N-PVR and newer NMTs -- where do I go from here?

[htewam]

So I'm having a bit of a hard time figuring out the long range view/use model for N-PVR and remote TVs.

I originally had GBPVR + Hauppage analog capture and played this back to 2 different tvs using MVPs. This worked GREAT for several years until the "digital age" caught up and passed me by :-) With my current Comcast clear QAM channels, GBPVR does a great job of recording the .ts files but I really had to work to get the transcode from .ts to .mpg to work for my MVPs. I've never been entirely satisfied with the resulting file (can be choppy at times) and skipping forward/back is problematic at best. I find that I still have a better experience recording the limited analog channels that we still get rather than dealing with the transcode issues from the clear QAM conversions.

With N-PVR and the availability of new NMTs (e.g C-200), I'm trying to scope what my "next-gen" configuration should be. I'm upgrading my recording PC, capture cards, software, and adding a couple of HD TVs.

If I read the posts correctly, the newer NMTs don't lend themselves to running something like MVPMCX2. Is the future expectation to use N-PVR only to RECORD and then use the native NMT user interfaces for PLAYBACK? How does N-PVR fit into the total landscape? While I'm sure a lot of different answers could be cobbled together, I was just wondering if there was a "model" that was being recommended or being worked towards.

[mvallevand]

Just by asking this, I think you have taken the first step to a plan No one's "next" PVR should be based on XP, analog captures or MVP's as so many are trying, leave that behind with 1.4.7.

For the future the big unknown is clear QAM availability. For HD I've opted for the HDPVR and ATSC OTA, but the solution is expensive.

I'd like to support the 200 series I've got the GUI protocol, and audio working and video playing even with comskip but I cannot get back to the menu after video. I'm not sure how to tackle the problem.

I'm sure some people will go with extenders but I think most user want gb/npvr functionality, http://forums.gbpvr.com//showthread.php?...HD-support

Martin

[Jaggy]

Just by asking this, I think you have taken the first step to a plan No one's "next" PVR should be based on XP, analog captures or MVP's as so many are trying, leave that behind with 1.4.7.

I don't totally agree with you on this one Martin, maybe you could enlighten me?

I can't see the advantage to spending money upgrading the operating system on a recording only server from XP, I would rather spend the money on getting another older generation NMT that actually does everything we need it to do & then some more (users with AAC LAPM (that doesn't look quite right?) audio are in a different position though). Analog capture still has a place also especially if you are recording from set top box, but I agree the HDPVR is probably better but not essential.

[mvallevand]

Sorry my opinions are just that, and hope he's asking for a mix of them for his long-term vision. The single best thing I did for stabilizing my GBPVR server was upgrading to Vista ($85 especially the improved power management). HDPVR captures even make viewing cropped SD enjoyable($165) svideo just didn't cut it.

The reason I didn't push the NMT harder as a final solution is I don't know how DRM and CableCard are going to play out here in North America.

Martin

[htewam]

I am certainly interested in a mix of opinions... there isn't any "right" answer... but I'm trying to figure out how N-PVR fits in to my needs going forward vs other choices.

[htewam]

If anyone can confirm/deny my reality, please do so… Based upon my understanding of where N-PVR is going, if I have two or 3 HD Tvs located around the house, I can:

A) Use N-PVR to record on my main PC and then (once N-PVR client support is fine tuned) serve up the recordings via several PCH A-100 or equivalent NMTs using MVPMCX2 -- recognizing that the A-100 has been superceded by newer models that have proven difficult to provide client support for so this may be a dead-end once A-100s cease to be available.

B) Get several PCs and co-locate/dedicate each to a specific Tv… run N-PVR on each with a common database share (N-PVR beta may not yet have this capability but is planned for the near future).

C) Stay with the current version of GBPVR and use my MVPs to accomplish the same thing as (A)… but requiring transcoding to SD .mpg files and putting up with some quirky transcode behaviors.

D) Am I missing an obvious alternative?

[mvallevand]

For D SageTV or 7MC with an xbox360. Seriously if you find C=A then by all means keep what you have until you really want HD and then see what choices are available. Many people talk about $200 PC's but building one will be a challenge. I might be able to figure out the 200 series or another brand in time, but you would be missing out on devices that really do work today. NPVR in the next release has almost caught up to GBPVR for NMT functionality

Martin

[htewam]

Hmm... I've got some time to see how things materialize... I'm just starting to work with an architect to build a new home and I can just sit with my current configuration until then... assuming I have any $$ left to buy equipment at all :-)

[forzaKGB]

I am confident you will find a solution for the 200-series as it seems you could perhaps even put a man on the moon (you seem to figure almost everything out)
And as soon as you do that I will most certainly get me a C-200. But in the meantime I will try to find another A-110 (or equal) at a reasonable price in Sweden to get tha PVR to our secon TV-set.

[tuckster]

If anyone can confirm/deny my reality, please do so… Based upon my understanding of where N-PVR is going, if I have two or 3 HD Tvs located around the house, I can:



D) Am I missing an obvious alternative?

D) Run the old GBPVR with NMT devices until the bugs (or most of the bugs) are worked out of N-PVR. That's what my plan is. I've had my A-100 with GBPVR for about 6 months. I have been pretty happy with the setup, but it's not 100% perfect. I'm sure my problems are mostly operator caused.

Windows Media Center 7 + Xbox 360 was an option that I nearly took. The reason I didn't go that route was the inability to record multiple .ts streams at one time off QAM. I wanted the ability to record college football games on ABC, CBS and NBC with only one tuner. Windows 7 Media Center is very slick.