Whole-house distribution of home-made TIVO

[VB]

How depressing - I swear there was just a thread about this, but my news
server must have deleted it before I locked it in my reader. Apologies to
all for reposting a suggestion that was recently discussed - feel free to
ignore if you don't want to answer twice.
- IVB

I got a VAIO 2.6GHz that I'm using as an Audio Server, trying to figure out
the best way to use it as a video server b4 I actually buy anything or lay
wires down. After much review, here's my thinking, pls tell me if I'm still
note getting it and still need to keep thinking:

Goals:
#1-10) Keep costs low, and demonstrate positive ROI and simple usability to
ensure WAF.
#11) Roll my own TIVO, use centralized video server to serve up what I want
to watch on any TV in the house.
#12) Set up new room with the biggest flat-panel display vehicle i can
afford [either monitor or TV]

Proposed purchases:

For capturing Video:
1a) ATI 9600, some hauppauge device, SageTV, or
1b) SageTV Networking bundle [sage + Hauppauge WinTV-PVR-250]

For distributing Video
2) Leviton Video Distribution Panel [ http://www.smarthome.com/865112.html
3) Modulator [ http://www.smarthome.com/images/7701RM_hookupdiagram_big.gif]

For easily controlling devices from anywhere
- Various IR devices

Proposed setup:

- Keep digital cable set-top, video server in some centralized room. Capture
video as described ad nauseum in avsforum.com. On output, put on a modulator
set to some channel [i.e., channel 94 - there is no 94 in oakland].
- Take that output cable to the video distribution panel. Also send
starndard cable to that panel so I don't have to rely on this server for all
my signals.
- Home-run RG6 to all TVs.

Now, when I want to watch cable, I should be able to tune into that using
standard normal remotes. If I want to watch the captured video, I queue it
up, send it to ch94, and tune TV to channel 94.

There's probably some way to use all those IRs to live-change the digital
cable set-top box, send it instantly over 94, but I need to think that
through some more.

Did I get it right? I know some folks were talking S-video over Cat5 if
memory serves, but I got another 400 feet left on the RG6 spool I bought.

thx for any validation or modifications to my grand designs.

[mchiper]

In alt.home.automation, Msg ID: <YJW4b.6201$Lk5.65@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net>
"VB" <iv@b.c>, wrote:

Proposed setup:- Keep digital cable set-top, video server in some centralized room. Capturevideo as described ad nauseum in avsforum.com. On output, put on a modulatorset to some channel [i.e., channel 94 - there is no 94 in oakland].- Take that output cable to the video distribution panel. Also sendstarndard cable to that panel so I don't have to rely on this server for allmy signals.- Home-run RG6 to all TVs.Now, when I want to watch cable, I should be able to tune into that usingstandard normal remotes. If I want to watch the captured video, I queue itup, send it to ch94, and tune TV to channel 94.


How many simultaneous AV sessions can the server support.
I assume at least one recroding and 1 playing session.
What does que it up mean.
There's probably some way to use all those IRs to live-change the digitalcable set-top box, send it instantly over 94, but I need to think thatthrough some more.

Hmm...
I don't think so..
Maybe I just don't know enough about servers.
Oh..
One channel 94 so every body watches the same AV served.
Sucks, I'd say.
--
--- Still my favorite quote ---
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity;
an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

[mchiper]

In alt.home.automation, Msg ID: <YJW4b.6201$Lk5.65@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net>
"VB" <iv@b.c>, wrote:
Goals:#1-10) Keep costs low, and demonstrate positive ROI and simple usability toensure WAF.

While I do some research,
Explain WAF, and your estimated total project cost.
Sources, A/V capture, storage media.

This sounds pretty mushy to me..So just reduce it down to $$$, OK

Is this some kind of .. Tell me if I'm full of shit troll?
OK, so far you're full of shit..
But I'm looking to figure out a way to do it RIGHT.
So I'll probably ignore your leads.

Got a VAIO 2.6GHz that I'm using as an Audio ServerRoll my own TIVO, use centralized video server to serve up what I wantto watch on any TV in the house.For capturing Video:1a) ATI 9600, some hauppauge device, SageTV, or1b) SageTV Networking bundle [sage + Hauppauge WinTV-PVR-250]

--
--- Still my favorite quote ---
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity;
an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

[mchiper]

In alt.home.automation, Msg ID: <vqqsmvoom77m95cs7e8k1nbmlnnkcj3lug@4ax.com>
mchiper <notnuts@yahoo.com>, wrote:
While I do some research,
DIY TIVO, why didn't I think of that?
Well because I never quite made it thru the problems of:
VCR recording.. I spent over $2K about 20 years ago,
for a portable that still makes great quality stereo videos.
Problem is I don't have a stereo set up, and I never
replaced the batteries for it, expensive as hell.
but the AC adapter works for me.

And the TV ads are a pain in the neck, and were really poor quality.
But now that the lines are fiber and "digital" the picture is beootiful.
The sound is all over the map though..
I think controlling the sound is a digital box extra cost feechur.

No matter, if my current box won't work as a decoder, it will
still work as a "channel" relocator.
Selected channel to >> Channel 3 or 4.
A lot cheaper than a modem, I think..
They must be a dime a dozen what with the digital revolution.


The real problem is an intelligent progrmmer, and ad filter.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Bottom line TIVO will automate That which I don;t want to do... Record exactly what comes on the tube, ADs and all <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
TIVO wants AS LOW AS $199 for the DVR, hmm...

whoops only 40 hrs $299 for 80 hrs. hmm..
whoops only 35hrs w Direct TV thw wicket is getting stckier.
Can I transfer to regular DVD..
Maybe not.. there are ways to prevent recording nowadays..
Shit what the fuck does this mean.
For digital Music, and Photos, Remote Scheduling, and MORE!! yet..

With TiVo Home Media Option, you'll get the best
in networked home entertainment!

Enjoy Digital Music and Digital
Photos on your TiVo Series2(TM)
DVR! with Home Media Option
premium feature package, plus
Remote Scheduling from the web,
and more! Now buy Home Media
Option for just $99.
And ther's more..
Currently, Home Media Option is available on
TiVo and Sony branded Series2 DVRs and the
Toshiba Digital Media Server

Aha!!
A video "server" too. stckier still..

How long are programs stored once they've been recorded?
TiVo will only delete programs when the TiVo DVR is at its capacity to make
room for other shows you've scheduled. In this case, TiVo will first delete
TiVo Suggestions programs followed by the oldest programs. You can also
manually control how long to store programs. Also, you can transfer recorded
programs to tape with the "Save to VCR" feature.

And .. $12.50/mo or $299 for "product life time" hmm...

Can I watch a program while recording another?
You can playback any prerecorded program from your Now Playing screen
as a live program is being recorded.
*** This really SUCKS...****
I can record as many shows at the same time as I want,
with splitters and VCRs


If you have the DIRECTV DVR with TiVo service,
you can record two live shows at the same time and watch a
third prerecorded program.


Can I save my favorite recordings to a tape via my VCR?
Yes. In accordance with consumer electronics guidelines, the TiVo DVR
provides analog audio/video outputs that are designed to work with a VCR.

I guess that means NOT to DVD or CDR or another Hard disk..
Aha! Digital cable box stuff..
Does TiVo work with an A/B Cable System? Vic's system had this kind of quirk, non digital, I thought.

Some cable systems split channels they offer into an "A" group and a "B"
group, each fed through a different coaxial cable.

If you subscribe to digital cable, it is likely that your digital cable box can
automatically switch between the "A" and "B" feeds. In this case, the TiVo
service will work with all of your channels.

If your cable box does not have an automatic switching mechanism, however
(it either doesn't automatically switch between cable A and B, or it requires a
button press to switch between them), then the TiVo service will only be able
to record shows from either cable A or B-but not both.

Control shit..

TiVo connects to your existing phone line.
But don't worry: TiVo will never interfere with your phone service. Sounds like a cludge.. Modem/ IR TV/Cable box controller. This is where the "cue-up" shit comes in.
Will TiVo work if I have DSL?
Most TiVo customers using DSL are able to make successful TiVo daily
phone calls without incident. As a rule, you must install a DSL filter on your
line. You probably received a filter with your DSL installation or modem. If
not, they are inexpensive and can be purchased at your local electronics store.
If you try using a filter, and still are not able to make successful daily calls,
please call your TiVo DVR manufacturer for more help.
--
--- Still my favorite quote ---
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity;
an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)