New MVP owner with some questions

[BigT4187]

Hi there. I just bought my MVP today at RadioShack for $40! I have been lurking around here for a while. I have some questions. Before I get into the questsions here is my setup:

ASUS P4G8X Deluxe mobo
P4 2.53GHz CPU (512 MB cache)
1 GB RAM
WinXP Pro
Lite On DVD Drive
120GB PATA HHD
nVidia 6800GT with 256MB

I am currently using the Svideo out on the video card to go to my 32" SDTV.

What I want to do is use my MVP to display video (ripped DVDs, etc), music and pictures.

My questions are ...

1 – Do I NEED a capture device to use GBPVR? This isn’t in my current system, but it is part of the future plan.

2 – To use GBPVR as my server, I need to install it on my PC and have it running so that I can use my MVP to view the files, right? Is there an easy way (a batch file in startup?) that could start whatever needs to start?

3 – Are there any special setups in the MVP software to allow GBPVR to be the backend?

4 – Are there any free and simple programs that will convert VOBs to MPEG 2 files so I can play them on the MVP?

I am sure there are some questions I haven’t thought of, but I will be sure to ask.

Thanks.

[syncpuls]

1. nope. But if you buy one; get a Hauppauge, I own stock...
2. Just install it. that's it.
3. Don't need the MVP software. GBPVR does it all.
4. Yup, mencoder or VLC will do the trick for you.

cheers...

[dhwhisen]

Sounds like you already got the right answers, but I'll add a couple of things...

You could just use the included Hauppauge software to do what you have listed. It isn't as snazzy or as flexible, but it will play stuff that's already on your PC.

You only need the capture card if you want to record onto your PC.

Whichever you use, I would advise you get your MVP working with your PC using the Hauppauge s/w before installing GBPVR. Just follow the instructions you got with your MVP. Then if you want to use GBPVR, stop and disable the startup of the MVP services on your PC. Turn off your MVP without unplugging it. After you install GBPVR, turn the MVP back on and you should see the GBPVR interface instead of the MVP interface.

[wtg]

Turn off your MVP without unplugging it. After you install GBPVR, turn the MVP back on and you should see the GBPVR interface instead of the MVP interface.

To be sure you have the MVP working without the Hauppauge services though you'll want to disconnect the power on the MVP. Only then will you know whether you have a dhcp server issue because at power up it uses a dhcp request to get it's IP address. If you have a dhcp server on your network, you shouldn't have any trouble, but if you don't, you'll need one of the Hauppauge's services enabled since it acts as a dhcp server if you don't have one on your network.

[fhmanas]

Converting DVDs to MPEG can also be used within GBPVR using the VideoArchive plugin. It uses dvd decrypter, besweet and mplex. As a plus, if you are connected to the net, it will get all the necessary info re dvd. Check the wiki http://gbpvr.com/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Plugin/VideoArchive

[dhwhisen]

To be sure you have the MVP working without the Hauppauge services though you'll want to disconnect the power on the MVP. Only then will you know whether you have a dhcp server issue because at power up it uses a dhcp request to get it's IP address. If you have a dhcp server on your network, you shouldn't have any trouble, but if you don't, you'll need one of the Hauppauge's services enabled since it acts as a dhcp server if you don't have one on your network.

Good point! Actually, the reason I said to not unplug the MVP is that very reason - apparently I don't have a dhcp server. That's what I get for jumping in when I saw a wireless turbo-G router on sale for $25. But if you don't unplug the MVP, it will keep its address and you can turn off the hauppauge services - at least until your network crashes or the power goes off. But I only have to restart everything once every couple of months (GBPVR services off, Haup services on, reboot MVP, Haup services off, restart GBPVR). Probably would be easier to leave one of the Haup services running, but I always worried that would somehow interfere with GBPVR. Just seemed to run smoother this way.

[sub]

Probably would be easier to leave one of the Haup services running, but I always worried that would somehow interfere with GBPVR.

You cant leave the Hauppauge services running. This would cause problems.

[BigT4187]

Maybe I should have left a little more information about my network. I have a Linksys wired router that the MVP will be plugged into.

Also ...

Converting DVDs to MPEG can also be used within GBPVR using the VideoArchive plugin. It uses dvd decrypter, besweet and mplex. As a plus, if you are connected to the net, it will get all the necessary info re dvd. Check the wiki http://gbpvr.com/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Plugin/VideoArchive

I need to download and install besweet and mplex (already have DVD Decrypter) for the VideoArchive plugin to work. I really want the "cover art" to display. That is sweet!

Thanks to everyone for their answers. I really appreciate it!!