[jibjib]

I had the tuner section of my large TV died recently. All is not lost, as the computer inputs, HDMI, DVI and Sub-D all get the picture to the screen just fine. No other inputs will provide a usable picture. I'm happy with the HDMI port, but now it makes sense for everything to come through the PC.


I was already building a HTPC, but the Hauppauge PV-150 I had in a older HP XP Media Center computer is giving me fits on the new MOBO. It just does not want to lock into the Comcast signal. Even when I manually designate Cable channel 3 or 4, it does not seem to be able to find it. The cable is being pulled off a TV, so I know it has a good signal on it, but the PV-150 just does not see it. I'm about read to declare it dead. If any tuner or Hauppauge experts have a suggestion, I'd appreciate you chiming in.


Since the PV-150 is seemingly an issue (at least for now) and we really don't care about high def TV (we just don't watch much TV) I'm looking for suggestions on good, but inexpensive tuner cards. I have PCI slots available and I have the Hauppauge IR setup from the PV-150.


I'm still a tad on the fence about the operating system, but I strongly suspect I'll be integrating the HT with my home server, in a large, quiet case I already own. I'm thinking about using Windows Home Server-Power Pack 3, to run the HTPC. I'm open to suggestions on whether this is not a good idea too. It won't function as a DVR, but we don't really want a DVR and with the need to use a Comcast box, I don't see how I can use a non-Comcast DVR anyway. I have this OS up and running, with K-lite codec's and it seems fine for playing DVD's and music off both CD/DVD and existing (old, slow) server. I believe the server will be robust enough to handle both tasks simultaneously.


Server details (bits and pieces assembled in a box):

MOBO Gigabyte GA-MA78GPM-DS2H (has Dolby 5.1, 7.1, etc)

CPU AMD (slower) quad core

RAM 4 Gig, 800 Hz DDR2

RAIDS 3Ware 8 port card (PATA) (currently in old server)

OS/program RAID-1 - 2 drives at 250 Gig each (250 Gig total)

Data RAID-5 - 5 drives at 250 Gig each (1,000 Gig total)


Thank you in advance.


Jack

Long time lurker; second post

 

[David Feller]

I just put together a recommended tuner list - see the build your own DVR link in my signature -

The PVR150 is about the most universal card out there for SD - there are cheaper cards out there (I just saw one on meritline.com for about $35...) the Hauppauge ones are pretty reliable.

But, I like the 2250 (true dual tuner HD), and the HD-PVR (they call it the 1212. The HD-PVR (Its really an external MPEG encoder that with a DVBlink driver can fool media center into thinking it is a tuner. i.e. it is the only way to record HD premium channels in a "tivo like fashion" ... Its what I run.


Absolutely you can run/build a non-Comcast DVR - if all you ever want to record is "basic cable" or "local TV OTA" then the 2250 above is great. If you want to record HBO shows in HD you need to go with a cable card tuner (ATI has one) or with the 1212. There are lots of free software packages like GB-pvr or if you are more daring and ok with linux then knoppmyth works great as well.


Most folks seperate the Server/NAS from the media center/PC-DVR - keep storage/sound/heat down in the media center and put all the stuff on a server in a back room. The media center will need to connect to the TV via some HD connection (usually) so getting it near the TV is usually a goal.


Good luck


David

 

[jibjib]

Thanks David.


I spoke with Hauppauge about my PV-150 a few times recently and they are out of suggestions, but offered to check my unit out. When I was concerned about the potential cost of examine and repair versus new, they offered a reasonably priced exchange for an HVR1600 or HVR1850. While not as nice as the 2250, I may just jump on the offer, especially, since my wife and I have discussed the extra cost of HD and don't see any merit, as we don't watch much TV.


Reading your DVR build info and some other sources, I began to understand some of the intricacies. If I read it correctly, I especially like using an aftermarket IR to signal the Comcast box to change the channel for unattended DVR recording. Even though the Comcast box must provide the channel selection, having the PC tell it to change, at a pre-programmed time, is something I would not have thought about on my own.


Seperation of NAS and HTPC - Hmmmm, that does make some sense. I'll have to take a good listen to my current server box.


I see Longmont in your location. While I am no longer with them, I built 13 Key Banks in the greater Denver area, from The Springs, up to that beautiful stone and glass one on the corner of Hover and Diagonal in your town.


Jack