. Maybe due to the amount of buffering differences between Sage & media player?

Btw, the same Xvid video also plays perfect in Sage when running 100M wired connection to another client.

[Ralphjb]

I differ to the technical experts here. But I can say that I have a laptop with SageClient loaded and am able to stream video quite nicely over 802.11g.

[Cayars]

salsbst has a point. If you have a "noisy" area then an "a" network could be your best bet. A "noisy" network could be caused by other "b" or "g" networks, 2.4Gb phones and microwave ovens amoung other things.

All things being equal however, I'd say the majority of people are probably better served by the 108Mb version of the "g" protocol. It's faster and has MUCH greater range then "a". I've got both "a", "b" (channel 1), "g" (channel 11) and "Super-G" (channel 6) all running in my house in different parts of the house. The "super-g" will out perform the "a" everytime even with the overlapping interference of the channel 1 and 11 networks.

With the "a" network I'm lucky to make it to my garage without loosing the signal, but with the super-g I can get 1/2 way down the driveway while still using SageTV while watching movies before it starts stuttering. This is without any boosters or special antennas. My normal super-g network is hooked up to a linear and an 18db omni antenna 45 foot up in the air outside. This setup obviously allows much greater distances.

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by Cayars

It's faster and has MUCH greater range then "a".

Greater range yes, faster, not necessarily, 802.11a supports Turbo mode for full 108Mbps, in fact it was available on a before it was available on g, maybe even before g was available.

If wireless is a must, and your range needs don't exclude 'a', then that's what I'd recommend.

[Cayars]

Try setting up two networks at 25, 50 & 100 feet apart using both "a" and "g" and check out which one works faster.