First questions (1 Viewer)

[Eccles]

Hi everyone from a total MediaPortal noob .

I will use MP on a new purpose built HTPC (I'll post proposed specs for feedback in the HW forums). First off it will be just for use as an unnetworked PVR for analogue TV - no terrestrial Freeview here . Having browsed the MP documentation I have some initial questions:-

1. On, balance is XP Pro SP2 or Vista Home Premium 32 bit the better platform for MP? I am comfortable with XP but have very little Vista experience. I ask because I have read that Vista has richer video support inbuilt so guess it might be quicker/easier to get MP up and running.

2. Given the richer functionality of the TV Server is there any point in sticking with base MP once configured over immediately moving on to TV Server and the MP plugin?

3. Any advice on which of the two SQL packages to choose? My natural inclination is to choose a fully functional alternative to MS whenever practical.

 

[and-81]

1. XP Pro SP2. Trust me.

2. Depends on your needs. If you feel that TV Server is a better fit for your scenario then go for it. But keep in mind that TV Server is still very much in beta. It works great for me, but it doesn't for others, so be aware. In fact, starting with a functional "TV Engine 2" setup would get you familiar with MP before switching to TV Server... so consider that.

3. Emotional arguments aside I don't know of any reason not to use MS SQL. I use it and I can't blame it for any problems.

I know other people will have other views but that's the beauty of a discussion like this ...

Hope that helps,

 

[rekenaar]

True - the beauty of discussion...

I agree that XPSP2 is a better bet. I tried it on Vista, but with too many frustrations. Interesting thread comparing the two. If you do decide to go agaist us, you will want to read this thread for a few tips.

I am not a developer like and-81, but I would suggest you try the server. Much more to offer. I even understood from some devs/mods that it supports more hardware. And then there's nice 3rd party software like the advanced scheduler.

I am very happy with ms sql.

And since and-81 does not normally self-promote his software, you definitely need to look at IR Server Suite for an all-in-one remote receive/blast solution.

 

[Arn01805]

TV-Server in combination with Analogue Television(at least with Hauppage cards) gives less Picture Quality because of the lower bitrate. There's a discussion going on about this here:

https://forum.team-mediaportal.com/...567.html?t=26567&highlight=analogue+tv+server

So, if you go for Picture Quality, I would stick with the build in TV-engine and upgrader later when this issue is fixed.

For Vista 32, I don't have any issues with it, but there are some things different as with XP(usersettings in different dirs, UAC). If you don't want to go deep into Vista ATM then I recommend to stick with XP + You need A LOT more horsepower(=resources) in your PC to run MP with Vista smoothly.

 

[Darre]

I went with Vista purely because the picture(and especially the blacklevels) get a lot better on my HTPC compared to XP.

That said, I sacrificed compability with drivers, programs etc.. Its barely worth it for me, but I keep considering going back to XP.

 

[Spragleknas]

.. and black @ XP should in theory be black @ Vista

EVR does have its benefits, though, and no HW-acc. with EVR @ XP.

 

[Eccles]

Thanks, everyone

XP Pro SP2 it is, then. Thats a relief!

I'll give the TV Engine a serious whirl to begin but don't think I'll be able to resist trying the TV Server

Arn01805 - thanks for the link. I do have a Hauppage card in mind (I really fancy a FlyTV PCI card but can't find a source here in the UK). The thread is a bit over my head but I did notice everyone there seems to be using analogue tuners that use software MPEG encoding. I intend to use the HVR 1300 hybrid card which seems to be the only Hauppage card with hardware encoding. Might that make a difference?

 

[Paranoid Delusion]

Hauppauge HVR1300 would give you the best of both worlds, just in case you get Digital.

Or why not go Freesat, cards and dishes are now so cheap.

 

[Arn01805]

I do have a Hauppage card in mind (I really fancy a FlyTV PCI card but can't find a source here in the UK). The thread is a bit over my head but I did notice everyone there seems to be using analogue tuners that use software MPEG encoding.

Also the HW encoding cards have this problem. Well, you can try both tv-server and the buildin engine; just compare the PQ from both worlds.
I'm very happy with TV-server, but I use DVB-S and DVB-C as highest priority and have very good PQ. My 2 analogues Hauppauge MCE150 I use as backup when both digital tuners are in use.

If you ever decide to buy a digital tuner, please consider seriously a fire/floppy DTV (C/S/T). It's a bit more expensive, but saves you so much trouble!

 

[Eccles]

Arn01805 Thanks for the reply, especially the tip about the fire/floppy DTV cards.