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leszekm1

Last reply Jul 5, 2011 · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

My whole house PVR solution one and a half year later

It's interesting to see that Dish with its XiP receivers is only now catching up to the system I have for over a year and a half now. I bet however that the Dish only solution will be cheaper initially but more per month.

History:
A little less than 2 years ago I was looking for a whole house PVR solution that would allow me to integrate OTA/FTA/D* or E* and an occasional DVD playback on 4 HDTVs. At that time, neither D* nor E* had a solution. So was forced to settle with a DVBLogic/Win7 solution - the only solution available at that time.

The setup:
The main PVR machine is simply a mid-grade PC with Windows 7 Home Premium on it running the build-in MediaCenter (Win7 home premium or higher is required for MediaCenter functionality). It has a dual OTA internal tuner (AVerMedia AVerTVHD Duet), a dual FTA internal tuner (TBS 6980), and two Hauppauge HD PVRs connected to two Dish 211k receivers. This is connected to the main HDTV. The other 3 HDTVs have XBox 360s connected to them and setup as MCE extenders. DVBLogic DVBLink virtual tuners are used to integrate FTA (via DVBLogic TVSource) and 211k/HD PVRs (via 1geek1tool HDPVR software) into the 4 satellite tuner slots of MediaCenter.

The advantages of such a setup:

Single PVR solution for the full house
Up to 4 OTA and 4 Sat tuners at the same time
Able to play a DVD at any TV
Up to 6 HDTVs (1 PC + 5 XBox 360 extenders)
Able to play videos off of a hard drive
Able to stream free MMS Internet feeds to any TV. Some MMS feeds duplicate pay content on dish. So I don't have to pay for France24 channel for example as I get it via MMS feed
Low monthly fees from Dish - standard service + 1 extra 211k receiver
"Virtually" unlimited storage due to PC capability
NetFlix integration

The disadvantages:

High initial hardware & software cost
Slight loss of PQ due to re-encoding of the 1080i component output via HD PVRs
IR control of the 211k not 100% reliable, HD PVRs not fully stable. I loose an occasional PVR event due to those (about 1 event every 2 months).
Uses the analog loophole - unknown how long this will last.
Internet TV feeds are limited only to MMS and cannot be time shifted.
NetFlix on the MediaCenter is built-in, but on the XBox requires XBox gold subscription

Overall I'm quite happy with the setup. I don't think I will be switching to XiP any time soon.

12 Replies · 3830 views

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mfoster711

Jun 14, 2011

I don't get it, how do you watch live TV on all the remote TV's?

mike123abc

Jun 14, 2011

mfoster711 said:
I don't get it, how do you watch live TV on all the remote TV's?

The Hauppage HD DVR takes the component output of a 211 and makes a stream over the USB connection of the server. The server can then send that stream out to any TV.

It definitely is not as clean of a solution as what the XiP promises, but one never know what one will get with Dish until the box ships.

mfoster711

Jun 14, 2011

mike123abc said:
The Hauppage HD DVR takes the component output of a 211 and makes a stream over the USB connection of the server. The server can then send that stream out to any TV.

It definitely is not as clean of a solution as what the XiP promises, but one never know what one will get with Dish until the box ships.

So can I bring up the Dish program guide on remote TV's and pick a program? How would you control these remote TV's when watching live TV?

leszekm1

Jun 15, 2011

mfoster711 said:
So can I bring up the Dish program guide on remote TV's and pick a program? How would you control these remote TV's when watching live TV?

You use the MediaCenter guide that aggregates OTA/FTA/Dish programming into a single guide provided by zap2it. The Dish receivers are never used for guide info, only for providing content so there is no issue there.

lakebum431

Jun 15, 2011

Cool and unusual setup. I applaud you for figuring out how to get what you want! From a practical standpoint there aren't many people who are going to go to this much trouble. Plus, I'm sure there is quite a learning curve for a new user. @ MikeD lets just wait and see what the fees will be before we get upset about them

MikeD-C05

Jun 15, 2011

lakebum431 said:
Cool and unusual setup. I applaud you for figuring out how to get what you want! From a practical standpoint there aren't many people who are going to go to this much trouble. Plus, I'm sure there is quite a learning curve for a new user. @ MikeD lets just wait and see what the fees will be before we get upset about them

Just reacting to DISH's recent History in the last 10 years. DISH once boasted in their advertisments that they offered Tapeless recording for FREE , NO FEES! Then it was $5.00 dvr fee , then it was $6.00 PER DVR receiver. Then we moved to the new additional Receiver fees that conceal many of the made up "just because we can " charge it fees in to one additional receiver fee + one whole house dvr fee. Then the 922 which is still charging an extra $4.00 more than the other dvrs , so it stands to reason the 813 will have the same dvr fee ,since it has the same software, menus, guides and tiles. Now there will be another opportunity to create another new FEE! Charlie has" never liked leaving money on the table ", as he puts it. SO I can only deduce from this statement there will be another new fee . The question is how much this time?

BMarkus

Jul 5, 2011

Great information. I was planning to use Windows 7 with some combination of Hauppauge PVRs, but was looking for a better solution than XBOX for the Media Center extenders. One would think Google TV would have extender capabilities built in, but that would be too easy.

Couple questions for anyone out there with the knowledge:
1. What is the best option for a Media Center Extender (MCE)?
2. Does Google TV add any value to a PC based system? It can supposedly access media on a PC and play Netflix.

leszekm1

Jul 5, 2011

I think the xbox pretty much killed the extenders market. For the same price as an extender you get not only an extender, but an upscalling DVD player and a gaming console in one unit. What don't you like about the xbox as an extender?

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TWiT Tech Podcast Network

5 minutes ago · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Security Now 1102

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UK11O-VoMBU

Direct YouTube Link - Security Now 1102
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

0 Replies · 0 views

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meStevo

Lifetime Supporter

Last reply 17 minutes ago · posted in The Sports Section

NFL 2026-2027 Season

Schedule drops tomorrow. Mandatory mini camps in June. Hall of Fame game August 6th.

128 Replies · 2388 views

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rvvaquero

Oct 20, 2026

Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson had an argument about who was responsible for the dynasty building of the early 90's Cowboys.

The rest of us figured it out in about 3 years, Jerry has had over 30 years but still can't admit it. It's all he lives for, to show everyone he can put together a winner. I don't think he can. His kids only know what he taught them.

Reactions: Mike0616, dfergie and b4pjoe

Yespage

Thursday at 9:15 AM

rvvaquero said:
Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson had an argument about who was responsible for the dynasty building of the early 90's Cowboys.

The rest of us figured it out in about 3 years, Jerry has had over 30 years but still can't admit it. It's all he lives for, to show everyone he can put together a winner. I don't think he can. His kids only know what he taught them.

Johnson built it, but without the Herschel Walker trade, it never happens.

Reactions: AZ. and b4pjoe

b4pjoe

Thursday at 9:53 AM

Yespage said:
Johnson built it, but without the Herschel Walker trade, it never happens.

Jerry made himself General Manager after he bought the team but make no mistake Jimmy engineered that trade. As well as a lot of others at the time.

Reactions: rvvaquero, osu1991 and Yespage

rvvaquero

Thursday at 11:50 AM

Jimmy Johnson is a football guy. Jerry Jones is a marketer (hustler).

When I see a football player get a 15 yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (like taunting) in a close game, I often wonder what he was thinking. Was he thinking, I'm doing everything I can to make this a better team and help win a championship? Or, was he saying to himself, I want everyone to notice how great I am?

Johnson inspires one, Jones the other.

Reactions: AZ., b4pjoe and Mike0616

meStevo

Thursday at 10:53 PM

View: https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/2113438192913588676?s=20

Reactions: AZ., Mike0616 and osu1991

meStevo

Sunday at 8:17 PM

Got to unfurl and hold the flag at Allegiant for the anthem today - amazing experience.

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HipKat

17 minutes ago

Balls
Bears. Gave the Pats a good beatdown.
Bucs. Got Baker back and absolutely demolished the previously surprising Panthers.
Falcons. Took care of the 49ers and did so convincingly.
Vikings. I hate them. I do. I've never seen such a bad/good team. Know what I mean? I know their D is epic. But their O is insulting. How they remain undefeated is a mystery.
Rams. Finally looked the part. Mind you against the hapless Cards.
Cowboys. Fireworks performance from their O.
Dolphins. Finally logged in a W. There won't be many. Enjoy it, Miami fans.
Browns. Still atop the AFC North.
Giants. Epic OT win with Buffalo's very own Motor Singletary finishing it off.
Seattle. Dominated KC from start to finish.

Goats
Jets. Couldn't beat the winless Dolphins. Aaron Glenn is a dead man walking.
Eagles. Injured beyond repair
Ravens and Lamar. Has he ever played a full season? Honestly, dude is fragile. Of course he's back for the Bills game.
49ers. No longer undefeated.
Colts. A sh*t show. When are they gonna realize that Daniel Jones is ass?
Steelers vs Saints game. Ass, just ass all around. Those poor people in Paris have had enough lately, and on top of that, endure that game.
Chiefs. They looked terrible. Like really bad.
Pack vs. Detroit game refs. Some of the worst refereeing I've seen in a long time. And the sample is pretty large.

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Scott Greczkowski

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge

Last reply 36 minutes ago · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Song Name Game Part 3!

Sometimes a thread gets so many posts in it that is can cause issues for the server so that why today we introduce The Song Name Game Part 3!

So let the game continue!

The last song was added by Bobby who posted...

One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters

CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!

Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game

Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.

Example:

Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow

Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio

Another example:

Ride the Lightning -- Metallica

Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne

Get it?

An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....

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gms49ers

Today at 1:17 PM

Dancing Days - Led Zeppelin

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dishstaller

Today at 2:34 PM

Dancing in the Street - Van Halen

long_time_Dish

Today at 3:47 PM

Bakers Street - Gerry Rafferty

Reactions: gms49ers

Bobby

Today at 4:09 PM

long_time_Dish said:
Bakers Street - Gerry Rafferty

Let me fix that for you:
Baker Street - Gerry Rafferty

EatMyVolts

36 minutes ago

The 59th Street Bridge Song -- Simon & Garfunkel

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MartyDe

Last reply Today at 5:37 PM · posted in Over the Air Television By RabbitEars.Info

ATSC 3 converter boxes

Interesting article about the work being done to develope an ATSC 3 converter box. Yes it does mention affordable.

Pearl TV Issues Progress Report on Low-Cost 3.0 Converters in Advance of NAB Show New York

Group has secured lower pricing from key tech players to make less costly boxes available

www.tvtechnology.com

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navychop

Oct 20, 2026

DEATH TO NEXGEN!

Reactions: primestar31, RaVo68, gms49ers and 1 other person

primestar31

Wednesday at 7:29 PM

navychop said:
DEATH TO NEXGEN!

It's dead, they just don't know it yet. They killed it by forcing DRM on it, and that TOTALLY botched implementing it.

There is absolutely NO compelling reason for anybody to switch to ATSC3.0. They only want it as a total and complete money grab.

Reactions: slow_poke_pete, FTA4PA and navychop

navychop

Wednesday at 10:37 PM

I truly hope you are right.

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Mister B

Thursday at 7:43 AM

What bothers me is the total waste of broadcasting spectrum in this very crowded market. It has been almost three years now since KFOX converted their broadcast tower to ATSC 3.0 and moved all of their channels to other towers causing noticeable degradation of the picture quality.
I have a Sony TV with 3.0 capabilities but still use the 1.0 version of locals due to the fact that one or all of the 3.0 channels are often missing or unwatchable. In this city of 800K I doubt that more than a few hundred even know about ATSC 3.0.
The only thing that could motivate me to be interested in 3.0 would be if all of the minor networks (diginets) could be in at least 720P rather than blurry ultra-compressed 480i.
Three years is long enough to waste one of the few available RF frequencies in the area for this trial.
It is time to either move on with this experiment or call it quits.

navychop

Thursday at 4:31 PM

Mister B said:
In this city of 800K I doubt that more than a few hundred even know about ATSC 3.0.

They might notice the hand going into their pocket for their wallet.

Reactions: FTA4PA

navychop

Thursday at 4:31 PM

Mister B said:
It is time to either move on with this experiment or call it quits.

QFT. Of course, my preference involves a curb and some kicking.

Reactions: FTA4PA

slow_poke_pete

Today at 5:37 PM

primestar31 said:
It's dead, they just don't know it yet. They killed it by forcing DRM on it, and that TOTALLY botched implementing it.

There is absolutely NO compelling reason for anybody to switch to ATSC3.0. They only want it as a total and complete money grab.

WHAT ABOUT THE INTERNET PART OF IT. NO ONE WANTS A BOX CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET EITHER.

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TRG

Pub Member / Supporter

Last reply Today at 5:35 PM · posted in Local Radio Discussion

House Passes AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act

House Passes AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act

(Washington, DC) - The U.S. House has passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, marking a major step forward for broadcasters and listeners who have pushed to keep AM radio available in new cars and

wabcradio.com

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dishdude

Sep 18, 2026

It's probably been 2 decades since I've listened to an AM radio station. Very rarely listen to FM any more.

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Jimbo

Today at 8:35 AM

I am 1 that wants the AM to Stay ....
That said, since '08 I have had Sat radio available to me ... I think I have turned on AM 3 or 4 times, just to see if its still there.

Fwiw, if theres a Major disaster or bad weather or whatever, the chances of me finding out about it by going to the AM side of the radio is SLIM and None.
Even FM, I haven't really had on since '13ish, I may turn it on from time to time, just to see if its still there.

harshness

Today at 10:10 AM

Jimbo said:
Fwiw, if theres a Major disaster or bad weather or whatever, the chances of me finding out about it by going to the AM side of the radio is SLIM and None.

Automation has seen to that. You can't get evening drive traffic reports where I live, much less disaster reports.

dishstaller

Today at 10:41 AM

dishdude said:
Very rarely listen to FM any more

That goes for a lot of people. I've been advertising on radio for more than a decade now and am very familiar with this subject. While it is still a valuable tool, it has far less impact than it did just a few years ago. The best reaction I get is from a local Country music station....they play a mix of older and newer music and have a very big footprint.

Reactions: Mr Tony

Jimbo

Today at 11:03 AM

dishstaller said:
That goes for a lot of people. I've been advertising on radio for more than a decade now and am very familiar with this subject. While it is still a valuable tool, it has far less impact than it did just a few years ago. The best reaction I get is from a local Country music station....they play a mix of older and newer music and have a very big footprint.

Do you do any Ad's on Satellite ?

If Not, why not, because it's not Local ?

dishstaller

Today at 12:29 PM

Jimbo said:
Do you do any Ad's on Satellite ?

If Not, why not, because it's not Local ?

No, just regular FM stations. One is the country station I mentioned and the other is a Talk Radio station which used to get fantastic results but honestly, since the death of Rush Limbaugh, talk radio just doesn't do as well. There were two guys who had an early morning show which was hugely popular here in the southeast but one of them retired a couple years ago and the show just doesn't garner the same numbers as it used to.

slow_poke_pete

Today at 5:35 PM

Haven't listened AM or FM in years

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TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Today at 5:02 PM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Security Now 1101

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJ4Z4zafNLI

Direct YouTube Link - Security Now 1101
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

0 Replies · 8 views

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osu1991

Pub Member / Supporter

Last reply Today at 5:01 PM · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Susan Saint James, Emmy-Winning Star of 'Kate & Allie' and 'McMillan & Wife,' Dies at 80

Susan Saint James, Emmy-Winning Star of ‘Kate & Allie’ and ‘McMillan & Wife,’ Dies at 80

Susan Saint James, the Emmy-winning actress who starred in "Kate & Allie," died Monday after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She was 80.

variety.com

1 Replies · 12 views

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Bobby

Today at 5:01 PM

Rest in peace.

JSheridan

Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Today at 4:58 PM · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

All DMA's now Western Arc

I know HipKat said that they were working on conversions but we got the official news yesterday right from Dish that starting next month all DMA's will be on the western arc, and all customers will be assigned to that. That's gonna mean a lot of customers around here aren't gonna get Dish unless there are exceptions. Too many mountains and trees.

173 Replies · 4944 views

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Strega

Friday at 10:01 PM

Even if you are broadcasting old SD-only shows, I would think advertisers would still want their commercials to look good.

Reactions: charlesrshell

Jimbo

Friday at 11:17 PM

Strega said:
Even if you are broadcasting old SD-only shows, I would think advertisers would still want their commercials to look good.

Advertisers on SD channels are probably Far and Few, very hard to find, they have very few viewers to watch them.

Reactions: charlesrshell

Mister B

Saturday at 7:35 AM

Jimbo said:
Advertisers on SD channels are probably Far and Few, very hard to find, they have very few viewers to watch them.

I watch mostly SD channels (H&I, Start and ION, etc.). There are plenty of advertisers, this time of the year it is mostly Medicare Advantage plans, auto extended warranties and the occasional walk-in-tub. They know who is watching.

Reactions: Almighty1, savarese04 and charlesrshell

slow_poke_pete

Yesterday at 10:40 AM

Mister B said:
I watch mostly SD channels (H&I, Start and ION, etc.). There are plenty of advertisers, this time of the year it is mostly Medicare Advantage plans, auto extended warranties and the occasional walk-in-tub. They know who is watching.

can't forget the little blue m&m's

Reactions: Almighty1, charlesrshell and telstar_1

charlesrshell

Yesterday at 11:23 AM

slow_poke_pete said:
can't forget the little blue m&m's

That's what my wife calls my Viagra!!

Reactions: Almighty1, slow_poke_pete, MikeD-C05 and 2 others

telstar_1

Yesterday at 8:12 PM

Why didn't Charlie end up launching starlink

Reactions: charlesrshell

Foxbat

Yesterday at 9:01 PM

telstar_1 said:
Why didn't Charlie end up launching starlink

Because he didn't have a fleet of reusable rockets. Starlink works because SpaceX is able to launch hundreds (thousands?) of their Starlink satellites for what a single geostationary Internet satellite costs to build and launch on a disposable launcher.

Reactions: MikeD-C05, dishstaller, HipKat and 2 others

telstar_1

Today at 12:08 AM

But how is it reusable if it's disposable

Reactions: charlesrshell

slow_poke_pete

Today at 2:09 AM

charlesrshell said:
That's what my wife calls my Viagra!!

My gf is 29 years younger than me :shh

Reactions: MikeD-C05, charlesrshell and HipKat

Almighty1

Today at 4:04 PM

telstar_1 said:
Why didn't Charlie end up launching starlink

He does not have the resources aka $$$ compared to Elon Musk as in reality, Elon can eat Charlie for lunch or even mop the floor with Charlie if he wanted to.

Reactions: charlesrshell

slow_poke_pete

Today at 4:58 PM

ment to 20 yrs dam phone

Reactions: charlesrshell

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Marques Brownlee

Today at 4:42 PM · posted in Marques Brownlee

This can SEE Sound!

Time for another AWESOME video from Marques Brownlee!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ai1gIWacf0I

Direct YouTube Link - This can SEE Sound!
The official MKBHD Website!
The MKBHD Store

0 Replies · 5 views

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iJustine

Today at 4:12 PM · posted in iJustine

New Dive Computer! Oceanic’s o.i 🤿

Time for another AWESOME video from iJustine!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/roM3DlRf5Gk

Direct YouTube Link - New Dive Computer! Oceanic's o.i

The official iJustine Website's Website
Buy her book!

0 Replies · 6 views

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My whole house PVR solution one and a half year later

Security Now 1102

NFL 2026-2027 Season

Song Name Game Part 3!

ATSC 3 converter boxes

Pearl TV Issues Progress Report on Low-Cost 3.0 Converters in Advance of NAB Show New York

House Passes AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act

House Passes AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act

Security Now 1101

Susan Saint James, Emmy-Winning Star of 'Kate & Allie' and 'McMillan & Wife,' Dies at 80

Susan Saint James, Emmy-Winning Star of ‘Kate & Allie’ and ‘McMillan & Wife,’ Dies at 80

All DMA's now Western Arc

This can SEE Sound!

New Dive Computer! Oceanic’s o.i 🤿