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Modular Home Network PVR at CeBIT
Mackus Daddius writes "This ought to give the MPAA a conniption:
'The Lancaster system is modular, consisting of a TV tuner (analogue or digital), a hard disk module and an interface module that ties the system together and connects to your TV. The modules are connected using standard Ethernet connections, giving you flexibility over where the modules are placed and used. Multiple storage and interface modules can be used, increasing the capacity of the system and allowing multiple TVs to be used for watching programmes.'
From the ZDNet UK article and here's an
article with pics."
At 244 British pounds per module (check out the article with the pictures) you're shelling out nearly $400[US] per module.
The simplest system would be just the receiver and TV interface, for $800. Timeshifting would be enabled for $1200.
One can build the same system with a Hauppage PVR card (hardware MPEG encoder) for $400 (w/o software). It wouldn't be as quiet or small, but you could get the same modularity with multiple systems. Since it has hardware mpeg encoding, a cheap fanless system, such as the Via epox boards, should be able to handle one card and hard drive, and still be able to decode one stream at the same time. This would be about the same saize as all the modules put together, in one quiet, cheap box.
-Adam
I've happily been using their win-pvr 250 on my winxp computer for nearly a year.
I would not characterize it as a solid piece of software, but restarting the app is all that's needed when it starts recording with no one logged in. It records fine if you leave it alone, but when you log in while it's recording it slows to 10-20 frames per second. This is an issue a few times a month, so not a big deal. I suspect it's related to winxp, since the software isn't a service and has to log in as the user.
The only other issue is that once in awhile the mpeg shows coding artifacts (small flipped chunks occasionally show up). This requires a reboot. I haven't spent the time figuring out how to duplicate it, as it only happens once a month or less.
Considering the bad experiences I've had with the ATI all in wonder cards, this is a dream. All my shows are recorded, and I can take them with my on my laptop or save them to my server for later consumption.
YMMV.
-Adam
See the mythv web page for more info on what it can do.
from http://www.terratec.net/press/pressemit/Lancaster. htm
TerraTec Electronic Offers a Glimpse of Tomorrow at CeBIT Today
Lancaster: Networked Entertainment for Every Home
The magic formula for intelligent home entertainment equipment reads versatility, mobility, and an extensive array of features and functions designed for maximum ease of use. The Nettetal-based multimedia vendor TerraTec Electronic is set to reveal the secret to total entertainment at this year's CeBIT - a multimedia video TV server solution that goes by the name of Lancaster. Boasting state-of-the-art technology, Lancaster marries winning design to unprecedented functionality. The system comprises several networked components that act in concert to deliver remarkable performance. Serving as its brain is the Lancaster HD 701, an intelligent command & control center, and the modular memory Lancaster IF 701. The Lancaster DV 701 receives digital TV and radio signals; the Lancaster AV 701 is the DV 701's analog counterpart.
The modular design offers considerable freedom of choice. A very wide and flexible range of configurations is available according to the user's needs and wishes. Several components can be connected via standard Ethernet, enhancing the system's overall scope, range, and efficiency. It can be deployed throughout the house, affording users total freedom of movement. What's more, it interfaces with PCs and notebooks to make the most of media data recording and playback options and enabling users to control system functions with the greatest ease and convenience.
Analog television integrates as effortlessly as digital satellite programs. All broadcasts can be preprogrammed for recording and archived at the touch of a button. In addition, movies and music stored on other media may be loaded to the system and enjoyed at any time, everywhere. The Time Shifting feature is a particularly handy option - it lets users watch from the start shows that are already underway.
Lancaster at a glance:
Lancaster AV 701 analog video encoder featuring an onboard TV tuner and a variety of connector ports
Lancaster DV 701 digital satellite receiver for FTA broadcast stations
Lancaster HD 701 hard disk module for Streaming Media files
Lancaster IF 701 ergonomic handling interface that connects to TV screens
Share stuff from room to room? Done. Share stuff from PVR to computer? Done. Share stuff with anyone else who can play .mpg files? Done. Why should I have to build my own PVR and hassle with interfacing it with Guide software, when SonicBlue's ReplayTV has been able to do these things since the 4000 series? Some people just like to do things the hard way, I suppose...