differences between MVP and using EWA on a different computer

[kayak4ever]

In anticipation of acquiring an MVP and getting EWA to work on a different computer than the one that runs my pvrx2 program, I have some conceptual questions about how using an MVP is different from using EWA to access the programs running through my main computer. I have read the FAQ on MVPs and I am sure they will be helpful once I get my MVP. I have a router and other computers in the house networked to the main one (running GBPVR)

With respect to MVP, I understand that I will have to transcode the programs that I record in order to watch them on the MVP. Will this alter the quality of the viewing of the programs that I watch on the main computer? Will transcoding take into account comskip (finally figured out how to make it work and am reluctant to give it up, particularly since I understand that it may be difficult if not impossible to skip forward on an MVP)? Is there any advantage to installing the Hauppauge MediaMVP software and if so, would I be installing it on the MVP or the main computer? I understand that an MVP doesn't have all the functionality of the main computer with GBPVR. It seems as if it can watch live tv (on the same conditions applicable to the main computer -i.e. that there is an available tuner on the main computer do to this), and it can be used to watch shows recorded on the main computer (like EWA) and that it can access all the plugins (which EWA cannot). Also, it seems that it would be invaluable to add the ztools plugin (to main computer or to MVP) to make the MVP work better.

Questions:
Assuming that I can instruct my Syngate firewall to allow the MVP access to the main computer (which seems easy enough from the faq), I should be able to attach the mvp to any tv in the house and watch the prerecorded shows. The MVP description from Hauppauge suggests that it is great for travelling. How would the MVP connect to the computer in my home (that would be on) if I don't have a static isp address (I realize there are programs that will let this happen: I just haven't had anyone over to actually install them)?

Now to compare an MVP to using the download or streaming feature on EWA from another computer. One difference would be that the MVP would watch mpeg files and the streaming would use VLC or another media player. Presumably, I can use the same or a similar mechanism to allow computers within my house access to port "7636" (the port specified on the config panel) since I can already allow them access to the printer that is attached to the main computer. Likewise, by using the software referred above to "forward" the isp address to make it "static", I should be able to use a laptop outside of my home to access the prerecorded shows.

What then would the advantages or disadvantages be of using either an MVP connected to a TV or EWA on a computer to watch the prerecorded shows on my main gbpvr computer?

Sorry, I know it is a lot of questions, but at this time, I am just trying to understand the two concepts better. Thus the answers to any questions I should have asked would also be appreciated.

[martint123]

Just a few quick thoughts.
I have never had to transcode. I record with gbpvr to normal mpeg files and the MVP plays these with no problem directly.

If you have ever run the gbpvr or pvrx2 interface on your PC rather than EWA (That I've never used since once checking it out) then this is what you get with an MVP.

I don't think the normal MVP is any use for travelling - I can't say that I've seen Hauppauge mention this??

Advantages of MVP over PC at a TV? Size - it's tiny. Totally quiet. Remote rather than keyboard/moose.

[HarryH3]

I've found that watching streaming video via EWA (even over a 100 MB lan connection) results in blocky, pixellated video on the viewing PC. My MVP's however, show the video on the TV just as it looked as it was recorded. The MVP just seems to be much better suited at streaming mpeg2 over the net and decoding it for the TV.

I also really like using Slimm-GB-PVR on the server PC. It lets me see at a glance what GBPVR is doing and if my MVP's are streaming music or video.