Move from SageTV to NextPVR

[jbrandon]

Oaky guys, real new here so be kind... I've read through many of the threads but questions still arise

I've been a SageTV user for a long long time, before that BeyondTV both now defunct. With SageTV I love the HD200/300 extenders, they just work. I have one PC client which works for what it is intended giving Internet access in our family room and recorded playback.

I live in a Time Warner world and from what I understand they encrypt all HD content (except local channels, CBS, NBC, etc.) so it may be viewed only on the local device. I believe the exception to this is Windows Media Center and Xbox solution which I am not in favor of - Xbox is just too big for an extender.

I've played with the NextPVR backend which is very nice and easy to use and it is workable for my uses, we only watch recorded shows, pictures and music on the extenders, live TV is done with the TV.

Server is not an issue, Windows 7 4GB quad core machine, with 4TB of storage, 7 tuners. It will handle 4 HD recording and 3 analog recording with comeskip running on all and never break a sweat. I'm looking intently at the DCR-2650 (2) or a Ceton InfiniTV4 for digital source, prefer the internal solution. Cable Card is okay, do not what any set top boxes.

I looked briefly at the Popcorn Hour series of client boxes but do not know which is the better, I've seen mention of A-100/110 but not much on the A-200/210 and hardly nothing on the A-300 or C-300. Which is best?

Switching to NextPPR backend I have some questions.

Does NextPVR support the Ceton InifiniTV4 or the DCR-2650 natively, i.e. no additional software?

What to use as an extender much like the HD200/300? (At most locations I prefer not to go the PC route.)

Will I be able to view the HD recorded shows on the all extender (remember is it TW)?

Using the Popcorn Hour box are there hoops to jump through to get it to work or are they just plug and play? (I am spoiled by the HD200/300.)

Is there any conversion from SageTV to NextPVR to keep watched status and favorites?

I am sure once answers are given more questions will arise...

[mvallevand]

I live in a Time Warner world and from what I understand they encrypt all HD content (except local channels, CBS, NBC, etc.) so it may be viewed only on the local device. I believe the exception to this is Windows Media Center and Xbox solution which I am not in favor of - Xbox is just too big for an extender.

I could address all your points but unless you are considering an HDPVR or Colossus, NextPVR won't overcome DRM constraints any better than SageTV. Really for that the only choice is WMC and xbox 360's with maybe Q's and Echos in the future.

Martin

[smajor]

FWIW, I have Time Warner just like you. I consolidated both my STBs to my PVR in the livingroom with dual HD-PVRs. I run that and 4 client PCs with NPVR. I'm limited to 2 Live/Recorded sources at once (I get no over-the-air signals where I am). Any client or the main "server" can view live TV if there is an available tuner and, of course, anything recorded is viewable from any client. I have a pretty extensive ripped DVD library which is accessible from anything as well.

[johnsonx42]

Martin is the expert on a lot of this, but I'll see what I can answer:

I looked briefly at the Popcorn Hour series of client boxes but do not know which is the better, I've seen mention of A-100/110 but not much on the A-200/210 and hardly nothing on the A-300 or C-300. Which is best?

The A-100/110 are the only ones that work, along with equivalent models from other vendors like the E-Great M34a. I know Martin looked into supporting the newer models, but ran into deal-breakers on each one.

Does NextPVR support the Ceton InifiniTV4 or the DCR-2650 natively, i.e. no additional software?

Yes on the DCR-2650, but I think No on the InfiniTV4.
Just keep in mind that you'll still be governed by the DRM flags sent out by the cable company - software other than Windows MCE can record only channels/programs that have the Copy Freely flag set. I'm assuming this is what Martin was referring to in his post. The other way is to use STB's and exploit the analog hole using an HD-PVR or Colossus, then you can run DRM free.

Will I be able to view the HD recorded shows on the all extender (remember is it TW)?

Sure.

Using the Popcorn Hour box are there hoops to jump through to get it to work or are they just plug and play? (I am spoiled by the HD200/300.)

I've never set one up but I understand that Martin has made it pretty straight-forward.

Is there any conversion from SageTV to NextPVR to keep watched status and favorites?

SageTV Import Utility: http://forums.nextpvr.com/showthread.php...post416833

If everything works the next time you start NextPVR you should have a channel list with no EPG data with your stations and icons, your Favourites should be includes and all your Recordings with their resume points.