New question, everything is working great what to expand

[ricksuper67]

I am still learning about all of this, and not the most tech savvy person. Looking to get this functioning nicely so the wife is happy also. I researched the XBMC, MediaPortal, Windows MC, PS3 media canter, I think Sage and currently using the DishPAL for OTA. I also have basic cable but the PAL does not support cable.

I read that one could use the XBMC as the front end, but not really looking to buy personal computers for every TV. That is why I am using NPVR I read that it can use NMT devices, which are cheaper and smaller the PC's.

I would like the systems to be as simple as it can be and provide good usability. Really only care about Live TV, recording TV and NetFlix. I love the idea of media server to handle all the backend functions and be able to watch recorded, live and Netflix at every TV. Without having to remember what TV has what functions.

I am in the dark, is the NMT the only way to go or are there other options like Roku, Apple TV, or stuff I do not know anything about.

Your help will be greatly appreciated. By the way I have seen your name in a couple of other forum's, you must be one busy guy.

Thanks
Rick

[mvallevand]

Really only care about Live TV, recording TV and NetFlix. I love the idea of media server to handle all the backend functions and be able to watch recorded, live and Netflix at every TV.

Netflix & LiveTV on every TV, is pretty much a Windows PC, Xbox 360 and WMC, or Android with XBMC. Android is just too generic there are 100's of different boxes CPU's and configurations and XBMC on Android is still evolving. I wrote the Universe plugin for NextPVR and that gets you Netflix via PlayOn to the NMT and other XBMC devices but it isn't the same as the real thing.

Martin

[mikeh49]

If all you want beyond TV is Netflix, I'd recommend Roku box(es). They are rock solid, have programming other than Netflix that you might be interested in, and can be found for $50 or less. You don't need the latest models, get a refurb Roku 2 with HDMI. You will be ahead on the WAF and your time fronts. Or, replace your TVs with smart ones with Netflix, etc built in.

Then, use NPVR for the TV stuff. There doesn't seem to be a good replacement for the PCH, Martin knows best about that. Perhaps a mini-PC (Zotac) running Windows/NPVR for the clients. More than you need for just TV, and more expensive, but you know it works. Otherwise, there are small Linux systems running XBMC (Openelec), but XBMC/NPVR is a work in progress and you will be constantly tinkering with Linux.

[ricksuper67]

I thought that the XBOX would be to expensive, but I guess I was wrong

[mikeh49]

The XBOX might be an option within the MS ecosystem. Supposed to work with Media Center, not sure about HD video. Really not sure about MS commitment to Media Center and TV in general.

[mvallevand]

If WMC dies, I expect NextPVR will follow, especially if BDA is removed with it (likely). On top of that what about small companies like Hauppauge without WMC and PS4/Xbox capture what is there true market?

Back OT, for now multiple boxes makes the most sense but there are potentially exciting options with Netflix coming for Samsung (from reven - with reven's take custom UI ) and LG (from fred250 with "real" NextPVR UI) also being on the horizon.

Martin

[ricksuper67]

Would like to keep the hardware to a minimum. Again I am a beginner, could I use NPVR to record and stream Live TV and use Nero MediaHome to send it to a Playstation 3 which has Blu-ray and netflix.

[ricksuper67]

If all you want beyond TV is Netflix, I'd recommend Roku box(es). They are rock solid, have programming other than Netflix that you might be interested in, and can be found for $50 or less. You don't need the latest models, get a refurb Roku 2 with HDMI. You will be ahead on the WAF and your time fronts. Or, replace your TVs with smart ones with Netflix, etc built in.

Will a program like NPVR work with Roku or will the wife have to change the input settings on the TV to switch between Live TV, Recorded TV and Nextflix.

[mvallevand]

Would like to keep the hardware to a minimum. Again I am a beginner, could I use NPVR to record and stream Live TV and use Nero MediaHome to send it to a Playstation 3 which has Blu-ray and netflix.

No idea, but if your wife found the tv guide slow, this sounds like an impossible setup.

Martin

[mikeh49]

Will a program like NPVR work with Roku or will the wife have to change the input settings on the TV to switch between Live TV, Recorded TV and Nextflix.

No Yes

There is a Netflix plugin under development, so that might eliminate one input switching action.