Need a little advice please

[jersiq]

I am looking at junking my DirectTIvo's and runnign with just basic SD cable.
I plan to purchase a 500MCE and one wireless MVP.
My question is should I run a dedicated server for this? (I will only be using the MVP to watch recorded or 'live' TV. I will very rarely use my PC for watching TV)
I currently have a 3200+/1 Gig Corsair Ram/plenty of HD space for my needs.

From what I understand GBPVR records in MPEG-2, and the MVP will Decode MPEG-2, making all my encoding and decoding hardware specific. (Less processor time on my PC)

I use the PC for very occasional gaming, e-mail, web browsing. Will the streaming feature be too much?

I am of the opinion to purchase another PC to act as a server, but I wanted to hear what everyone here has to say.

[jksmurf]

I have similar TV viewing and PC usage wishes as you. I use my MVP 80~90% for viewing and my wife uses the PC for viewing the rest of the time.

My GBPVR PC "is" my main PC and it's not very grunty (see sig).

I find that in general, we are either watching TV via the MVP or my wife is watching a show on the PC. We are very rarely doing something else on the PC and watching a show simultaneously. As such in both these cases the picture/sound is just fine.

We do notice it on the MVP when the screen saver kicks in (a single glitch) or a scheduled email check is performed, otherwise it's as smooth as silk (with Force High Priority to GBPVR / MVP enabled). So if your usage is similar to mine, I'd recommend stay with the one PC. Try it out, you can always go the dedicated server route later. Up to now, I have not felt the need to.

HTH,

k.

[dgeezer]

I'd have to agree with jksmurf.

I have had a setup with a single pc and an mvp for about a year and a half now with no problems.

However, I am currently in the process of configuring a separate pc to act as a server for my upstairs mvp and to hook directly to a second tv in my basement.

Since this pc will only be attached to a tv (no monitor) I am trying to configure it to boot directly into GBpvr and use tightvnc to administer this box from my desctop pc in my office. All this is complex enough that I'm tempted to just leave the second box under my desk and buy a second mvp.

[rowle1jt]

I don't use a MVP, but I do have a dedicated box that sits in my entertainment center. All it does is PVR type things.

At this point, I think you will be fine with your PC... but be warned. You will get addicted and start adding more functionality. Then you'll spring for the dedicated GB-PVR box...

[fuzzweed]

... but be warned. You will get addicted and start adding more functionality. Then you'll spring for the dedicated GB-PVR box...

Seconded!!!

[jersiq]

Sorry for the bump folks.
If I should post this question in another area please let me know.

I decided to just use my current PC and see if I neede to upgrade after some usage.

I purchased a PVR-150 and 500. I followed the WIKI to set my PC up, but I am having problems with the 150.

I defined two sources for the 500 without a problem. When I tried to add the 150 as a capture source, in the Recording Source "settings" area I ticked the box that says: "Only show devices detected in this machine" However, from the Drop down Menu, I don't get a PVR-150, only the 500, 250 and 350.

I verified in the Device Manager that I have 3 devices on the PCI bus, and they all appear to be functioning correctly.
I physically installed both cards at the same time, and ran only the driver disk for the 150.

Unfortunately, I cannot test the system yet as my cable install is this upcoming friday.

[sub]

I defined two sources for the 500 without a problem. When I tried to add the 150 as a capture source, in the Recording Source "settings" area I ticked the box that says: "Only show devices detected in this machine" However, from the Drop down Menu, I don't get a PVR-150, only the 500, 250 and 350.

If you're sure about what you've got, then just ignore what it tells you and set up a capture source for the PVR150 and two capture sources for the PVR500. They'll end up as device number #1, #2 and #3.