Dedicated PVR Question

[Leperous]

First, I apologize for asking this, but I've been searching the forums for the last hour and can't find a specific answer.

I'm wanting to set up a dedicated server with probably 4 tuners. I want to serve 2 TVs (1 50" Samsung DLP, and 1 27" standard TV) and probably a laptop or something. The server won't be in the same room with either TV. My main question is this: What do I need to serve the live and recorded video to my TVs? I know I need the BTV Link software, but as far as hardware, what is required? Is it best to build 2 PCs to sit by the TVs? Or does someone make a premade box, that I can load the BTV link software on?

Also, with the BeyondMedia add on, I'll be able to serve DVDs to all TVs also right?

Again, sorry for the newb question. I've been a Tivo user for 5 years, and I need to expand, but I'm sick of paying monthly fees. I'm hoping this will be my solution.

[CoJaBo]

If you get a video card with TV out you can use long high-quality cable
or get a TV transmitter(try Radioshack). For a second TV you may need
another computer, unless BTV supported multiple video cards.

[queonda]

one word: MediaMVP

you can use MediaMVP to connect to the BTV server. Radio shack has these for $79 DISCONTINUED. MTV can connect S-video or RCA jacks. you can use to connect with BTV link license and have the same look at BTV.

[dancetracks]

If they are not in the same room as the BTV server, you will need PCs next to each TV... which can be costly. Look around for distribution technology. I remember seeing some toys, err, tools that will allow you to remote distribute video. I remember one company had a product to distribute VGA over CAT5, so if your house is wired you can stream video to another location.

If you use PCs for each location, get those small mini-itx PCs as you don't need a lot of PC power to just view TV. However the costs will start to add up.

[MeGaBoZ]

Originally Posted by queonda

one word: MediaMVP

you can use MediaMVP to connect to the BTV server. Radio shack has these for $79 DISCONTINUED. MTV can connect S-video or RCA jacks. you can use to connect with BTV link license and have the same look at BTV.

MediaMVP will let you stream mpeg2, mp3 as well as JPEGs, but as for streaming a DVD, I don't think it will do that. You can always rip the DVD to an MPEG2 format and then it would be streamable.