How does TV Server work? (1 Viewer)

[blobby]

I am a newbie here and I can't quite understand how using a TV server with a separate, network connected client works

As I understand it, I would need a TV card in both the server and the client. Now, for recording and watching TV programs, which one do I connect my set top box to?
If it's the client, are the recorded programs then stored on the server, and you watch them by streaming over the network? Is that why you need a TV card on the server, and it has to be the same one as on the client?
If it's the server, how can you control the set top box from the client?
Talking about controlling set top boxes, is this done via a plug-in? So I just have to search around in this forum looking for a plug-in that will control my STB?

I currently have Windows MCE, but I really like the look of MediPortal, especially if it means I can save programs on a separate network connected server and have a lightweight(read quiet) client for viewing/controlling.
I would like to download and install, but I really need to understand how it's supposed to work, otherwise I won't know what to do when something goes wrong

I hope someone can put me straight.
Thanks.

 

[Paranoid Delusion]

Dear Mr Blobby

As I understand it, I would need a TV card in both the server and the client

No, only the machine you wish as server (this can be a single pc for server\client, or server + multiple clients)

are the recorded programs then stored on the server

Normally yes, but you could set the recording folder to anywhere that works.

If it's the server, how can you control the set top box from the client?

Magic

You might like to read JDWestoby "how to" for Sky, as that pretty much applies to whichever type of STB you may be using.

https://forum.team-mediaportal.com/mediaportal-1-talk-45/uk-sky-tv-mediaportal-rc1-38570/

Regards from one of your avid fans

 

[blobby]

Hey PD

Thanks for the heads up.

As well as being thick around his middle, Blobby is also thick up top and could do with a few more brain cells.

The link you gave me, didn't make much sense, because it was for a single seat using a Sky box.
I want a client/server on separate boxes, so the controlling of the STB may be magic, but what do you have to do to make it work? Also I have a cable box(Virgin) as my source, so I don't really understand what a CAM is.

I guess I'll have to browse a bit more around these forums, and eventually just download MP and try to make it work somehow.

Thanks for your help anyway.