Can I have one computer that is a client for 2 computers each running NPVR?

[mvallevand]

The location of the data directory is defined in the registry. I minimal registry file launched from the desktop will do what you want.

Code:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\NPVR]
"DataDirectory"="C:\\Users\\Public\\NPVR"

Martin

[IanSpringfield]

Pretty successful.

I saved 2 separate config.xml files in 2 separate folders (named for each computer) on a different drive. I then created 2 batch files. The batch file copies the appropriate config.xml into the NPVR data folder (of course copy and replace so a dialog box doesn't appear). One shortcut executes one batch and the other shortcut the other batch file. Then I start NPVR as normal. If it's holding computer 1's config file, NPVR starts as client to computer 1. If it's holding computer 2's config file, NPVR starts as a client to computer 2.

A 2 step process, but that's going to work fine.

Thanks everybody.

Sorry Martin, I was already on my way before I saw your response although I must admit, I'm not wise enough about such things that I completely understand your suggestion.

[IanSpringfield]

Been playing with my setup and noticed another area for improvement.

When the computer was a client for only 1 computer, I have that nice NPVR icon in the tray. When a recording is taking place, the icon turns red so I know that NPVR is busy. Now I have the ability to switch between 2 servers I would guess that the tray icon reflects whatever server was marked when the computer started.

Is there any way, or what is the best way for me to know if either of the NPVR machines are recording?

I'm thinking not possible, but I've been very lucky lately with questions.

[stustunz]

Why not just do a share and use video library

[Reddwarf]

Pretty successful.

I saved 2 separate config.xml files in 2 separate folders (named for each computer) on a different drive. I then created 2 batch files. The batch file copies the appropriate config.xml into the NPVR data folder (of course copy and replace so a dialog box doesn't appear). One shortcut executes one batch and the other shortcut the other batch file. Then I start NPVR as normal. If it's holding computer 1's config file, NPVR starts as client to computer 1. If it's holding computer 2's config file, NPVR starts as a client to computer 2.

A 2 step process, but that's going to work fine.

Thanks everybody.

Sorry Martin, I was already on my way before I saw your response although I must admit, I'm not wise enough about such things that I completely understand your suggestion.

You should also have in mind that if you make configuration changes they will be saved in the working Config.xml, so you might want to copy it back to that computer's directory when you switch. As for tray icon, Ntray.exe could be stopped and restarted at the end of the batch file, and will hence show the status of the current server.

[IanSpringfield]

You should also have in mind that if you make configuration changes they will be saved in the working Config.xml, so you might want to copy it back to that computer's directory when you switch. As for tray icon, Ntray.exe could be stopped and restarted at the end of the batch file, and will hence show the status of the current server.

Yes I do understand that any config changes will only be saved for the current loaded config file, however, the only purpose for the client at all is to stream live TV. I've got that pretty well set (decoders, etc.). Config changes to the client are really never necessary. When a new version of NPVR arrives I will probably need to rinse and repeat.

I have realized that if I restart Ntray.exe, it is now pointing to and reflecting the current server's status. I was wondering if I could see the status of each before changing the server (perhaps they are both busy and I'm SOL). I understand Ntray can only look at 1 server at a time. Is there a command I could send to the other server that will return whether it is busy? In a perfect world, I would install a second Ntray and tell it to always look at the other server.

This is not the biggest problem in my life and I certainly can live a happy existence without this solution, I just thought I'd ask in case somebody already knows of a solution.

Obviously, the best overall solution would be to figure out how to get 2 instances of NPVR on 1 computer and be able to configure them independently. With my trusty imaging tool, I may just have to give this go a few times. I'm running W7 Pro 64 and I have access to a virtual XP machine. I may even noodle with the practicality of installing NPVR on XP and then reaching through to treat that as my other instance.

[IanSpringfield]

Why not just do a share and use video library

Hi stustunz,

You've been around a long time, have a ton posts and are from New Zealand, so I figure you must be an expert on NPVR. I'm not sure how your suggestion solves my issue. Could you elaborate a little more so that I can get a better flavor if your suggestion is a better solution than the one I currently have?

Remember, in my world, the client's only purpose is to give me the guide, change the channel and watch live TV. It is not to schedule recordings, manage recordings or view anything that's already been recorded/exists. I have already solved all of those issues.

[johnsonx42]

isn't it possible for an NPVR server to use a tuner in another PC over the network? Wasn't this previously possible with Network Recorder, and now also possible with the new IPTV device? Martin would know whether this can be done...

if it does work, then IanSpringfield could use two clients and one server, with the one server using one local tuner/DTV box and one remote tuner/DTV box connected to one of the clients.

[Reddwarf]

I have realized that if I restart Ntray.exe, it is now pointing to and reflecting the current server's status. I was wondering if I could see the status of each before changing the server (perhaps they are both busy and I'm SOL). I understand Ntray can only look at 1 server at a time. Is there a command I could send to the other server that will return whether it is busy? In a perfect world, I would install a second Ntray and tell it to always look at the other server.

I was about to tell you about the NEWA gadget that sits on your desktop and possibly can run two instances connected to each server, but then I could not find it, hence my post in the support forum...

[steeb]

I was about to tell you about the NEWA gadget that sits on your desktop and possibly can run two instances connected to each server, but then I could not find it, hence my post in the support forum...

Thanks Reddwarf. I was going to post a link on this thread to NEWA Gadget on Wiki. But the NextPVR Wiki for me now seems to have disappeared?

http://www.gbpvr.com/nwiki/

gone solid gone?

goodbye wiki