HELP-- PC upstairs, TV downstairs

[wahoobill]

Help!-- I m new to this forum and to the PVR world-- I would like to build my PVR and have done
some research --It seems Beyond TV 4.0 bundle is a good product and comes with entire package-
I have an XP machine which meets Beyond TV requirements, so here is my problem--
My PC is upstairs and my 32" Sony is downstairs-- how can i use the PVR functionality without
putting holes in my ceiling/floor and running cable? I know there is a wireless method which
would accomplish this, but dont know what I need-- I have a wireles NW at home running
802.11g. Also I assume I should be able to control my pvr functionality, like menues and features from a remote from the comforts of my couch downstairs is this correct? What remote/sw do I need to accomplish this?

Thanks very much,
Bill.

[btvfreak]

Some people have had success with wireless, but not me. I'm running cat 5e cable in my apartment to get stable performance.

You could get a Hauppauge MediaMVP (they now have a wireless version if you want) and use the BTV MVP skin (http://forums.snapstream.com/vb/show...postcount=297).

You could also get a cheap PC and buy a copy of BTV Link for it.

[sainswor99]

There are two seperate decision you need to make:

1. Networking (wired/wireless/alternate wring):

I use a wireless network, and I have very few issues. Occasionally, when the microwave is running, I can lose connectivity, but for the most part, its OK. You could run Ethernet, which would give you the best throughput, OR you could use an alternate wiring system like IP over phone lines or IP over power lines. Both of those give you about the same throughput as wireless G, but are a little more stable.


2. Media playback (Link, network media extender, HTPC):

Lots of choices here, and it depends on how much you like the BTV interface (which is very nice). I use the AVeLinkPlayer 2 from IODATA as my extender; it's a network DVD player, but to be honest, I'm not particularly fond of it. The DVD drive is awful, and the network interface is not as nice. THere are other devices on the market that act in a similar fashion, but they're all relatively new (so there may still be some kinks to be worked out).

You could do as wahoobill suggests and build a cheap PC to be your Link device. You get a nice interface, and can build a relatively quiet extender box for your expense. However, there may not be much of a price difference between building a full blown HTPC and a good quality extender box. If you decide to go this route, you may want to compare before deciding on one or the other; you could always buy a copy of BTV Link to playback files on your machine upstairs.

Hope that clarifies it a bit.
Stu

[bits]

1. Wireless or wired?

IMO wired is the only way to go for simple, trouble free, reliable video streaming. Not only will the microwave cause problems but so will cordless phones. You may also not have great reception thru your floor. You will need to make sure everything in your wireless network is 'g' or pre N. You may also want to get a wireless signal strength booster.

2. The cheapest, simplest and IMHO the best way to view video that is on your upstairs PC on your TV downstairs, is with a media network player. HTPC is not simple and you will need to put the HTPC downstairs near your TV.

I use a MediaMVP for SD mpeg2 video viewing on my upstairs SD TV

I use a Linkplayer2 for viewing mpeg2, DivX, HD ect... on my HDTV
downstairs.

The media players each have their own remote and each has its own server software. When I want to watch my recorded, commercial free shows on my HDTV downstairs I set my TV to Video 5 (DVI input) and turn on the LP2. Up comes an on screen menu, I select the show and press play. I can pause. fastforward, reverse and delete the show. I can also bookmark where I stopped watching a show. Someday I will look into a All in one remote but myself, my wife and my children, have been using this setup for about 9mos and are quite accustomed to it.

My PC, which is also the family PC is upstairs, no need for another PC! We cruise the internet, record shows, find, confirm and cut commercials, watch a show on the Linkplayer and one on the MediaMVP ALL AT THE SAME TIME.

You guessed it, it is a wired connection to both TVs. Tried wireless...spent time and money and it was marginal at best.