Is it really this simple?

[basslover1]

After coming across an article on engadget about the Ceton InfiniTV, I started looking at attempting a homebrew DVR again (failed miserably with MythBunutu).

I have Brighthouse, and don't have any issues with the service, except for the 18 bucks a month I get charged to rent the damn cable box, in essence the Ceton will pay for it self in a year.

I would be using the PC setup in my sig as the server/dvr/everyday computer, the TV is also in the same room so I won't need an extender. Though I do have a 360 if that was ever necessary.

Can I expect to be able to watch every channel I do now? No VoD stuff, but local sports channels, and a decent portion of the HD channels they offer now.

If I'm working this out in my head correctly, I'll just need the Ceton + cable card + bigger HDD? That's it?

My only gripe with trying out MCE in my current setup, with the HDTV setup as an extended desktop when MCE is full screen it locks me from scrolling back over to my monitor. Is that typical behavior because that would be a deal breaker. Not being able to browse the web and watch TV at the same time.

Thoughts?

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

I love my InfiniTv4. It is fantastic. However, not everybody has the same experience. I'm fortunate to have Verizon FIOS so no tuner adapter (TA) is required and I don't run into problems with copy protecton flags. With Brighthouse I believe a TA is required and copy protection flags might be an issue, though when using extenders they don't come into play. Yes, you will be able to tune any channel you currently have, including HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, etc. if applicable.

As far as dual monitors are concerned I can't answer that. I use an HTPC dedicated to a single screen along with one other TV connected to a DMA2100 extender.

 

[basslover1]

I did some google searching and yes it looks like BHN requires a TA, and it also looks like they're the only cable co that charges for usage of one as well. While the copy-protection does annoy me a bit, it would be exactly like it is now since I only watch TV on the TV in my room. Though I guess if I had the option to watch it anywhere I would but I don't think it's that big of a deal.

I'm ordering it right now. My only challenge looks like getting my current univ. remote to work with MC. I might end up with one of those micro keyboards with a trackpad built in.

 

[ccbadd]

I currently do this now. I have an HTPC in a Silverstone box next to the AV reciever running Win 7 media center in the living room. In each bedroom I have an xbox 360 as an extender. Works great. I don't need a TA fortunately. I tried using my desktop in my bedroom to run media center, but the screen problem referred to earlier was just such a pain.

 

[BHNtechXpert]

I love my InfiniTv4. It is fantastic. However, not everybody has the same experience. I'm fortunate to have Verizon FIOS so no tuner adapter (TA) is required and I don't run into problems with copy protecton flags. With Brighthouse I believe a TA is required and copy protection flags might be an issue, though when using extenders they don't come into play. Yes, you will be able to tune any channel you currently have, including HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, etc. if applicable.

As far as dual monitors are concerned I can't answer that. I use an HTPC dedicated to a single screen along with one other TV connected to a DMA2100 extender.

Yes a tuning adapter would be almost a must and NO the CCI bit concern should not be an issue for you if you use the Media enter extenders.

 

[basslover1]

Called up Brighthouse and it looks like they allow user installation of a cable card as long as it's not for a TiVo, so I'll be heading over to their office on Tuesday to swap out the box and pick up the CC and SA.

I searched around for the extended desktop mouse lock issue, looks like there's some workarounds for it.

 

[basslover1]

Got my cable bill in the mail today, and wouldn't you know it starting in March the cost of the HD DVR is going up to 19.95 a month.

 

[basslover1]

Ok, I've been thinking about this more and more and I'm trying to decide which is more beneficial.

I've got a 160gb HDD for my OS and basic programs/games. I'm currently only using 47Gigs
I've got a 500GB HDD for storage: Music, Movies, Pictures, etc. I'm currently using 220Gigs

Does it make more sense to get a SSD for OS/program duties, and relegate the 160+500 for storage
Or, does it make more sense to get a 1TB drive for storage?

I'm thinking that just the 500GB HDD for movies/recorded TV should be more than enough, because with just the movies on it, would leave me with 300GB for TV shows and I usually delete TV shows after I watch them, except for Good Eats episodes that I really enjoy.

 

[Anteaus]

Ok, I've been thinking about this more and more and I'm trying to decide which is more beneficial.

I've got a 160gb HDD for my OS and basic programs/games. I'm currently only using 47Gigs
I've got a 500GB HDD for storage: Music, Movies, Pictures, etc. I'm currently using 220Gigs

Does it make more sense to get a SSD for OS/program duties, and relegate the 160+500 for storage
Or, does it make more sense to get a 1TB drive for storage?

I'm thinking that just the 500GB HDD for movies/recorded TV should be more than enough, because with just the movies on it, would leave me with 300GB for TV shows and I usually delete TV shows after I watch them, except for Good Eats episodes that I really enjoy.

For the price of a decent SSD you could buy a couple 1TB+ hard drives. I would commit the 500GB as a system drive and buy one or two big hard drives for storage. My .02

Good luck

 

[frowertr]

For the price of a decent SSD you could buy a couple 1TB+ hard drives. I would commit the 500GB as a system drive and buy one or two big hard drives for storage. My .02

Good luck

That is what I do. I have a 500GB OS drive and a separate 500GB drive for my TV recordings. You don't want to your recordings on the same drive as your OS. Windows likes to "thrash" for no reason sometimes and you don't want skipping during playback/recording.

I have a couple 2TB drives holding my media collection (Blu-ray and DVD's) but I think i will eventually move those to a dedicated media server running unRaid.