TV's & Tuners Upstairs, Computers Downstairs.. How Do I Hook This Up?

[dpruiett]

Ok.. I'm a newbie to chat groups so please be considerate. I have 2 TV's each with a digital tuner upstairs. I have 2 PC's downstairs in rooms that have cable outlets available. I do not want to move either my PC's or my TV's form thier current locations. In other words, when I want to watch TV.. I sit upstairs. When I want to access my PC's I go downstairs. How can I hook up SnapStream so I can use it with my TV's upstairs and still take advantage of the IR remote control that lets me program and surf via the TV? There is no line of site between the TV's and PC's so I don't think an IR blaster will work.

[dpruiett]

I was hoping someone from Snapstream actually participated in this "chat room". Guess I'll have to try talking to someone in person.

[SouthPaw42]

For you answer look at this link. http://discuss2.snapstream.com/vb/sh...&threadid=3588

BTW: Snapstream is a 9-5 Mon - Fri company you posted your message friday after noon you might not get an answer till monday afternoon. In future please be patient with them.

[dpruiett]

Makes Sense Southpaw42. Thanks.

[dmets]

I use a distribution box. (ChannelPlus 3025 and IR targets check www.partsexpress.com).

This allows me to distribute both PC - (local cable) and Satellite receiver over two "in-house" cable channels. Then from any TV with an IR target, I can control the Sat Reciever or the PC using Girder/IR-Man combo(www.girder.nl and www.crystalfontz.com).

Just tune any TV to the set channel and you see what ever the PC TV out is showing. Or tune to the other set channel and you see what the satellite reciever is showing. I love it. It passes the wife easy of use factor as well. Not cheap - although it isn't that expensive either. It is a slick solution. Also make sure you read in www.avsforums.com before jumping into a distribution system. You will need a lowpass filter if you cable company has digital / broadband. I can't wait for the full screen SnapStream interface.

Dustin

[dpruiett]

Dustin,

Great advice. My local cable provider (TWC) does provide broadband over cable to my house so I may have to talk with them about what filters would be required. I'm beginning to think however that this is too much of a pain to set up. If Snapstream is going to be successful, they are going to have to provide a package that anyone can set up, including non-technical folks. As it stands now, it seems only those who are technically inclined and adept are able to wade through all the issues involved with trying to set this up.

Thanks again.

[MattS]

Originally posted by dpruiett
Dustin,

Great advice. My local cable provider (TWC) does provide broadband over cable to my house so I may have to talk with them about what filters would be required. I'm beginning to think however that this is too much of a pain to set up. If Snapstream is going to be successful, they are going to have to provide a package that anyone can set up, including non-technical folks. As it stands now, it seems only those who are technically inclined and adept are able to wade through all the issues involved with trying to set this up.

Thanks again.

Agreed, and this of course is something we're working on. Trying to de-complicate a dynamic setup is somewhat difficult, as expected. Any ideas on how SnapStream could be made easier to use in situations such as this?

[dmets]

I think a FAQ on dispalys might assist with letting people know the options, but honestly this is something that a highly technical person would be doing anyway.

Most people dont' want distribution systems. Heck most people dont want to even think about how to connect to their TV. That is why the Turnkey stuff is good for them. The ability to customize and the ability to use your existing computer is the selling points for SnapStream. Make it easy to configure - provide diagrams or links to other sites regarding how to connect your Computer to your HomeTheatre or home TV network. Provide people with the means to go and figure it out themselves. The ones who need too much handholding are going to buy a Tivo or ReplayTV anyway.

I put the Satellite PVR (dish 501) and the HTPC in the basement because I hate Hard Drive whine. My living room is now quiet. I love it.

I see the basic options as:
Direct Connect - TV with VGA input
Direct Connect - TV with S-video or composite inputs and Computer with S-video or composite out.
Channel Insertion - Using modulator - take Computer with S-video or composite out and modulate signal to unused analog cable channel - IE: 93 Distribute signal to whole house via RG6 cable. Advantage One Computer(source) to many TV's.
Video Balun - use S-video out over Cat5 - allows long distances but is a direct connection only - one computer to one TV.
Wireless link - same as direct connect but without the wires.


For me - The 3025 was the way to go. I had home runs of RG6 to the basement. It allows me to intergrate my local basic cable (not on satellite) with my Satellite and get both on every TV in the house without separate receivers at each TV (note that I can only watch one satellite channel at a time - but I can watch that same channel on as many TVs as I want. Again this setup would not be for everyone. However, it works great for us.


Links about the 3025:
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd..._ID=4422&DID=7

http://www.partsexpress.com/Tech/180-725.html

180-705
CHANNEL PLUS 2133 IR REMOTE TARGET When used with the distribution system (model 3025) it allows the viewer to use their infrared remotes to control both video inputs from any TV location throughout the house. The 2133 IR Target connects to the cable line between the system and the remote TV.

Part Number:
180-707
CHANNEL PLUS 2173 IR REPEATER/EMITTER The 2173 plugs directly into the video distribution system (model 3025) with its emitter end mounted on or in front of the video source's (satellite, VCR) infrared window. The IR Flasheris used to distribute remote control commands from each room back to the central unit.