New HTPC setup (1 Viewer)

[danzx2]

Hi,

I would like to setup a HTPC and use Media Portal for viewing TV mainly. I have a few questions I am not sure on the answers and hope someone can help.

1. Will MP record TV if it isn't open on my screen?
2. Is it possible to achieve a 1 button series link?
3. What size file is generated for a normal 30 minute TV recording?
4. What is the best way to control MP? Remote or keyboard? I'd ideally like to use the same device from directly above the lounge having a HDMI cable running from a splitter through the ceiling.

I'm sure i'll have more questions going forward.

Thanks in advance

Dan

 

[mbuzina]

1. Yes, it will even wake up the PC if needed to do this.
2. ? MP TV Series sorts all your TV series and I guess you can whatch them after each other. Not sure what you mean by this Q
3. It uses the stream it gets from your HW and stores it. It does NOT transcode - so check the SD or HD material you get (this differes strongly, BBC is starting 1080p I guess). For keeping most people transcode their recordings in a batch later on.
4. definatly remote. Run a cable from the serial port to an infrared receiver and place it near your TV. Other people did this. Otherwise you could try an X10 Radio Remote, which does not rely on "eye contact". Last solution would be using an android device - there is a very great remote control app for that. Then it would use WiFi.

 

[danzx2]

Excellent thanks for your reply.

What is the best dual tuner tv card to go for? I have been looking at Hauppauge.

You mention an App for android do you know the name of it?

Thanks again

Dan

 

[mbuzina]

aMPdroid, check this post: https://forum.team-mediaportal.com/...id-ampdroid-0-6-android-remote-control-96654/

There is another one, but I think this one is superior (not using it due to iPhone usage, the iPhona App CouchPotato is not as far yet).

For tuner cards I am no big expert, so ask the rest of the forum, but you have to tell people what kind of tuner (Analog, DVBT-T, DVB-S or DVB-C) do you need?

 

[danzx2]

Thanks again, it think its a DVB-T I would need, to receive digital UK TV. I'd like a dual/twin tuner.

Thanks

Dan

 

[mm1352000]

You're not interested in the new DVB-T2 transmissions?

BTW, your plan to run HDMI through the ceiling will be expensive if you plan to do it with HDMI cable, which is not suitable for long runs (or if it is, it is priced at an unreasonable premium). I'd recommend CAT 6 networking cable with HDMI baluns on the ends as a much cheaper option.

 

[wonkyd]

Keep an eye on this thread for Freeview series link features https://forum.team-mediaportal.com/...st-here-48/custom-data-grabber-plugins-96767/

 

[Spooky]

BTW, your plan to run HDMI through the ceiling will be expensive if you plan to do it with HDMI cable, which is not suitable for long runs (or if it is, it is priced at an unreasonable premium). I'd recommend CAT 6 networking cable with HDMI baluns on the ends as a much cheaper option.

I noticed, that some Baluns only use one cable, while other use 2 (e.g. this one). Do you know why or what the difference is?

 

[mm1352000]

Not for sure. I'd guess to meet bandwidth and/or signal integrity requirements. The latest versions of HDMI (1.3+) are very high bandwidth at 10.2 Gbps. That is obviously greater than a single port 10 Gbps ethernet controller could handle, so it only makes sense to go to a dual ethernet port balun. There is a bit of a discussion here...

 

[Spooky]

Not for sure. I'd guess to meet bandwidth and/or signal integrity requirements. The latest versions of HDMI (1.3+) are very high bandwidth at 10.2 Gbps. That is obviously greater than a single port 10 Gbps ethernet controller could handle, so it only makes sense to go to a dual ethernet port balun. There is a bit of a discussion here...

I see. I was thinking of buying one of these little things: HVE-9900 HD Spider HDMI Cat.5 Receiver: Amazon.de: Elektronik
But not because of the range. We have a 720p projector at home which is only connected over D-SUB/VGA. Yuck! The problem is, that the cable channel that goes up to the projector is really small/narrow. When we installed the projector, we pulled the VGA cable through and soldered the D-SUB connector on it on one end. This wouldn't be easy or even possible with an HDMI cable.

Thus, if I want to connect the projector over HDMI finally, it would be ideal if I could simply pull one additional network cable through. Since it's only a 720p projector and the distance is under 10m, I am guessing it should be no problem.

Sorry for the slight hijack