- Nov 18, 2005
- 28,799
- 359
- 126
Also up for consideration: HTPC/DVR Server, with Extender near the TV.
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story below
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I've been out of the game so long (HTPC's, self-assembled DVRs, etc).. I used to tinker around with it before Ceton came around and CableCARDs were introduced to PCs, and the quality was just not there. At that time, I settled on a Moxi HD DVR. Which, I still have and, after not using for so long, I am bringing back into service now that I have the opportunity to do so.
But Digeo/Arris don't sell their "extenders" anymore, they are locked down devices, and there's always the threat of pulling guide service/support.
It's a nice device, I love the interface... but like all cable equipment, especially cable boxes, it's not exactly the fastest device out there.
Plus, I have the original 2-tuner version. HDD storage expansion (external, e-sata) is easy enough, but it's still everything else I listed above.
I like the idea of the whole "it just works" approach, but I do like the custom world too. I'm looking for that right balance. I don't want to have to spend a ridiculous amount of time getting things up and running... and if things go wrong when I'm not home and a roommate calls, being able to tell them something stupid simple is really, really appealing.
I love my IT job - but I don't care to have to keep doing work after-hours, and if I am, it's for work or my own non-shared stuff.
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/story
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What's the most power-efficient and cost-effective build that can serve up HD (including 5.1 sound, quality sound and video mind you, to a receiver over HDMI) using at least 4 tuners (perhaps 6 tuners) ?
I'm looking for power-sipping when not doing anything, and not much more than power-snacking when either recording 4+ tuners or recording and serving live, and/or recording and streaming and etc etc... just imagine the worst case scenario for resource demands.
What kind of processor am I really looking for, in this case? Memory?
Discrete GPU necessary, and is that doing HDMI with audio pass-through from a discrete audio card?
Is the Ceton 4-tuner (if not 6-tuner, though I don't believe that's available) even able to provide video/audio quality that rivals/matches/bests any cable box and/or locked-down consumer device (like Moxi or Tivo)? This is more important than anything else. If it's softer than other cable devices, for instance, I just don't care for it. If there's a brand other than Ceton that produces a better CableCARD platform for HTPCs, please let me know. Is the HD Home Run equipment a better route?
Storage is cheap (relatively), so I'm not worried about that.
But can someone put together a power-efficient, cable-box (or taller but similar dimensions) or other SFF size HTPC?
Again, if it's even easier (and helps make it cheaper and/or more power efficient), I can also tolerate a server-type approach and utilize Extenders (though that would be an additional cost; I do not own a 360 though I do have a PS3 if that matters). That way, if big and bulky makes it cheaper to provide a more power-efficient build, for whatever reason, I would consider that route.
-------------
story below
-------------
I've been out of the game so long (HTPC's, self-assembled DVRs, etc).. I used to tinker around with it before Ceton came around and CableCARDs were introduced to PCs, and the quality was just not there. At that time, I settled on a Moxi HD DVR. Which, I still have and, after not using for so long, I am bringing back into service now that I have the opportunity to do so.
But Digeo/Arris don't sell their "extenders" anymore, they are locked down devices, and there's always the threat of pulling guide service/support.
It's a nice device, I love the interface... but like all cable equipment, especially cable boxes, it's not exactly the fastest device out there.
Plus, I have the original 2-tuner version. HDD storage expansion (external, e-sata) is easy enough, but it's still everything else I listed above.
I like the idea of the whole "it just works" approach, but I do like the custom world too. I'm looking for that right balance. I don't want to have to spend a ridiculous amount of time getting things up and running... and if things go wrong when I'm not home and a roommate calls, being able to tell them something stupid simple is really, really appealing.
I love my IT job - but I don't care to have to keep doing work after-hours, and if I am, it's for work or my own non-shared stuff.
-------------
/story
-------------
What's the most power-efficient and cost-effective build that can serve up HD (including 5.1 sound, quality sound and video mind you, to a receiver over HDMI) using at least 4 tuners (perhaps 6 tuners) ?
I'm looking for power-sipping when not doing anything, and not much more than power-snacking when either recording 4+ tuners or recording and serving live, and/or recording and streaming and etc etc... just imagine the worst case scenario for resource demands.
What kind of processor am I really looking for, in this case? Memory?
Discrete GPU necessary, and is that doing HDMI with audio pass-through from a discrete audio card?
Is the Ceton 4-tuner (if not 6-tuner, though I don't believe that's available) even able to provide video/audio quality that rivals/matches/bests any cable box and/or locked-down consumer device (like Moxi or Tivo)? This is more important than anything else. If it's softer than other cable devices, for instance, I just don't care for it. If there's a brand other than Ceton that produces a better CableCARD platform for HTPCs, please let me know. Is the HD Home Run equipment a better route?
Storage is cheap (relatively), so I'm not worried about that.
But can someone put together a power-efficient, cable-box (or taller but similar dimensions) or other SFF size HTPC?
Again, if it's even easier (and helps make it cheaper and/or more power efficient), I can also tolerate a server-type approach and utilize Extenders (though that would be an additional cost; I do not own a 360 though I do have a PS3 if that matters). That way, if big and bulky makes it cheaper to provide a more power-efficient build, for whatever reason, I would consider that route.