help setting up client/server scenario

[punkrockml13]

I have three pc's and one ATI TV Wonder Elite. The three computers include a Dell Dimension 3000 (will be a client), Dimension 4300 (the server), and a new custom built computer (another client). They will be connected viz network. The two dells are connected through one hub between floors (100MB LAN), and the other client is connected over another hub in a bridged mode with the hub downstairs (the two hubs are connected by 802.11g). I haven't figured out the specifics as what I should set everything to, and I can't find any documentation telling me how and what I need to do. I could really use some help.

Dimension 4300: 1.6ghz P4, 256mb ram, 8gb hdd (very small, hopefully be able to set up on saving the recordings onto one of the other computers)

I'm not sure this computer is even powerful enough to run as a server for two clients. Basically, what we want to do is have the server running as only a GB-PVR server, meaning the computer wouldnt be used for anything else. The Dimension 3000 client would mainly/only be used to schedule recordings. The custom built client would be used to watch live tv, schedule recordings, and then burn those recordings to dvd-rw for watching in other areas of the house. What is the best set up for this, and is it even feasibly possible with my equipment? Or are there any other htpc programs that would better suit me? I'd rather go along the free route, but I'm open to hearing all options.

(I've been trying to use 99.05)

[Zathras]

Although I am no expert; I can tell you that SUB (GBpvr author) states the recommended minimum system specs are....

"1GHz PIII class CPU or higher. 512MB of RAM or higher. Supported video capture device."

Although some members have been able to get a system operational with 256mb most experienced degraded (ie choppy) video or other performance issues.

Hope this helps,

Kevin

[punkrockml13]

I could go with setting up the Dimension 3000 as the server. It has 2.8gh P$ and 512MB ram. The only problem is that this is also the family computer, meaning it needs to be available for use at any given time, and I've heard that using the computer for other functions can impact the recording and whatnot of GB-PVR. The computer is only really used for web browsing, email, Instant Messaging, and iTunes/iPod. Would this be the best bet for a set up? That computer would be the main computer of use anyways, since my family would be using it to schedule recordings and review and delete them. It also has a much much larger hdd. The only thing I'm concerned about is the recoring performance during other use. If I had a cable outlet up here I'd set it up on my new Core 2 Duo machine, but that isn't an option, and I have already tried looking into running a cable through the wall to make it to the cable lines. It's a no go.

So assuming I'll just use the two faster PC's (the dimension 3000 as the server, C2D machine as a client/dvd burner upstairs), what's the proper way to configure GB-PVR on the two machines? Please either detail it for me, or send me to a good link. Otherwise, thanks for the help!

[K.S.]

you'll definitely need 512 MB, sticking additional RAM should not be so hard
512MB might not be enough for the server with other tasks running at the same time. (again, upgrading to 1GB RAM should help)

to setup client/server:
1. install the server, get it running. wiki should have enough documentation about that, if you run into problems, post them, best to attach your logs.
2. make the gbpvr & recordings dirs available as network shares
3. install GBPVR just like you did on the server, configure under capture source client/server with your share, try out streaming / file sharing (the later works better & faster for me). again, if you run into problems, post them

[Zathras]

I can't really speak for the impact of using other programs while GBPVR is operating (as my GBPVR sever is a dedicated unit). All I can recommend is give it a try and see. I am sure there are other forum members who can speak better the effects of multitasking.

The setup for server/client sharing is fairly straight forward (I am doing this from memory... so anyone feel free to correct me);

On the server:
1) Install GBPVR and setup using the guides in the Wiki
http://gbpvr.com/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Quick...QuickStart
2) One note to operate as a server you must Uncheck "Live Preview" mode in the "Misc" tab of the GBPVR config app.

On the client:
1) Install GBPVR on the client machine.
2) On the capture source page, tick the client mode checkbox.
You can select "Streaming" or "Filesharing" mode (I believe SUB
recommends streaming mode if possible for better response)
3) Key in the name of the server (for example server)
4) Key in the UNC name of shared GB-PVR directory on the server (ie, \\server\gbpvr)

This should hopefully get you well on the way towards your system setup.
If you encounter any issues feel free to post them here.

Hope this helps, Kevin

[Zathras]

Edit: Looks like K.S. beat me to it Ha Ha!

Cheers Kevin

[forzaKGB]

I have a Dell Optiplex GX280 with a 2,4 GHz CPU with 1,5 GB of RAM and am running IIS, MS Exchange 2003 and GBPVR. I have not experienced any problems with this setup.

My HD are:
1x 20 GB for system (PATA)
2x250 GB RAID-1 for Exchange (SATA)
1x 320 GB for recordings (SATA)
1x 160 GB for DivX/Xvid (PATA)

[pBS]

try Showburner from wiki to burn the files to dvd.. [shameless plug..lol]
uses all open source or free utils to work...
haven't actually tried it out on a client but it should work just like on main machine..
will do that here soon and let you know for sure..

and yea, WinXP uses about 400meg just for itself, so 512 k min does barely do it but 1 gig makes it smoother with ample overhead..
i actually run 768 on mine with plenty to spare..

[punkrockml13]

So, I set up GB-PVR on the dimension 3000, and everything looked great until i tried to watch live tv. I would get sound, but the screen would not change from what it had been showing before clicking "watch" or "live tv". any suggestions? I'm running a ATI TV Wonder Elite, which I thought was supported. If I need to include my logs, please tell me how and which ones. The logging is currently set to debug.

Oh, and shouldn't the computer be able to handle the recording and whatnot at an alright performance level since the TV Wonder Elite (550/650 I think) has a hardware MPEG-2 encoder? I thought this was supposed to take the burden of encoding the recording file off of the cpu and onto the tuner card. Oh well

Any help would really be appreciated. I'm almost there!

(On the bright side, I went ahead and configured the client PC, and it worked right away. Before it wouldn't even stay open after the opening splash screen. After clicking "Watch Live TV" on the client though, I got something like "just a moment, starting timeshifting viewing or recording or something" followed by "error: could not communicate with the recording service".)

[JonnyCam]

Open up ports 7968 on your firewall, and there is another port - but I cant quite remember it at the moment. (open on both machines)
This is the port the recording service uses to communicate between server / client versions.

Also, you may wish to add GBPVRRecordingservice.exe to your firewall exceptions.
(I found that doing this worked to start with but couldnt delete from the client, and the video wasnt too flash - but opening that port helped everything)

Edit: The other port is 7967 (duh!)