GB-PVR as media center

[ilovejedd]

I'm planning on implementing a whole house set-up for PVR and media playback. I'm currently considering:
GB-PVR - Popcorn Hour
VMC/MyMovies - Linksys Media Extender/Xbox360
SageTV MC - STX-HD100 Extender

From all accounts, VMC/MyMovies+extender is excellent as far as movie playback goes. The problem is I've been spoiled by GB-PVR and I find VMC somewhat lacking as a PVR.

GB-PVR works great for recordings, but the default Video Library interface leaves much to be desired. Hence, the reason for this thread.

SageTV MC+extender, I haven't tried yet, but reading the specifications and features list, it looks like it can do everything I want it to. I'm considering this as a last resort if I can't get GB-PVR to work.

That said, I really want to get GB-PVR working. As a PVR, it's rock stable, has an amazing feature set (EWA, etc) and the most functional UI I've used. Alas, as mentioned above, the default Video Library isn't exactly the greatest. I've looked at MovieWiz but I've still got some questions on it, particularly using it in conjunction with a Popcorn Hour or PC client.

1. How does GB-PVR interact with the Popcorn Hour? Via streaming or file sharing?

2. What format DVD rips are supported by MovieWiz (.ISO or as VIDEO_TS folder)?

3. For pure recordings and media playback (no LiveTV), how well does Popcorn Hour integrate with GB-PVR?

4. Netflix playback on client PC and Popcorn Hour?

5. Is there a working YouTube plug-in? This one's not really important. Video quality on YouTube, well it's pretty much non-existent but the rest of the family doesn't seem to care.

I'm sure I'd still have more questions later, but for now, that's it.

[sub]

GB-PVR works great for recordings, but the default Video Library interface leaves much to be desired. Hence, the reason for this thread.
...
That said, I really want to get GB-PVR working. As a PVR, it's rock stable, has an amazing feature set (EWA, etc) and the most functional UI I've used. Alas, as mentioned above, the default Video Library isn't exactly the greatest. I've looked at MovieWiz but I've still got some questions on it, particularly using it in conjunction with a Popcorn Hour or PC client.

The Video Library is a pretty simple file browser based screen, which is all I'd wanted it to be. It definitely doesnt try to be a movie database, showing all sorts of meta data about etc. If you need this sort of thing, you could try the MovieWiz plugin, which you've already mentioned above.

1. How does GB-PVR interact with the Popcorn Hour? Via streaming or file sharing?

It uses HTTP streaming for everything except DVD playback, which uses a share.

2. What format DVD rips are supported by MovieWiz (.ISO or as VIDEO_TS folder)?

It should be both, since the GB-PVR API supports both.

3. For pure recordings and media playback (no LiveTV), how well does Popcorn Hour integrate with GB-PVR?

Very well. You get pretty much the same UI as you'd see on your PC. There is a couple of limtations in music playback though.

4. Netflix playback on client PC and Popcorn Hour?

I've never used the netflix plugin, but it should work on a client PC. The Popcorn Hour device cant currently play the movies - the manufacture needs to do some changes for this to be possible (supporting the DRM standard used). They have indicated they will do this.

5. Is there a working YouTube plug-in? This one's not really important. Video quality on YouTube, well it's pretty much non-existent but the rest of the family doesn't seem to care.

No, there isnt.

[Satori]

Have you tried Video Archive?

http://gbpvr.com/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Plugin/VideoArchive

[ilovejedd]

Thanks sub! That was very useful info. I'll install MovieWiz on my test set-up and play around with it when I get home. Actually, I think I'll rip a bunch of DVDs first, then play around with it.

On the testing list:
1. Anime Library (priority :p)
2. MovieWiz
3. Netflix Watch Now

Last version of the Video Archive plug-in on the Wiki is 2007 while MovieWiz seems to be in active development. If I'm not happy with MovieWiz, then I'll try Video Archive.

[mvallevand]

If you are comparing the Sage extender remember that

- it is based on an older Sigma chip
- you must use SageTV to use it, it doesn't run standalone or play for a share
- to keep with technology you will have to pay for regular updates to Sage.
- support for new formats is more likely on the NMT platform

The only reason I feel the Sage Extender has an advantage is because of the lack of programming info. that has received from Syabas. I have no doubt that sub and I have the capability to make the UI and integration complete.

Also there is a You Tube access built in on the PCH.

Martin

[ilovejedd]

If you are comparing the Sage extender remember that

- it is based on an older Sigma chip
- you must use SageTV to use it, it doesn't run standalone or play for a share
- to keep with technology you will have to pay for regular updates to Sage.
- support for new formats is more likely on the NMT platform

Yeah, those are the very reasons why I prefer GB-PVR/Popcorn Hour to Sage.

The only reason I feel the Sage Extender has an advantage is because of the lack of programming info. that has received from Syabas. I have no doubt that sub and I have the capability to make the UI and integration complete.

I have full confidence that you do.

Also there is a You Tube access built in on the PCH.

Lol, I forgot about that. :p

Once I have "GB-PVR Media Center Edition" working reliably and set-up to my satisfaction, I'll nab a Popcorn Hour. Which is good since that way, I still have time to pay off some credit card bills (PS3, GPS, unRAID server parts).

Thank you both for all your hard work on GB-PVR and the PCH client.