SnapStream, please support a media player.

[StevePupel]

I struggled a lot with getting a good picture out of my PC into my TV. Eventually I tried the Media MVP and it works great. Problem is, it doesn't really work well with SnapStream. Watching live TV is really clunky, the software that comes with the MVP is really only designed to play completed recordings. Eventually I came across a competitor that supports the MVP and now I use the competing software. This is not to bash SnapStream. I actually think SnapStream is a much nicer program to use.

My intent here is to build support for SnapStream to support some type of Media player (could be, but doesn't have to be the Media MVP). I mean full blown support, all menus, access to recordings, live tv... all through the media player. I have licenses to both SnapStream and the unnamed competitor. I would stick with SnapStream if their software worked through a media player.

Steve

[cfaslave]

Originally Posted by StevePupel

Eventually I came across a competitor that supports the MVP and now I use the competing software. This is not to bash SnapStream. I actually think SnapStream is a much nicer program to use.

My intent here is to build support for SnapStream to support some type of Media player (could be, but doesn't have to be the Media MVP). I mean full blown support, all menus, access to recordings, live tv... all through the media player. I have licenses to both SnapStream and the unnamed competitor. I would stick with SnapStream if their software worked through a media player.
Steve

Steve,
I don't use it (yet at least), but it is my understanding that the latest release of the MediaMVP skin works with Snapstream's BTV including live TV. There's more about it here. Read the last two pages of this thread to read about the latest version that works with BTV4. It isn't officially supported by SS, but it supposedly works well at what it does.
Brent

[queonda]

Not supported by snapstream but someone working on it: http://sourceforge.net/projects/mvpbtv/

[StevePupel]

I think 99% of you are probably like me... You get this idea of making your own recording system in your head, and man, the hours you spend on getting it all to work just melt away. I tried the MVP skin, really struggled with it. Tried the trial version of unnamed competitor X, and it worked great. I'm tiring of debugging, and I just want to use my system.

"OK so why are you bothering us, just stick with the competitor!" - because I think SnapStream is a nicer product, much nicer interface, more intuitive. I've also tried the competitor's user community software - it's pretty nice, but buggy. At some point, I just want to use the system and quit debugging it. I'd like an officially supported product.

I would like to point out that SnapStream has been a fantastic product for me. Scheduling recordings, using the guide, navigating the system and finding recorded shows... all great. I just could never get a good picture to my TV. The Media MVP also frees up my PC so I can use my system on two different TV's, and someone can still use the computer.

[cfaslave]

Originally Posted by StevePupel

I think 99% of you are probably like me... You get this idea of making your own recording system in your head, and man, the hours you spend on getting it all to work just melt away. I tried the MVP skin, really struggled with it. Tried the trial version of unnamed competitor X, and it worked great. I'm tiring of debugging, and I just want to use my system.

"OK so why are you bothering us, just stick with the competitor!" - because I think SnapStream is a nicer product, much nicer interface, more intuitive. I've also tried the competitor's user community software - it's pretty nice, but buggy. At some point, I just want to use the system and quit debugging it. I'd like an officially supported product.

I would like to point out that SnapStream has been a fantastic product for me. Scheduling recordings, using the guide, navigating the system and finding recorded shows... all great. I just could never get a good picture to my TV. The Media MVP also frees up my PC so I can use my system on two different TV's, and someone can still use the computer.

I don't mean to be redundant, but did you try the new version that is available? It seems to be working without much - if any "debugging" by users. If you are simply saying you don't want to deal with it until SS fully supports it and brings it along with each new release I understand, but if you are saying the newest version didn't work for you that would be something you might want to report in the forum HERE.

[StevePupel]

cfaslave, I think the version I tried was published in April.

I'll give the lates skin a whirl. What's a few more hours eh?

Steve

[StevePupel]

Gotta admit, the skin looks interesting.

Before I go and mess everything up I have a few questions first.

Are there any things that the Media MVP can't do?

Anything on this list not supported?
* Set up recordings
* Veiw recording schedule, manage favorites
* delete recordings
* view guide
* watch/pause/ff live tv

My PC doesn't transcode DIVX so hot, so I stick with MPG2.

Thanks,

Steve

[tscales]

Personally, I found the best extender is a used PC. It's easier and more reliable.

Tom

[Terminal]

Originally Posted by StevePupel

I struggled a lot with getting a good picture out of my PC into my TV. Eventually I tried the Media MVP and it works great. Problem is, it doesn't really work well with SnapStream. Watching live TV is really clunky, the software that comes with the MVP is really only designed to play completed recordings. Eventually I came across a competitor that supports the MVP and now I use the competing software. This is not to bash SnapStream. I actually think SnapStream is a much nicer program to use.

My intent here is to build support for SnapStream to support some type of Media player (could be, but doesn't have to be the Media MVP). I mean full blown support, all menus, access to recordings, live tv... all through the media player. I have licenses to both SnapStream and the unnamed competitor. I would stick with SnapStream if their software worked through a media player.

Steve

I would like to see an officially supported media player as well. I would love to be able to stick a small box in my living room and bedroom and move my server to a back corner in my office. So I hear what your saying.

[tscales]

I think they already do. It's called a PC. Personally, I find an inexpensive machine running BTV Link, with a Firefly, is the best cheap extender there is.

Tom

[cfaslave]

Originally Posted by tscales

I think they already do. It's called a PC. Personally, I find an inexpensive machine running BTV Link, with a Firefly, is the best cheap extender there is.
Tom

I agree. I use an older PC that I bought from a Kansas City non profit agency that collects old electronics stuff and resells it at a low cost. For just over $100 total plus some old components I had laying around I had a perfect BTV Link machine. It's actually fairly quiet although I may work to totally silence it someday when I have time.

For another room, I'm going to try out the just-updated MediaMVP skin that has most of the functionality of BTV except for smartskip & HDTV. I bought a used MediaMVP from Ebay for less than $80 (it sells for around $80 new). I figure I'll try it out and could eventually sell it with the skin loaded to someone around here. SS doesn't officially support it, but it reportedly works very well for SD TV.
I'll let you know how that goes.
Brent

[Grasshopper]

A PC has its place but a good media extender also has its place. A media extender is:
- usually cheaper (yes, I know we all have old PCs laying around...)
- noiseless (I have yet to find a cheap, silent PC)
- small
- more visually appealing, they look like they belong with your other video equipment.

I'm not buying the argument that the MVP skin "mostly works" and if you really want a client use a PC. A PC certainly has its place, but so does an extender. If we want to move BTV from the sphere of hobbiests and into the sphere of mass consumer electronics a media extender is a must. I have 4 TVs in the house and there is no way I'd setup a PC in every room.

Let's face it, SnapStream really needs to support a media extender to be more competitive.

Yes, this is my pet peeve. As long as BTV does not support a media extender it will continue to be my second choice.

Lastly, it's good to know that this post will probably not be deleted. Thank you Rakesh for changing SnapStream's forum policy. It shows me you are going in the right direction. :-)

[cfaslave]

Originally Posted by Grasshopper

Let's face it, SnapStream really needs to support a media extender to be more competitive.

Yes, this is my pet peeve. As long as BTV does not support a media extender it will continue to be my second choice.

Grasshopper,
I thought you were using the MediaMVP with the skin. Is that not working well for you? I'm hoping you're not going to say it isn't since I just bought one to try.

Anyway, It would be nice if SS "officially" supported one or more extenders so we wouldn't have to worry about the "skin" keeping up with the most recent version of BTV, but I think what is there is still worthwhile.

[sainswor99]

Originally Posted by tscales

I think they already do. It's called a PC. Personally, I find an inexpensive machine running BTV Link, with a Firefly, is the best cheap extender there is.

Tom

And I thought I was a smart-a$$....

Although I think a PC has benefits beyond a simple media extender, it also has limitations. If you want a quiet, low-heat solution, you'll have to pay a lot more for a Link system than many of the network extenders on the market. Plus, to get a good-looking case with high WAF, you'll have to pay more as well.

In contrast, the network media extenders are less expensive, quiet, have lower heat emissions, and can be found for less than $200. Most of thier on-screen interfaces suck, though. I just got my MediaMVP today (was using the AvElinkPlayer from Iodata), and I can't wait to hook it up to see how the skin works.

I like Link, and I think SnapStream should continue to develop for it, but I wish they would invest some time and effort in building a complete media solution for a media extender (give me Music, Photos, and Videos).

Stu

[AdmA]

let us know about media MVP...im very interested :-)