HTPC Vista Ultimate

[starrateit]

Hi Guys,

I have setup a test machine which I am wanting to setup as a DSTV HTPC.

hardware:
------------------------------------
Intel Core 2 Duo 2.13Ghz
ASUS P5N32-E SLI
Asus Gefore EN8500GT
Standard Case
2GB 800Mhz DDR2
Leadtek TV2000XP RM (full functionallity with Leadtek PVR software sound and all)
37" Mecer LCD

Software Windows Vista Ultimate.

I have sort of got the Leadtek card working with Media centre using that plug-in for the analogue cards that are not support by MCE. I get an ok TV picture but no sound. I am not too concered about this (any info will be interesting) as I will be getting a DVB-T Card for DSTV, but first wanted to test the TV guide and streaming before I commit to buying too much hardware. I have got the guide installed and working with the channels I pickup on standard SABC.

Now what I need to understand is how to connect another machine to this via my network and stream the TV functions/channels it has. Network is up and running can see the public folder on the MCE machine from my other computers on the network, can't work out how to stream TV ?

What software can I run on the 2nd and 3rd machine to stream TV to it (Vista ultimate, Windows XP with WMP11, Mac OS)?
How do I connect to the MCE TV stream ?
Can I change channels from the second machine ?
Can I access the TV Guide from the second machine with out installing it locally ?

Please any info on this would be cool.

 

[tian.]

I have sort of got the Leadtek card working with Media centre using that plug-in for the analogue cards that are not support by MCE. I get an ok TV picture but no sound. I am not too concered about this (any info will be interesting)

there's a plug-in for unsupported cards??? never knew that...

wrt to the sound, did you connect the internal sound connector of the tuner to your sound card/mobo? If you did, just make sure CD-In or Aux-In or whatever it's called in your case is unmuted.

that's all i know unfortunately, dont know anything bout the rest...

 

[BishopZA]

MCE only supports TV streaming to Media Center Extenders. For Vista, the only extender currently available is the Xbox 360. The functionality you're looking for (one MCE HTPC acting as an extender of another MCE HTPC) is currently not supported (Google the term "Softsled").

There's an open source program called MediaPortal that can do everything you want (and much more), but unfortunately the interface just isn't as slick as Microsoft's (and it's not as stable as MCE). I've tried numerous HTPC software packages over the years, but always end up coming back to Windows MCE

To answer your questions:

1. MCE on the client will allow you to view a program that is currently being recorded on the server (if you set up the shared folders correctly).
2. You can't stream live TV to the client (see above)
3. You can't change channels from the client
4. No, you need to install it on the client too.

Your best bet is to either connect the main MCE machine (containing the tuner) to the TV, or to get an Xbox 360 (though that carries some limitations too, e.g. no DVD streaming).

Note: Why do you want to get a DVB-T card? Although the SABC will be switching to DVB-T in the next few years, you won't be able to receive DSTV with it. You will require a DVB-S card, as well as a CI and IRDETO CAM to take your subscriber card (for decryption). Also note that MCE only supports DVB-T, not DVB-S (although some people are working on a driver that fools MCE into thinking the DVB-S is a DVB-T).

Good luck on your HTPC journey! While it can be frustrating at times, it sure is fun

 

[BiteMe]

live tv streaming is possible using either orb or webguide4. xbox360 is not needed here.
the dvb-s plugin has been available since the middle half of last year.

 

[starrateit]

Cool, thanks for the info guys...

Tian, yes the sound cable is plugged in, it works fine on winfast PVR...

I have been playing with webguide4 this morning, battling to get it to work, it starts to stream and then the stream dies. It streams for about 3 seconds and the bombs and the feed is paused at last frame or goes blue. If I try start it again it says something about firewall or not having access. Which I am guessing is whatever is providing the stream died. When I restart the MCE machine I get the same thing with the stream works for 2 seconds dies... The web interface stays up, just streaming breaks. I need to spend some more time on it but looks rather tricky to fix!
I have tried the PowerDVD decoder, no difference.
Will try orb this afternoon when I finish work..

Which is better orb or webguide, anyone know ?

BishopZA, Sorry I meant DVB-S, still learning all the terms..

1. Is it better to use a software cam or a built-in hardware cam, concidering I want 2 feeds ?
2. I am only ordering my DSTV now, so it will be a new smart card. Which system will work with the newer DSTV cards ?
3. Are there any knowen problems yet with the whole locking card to decoder thing?
5. Any suggestions on which DVB-S card to use, I would like to pick-up 2 feeds or more if possible, so I can record and watch at the same time ?
6. What is a CI ?

Will let you know how I go on the streaming, the interface for webguide is cool, just a bitch to get working.

 

[starrateit]

Got webguide to work !
I can't stream live TV for some reason, I think it might have something to do with the Leadtek TV turner, it flashes up for a second.
I can stream videos perfectly and I can use it to record currently, I am sure that when I find my DVB-S card that I will get it working.

Took a look at ORB, very differen't but not as functional Webguide. Orb is runs via their web interface on the net, you can't just stream on your network. So not the right application for me.

Any idea's on my previous questions...

1. Is it better to use a software cam or a built-in hardware cam, concidering I want 2 feeds ?
2. I am only ordering my DSTV now, so it will be a new smart card. Which system will work with the newer DSTV cards ?
3. Are there any knowen problems yet with the whole locking card to decoder thing?
5. Any suggestions on which DVB-S card to use, I would like to pick-up 2 feeds or more if possible, so I can record and watch at the same time ?
6. What is a CI ?