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SageTV

Posted by Dan (electron), Jan 29 2010, 10:56 PM

Here's the diagram of my SageTV setup. I'm actually surprised at how much SageTV is doing for me.



My setup is not as advanced compared with some of the other members, but it is pretty rock solid. Some notes:

  • One of the unique features of SageTV is that it can use multiple inputs on a single tuner. Obviously it can't use them simultaneously, but it allows me to watch my CCTV DVR whenever that tuner is not in use. This specific tuner has been assigned the lowest priority, so the analog cable input is rarely in use unless all others are busy.
  • Once SiliconDust releases their CableCARD tuner and adds support for SageTV, I'll probably be getting rid of the set top box.
  • I also use the popup plugin so my home automation can pause playback and display important messages (such as garage door activity).
  • I use the Dynamic Menu plugin allowing me to control some basic aspects of the server (start manual backup process, restart server or service, etc.) using EventGhost. You could also control some aspects of your home automation, but I have other remotes in place for that.
  • Since SageTV also supports Blu-ray playback, I will probably add support for that in the near future, but I'm not in a hurry.
  • The webserver plugin is also installed, allowing me to quickly manage the recordings/favorites and other aspects of SageTV.
  • I have also 2 OTA HD tuners, but since the server is in the basement, I have no reception, so I didnt include them here.
  • The set top box is controlled using an old MCE IR blaster, and is mostly used to record shows from digital cable.
  • I think my favorite feature is the ability to watch anything, from any source, anywhere, then pause the playback, go to another room, and resume the playback.


Backup Strategy

Posted by Dan (electron), Jan 27 2010, 08:27 PM

Started working on documenting the backup process, not everything is on it (for security/privacy reasons), but it does give you a good idea.


Documentation

Posted by Dan (electron), Jan 26 2010, 08:39 PM

I have decided it's time to create some diagrams of my network and processes (backups, audio/video, etc.) since people keep asking me about this. Here's the first one:



I have some other machines that are not on the map, but they aren't in use 24/7. I still have a lot of improvements to make, but this is the current state of my network.


Change is coming ...

Posted by Dan (electron), May 13 2009, 11:35 AM

As some of you are aware, CT2 is still a work in progress, and I am getting close to launching the next phase. Stay tuned!


SageTV & Home Automation

Posted by Dan (electron), Jan 4 2009, 05:49 PM

Someone was kind enough to post a plugin for SageTV which allows you to display CallerID information and custom messages while using the SageTV client/extenders. I decided to give this a try, and I am very happy with the results.

Attached Image


SageInfoPopup Plugin


CocoonTech 2.0: Phase 2

Posted by Dan (electron), Dec 10 2008, 12:44 PM


CocoonTech 2.0
Phase 2


As mentioned in the original CocoonTech 2.0 announcement, the launch is a multi-phase project, and we are ready to launch Phase 2. Phase 2 adds the following new features:
  • Gallery
    Finally an easy way to upload and show off your Showcase photos. This service is only meant to be used for CocoonTech related pictures, do not use this for anything else, including a backup of all your personal pictures. You can configure this feature through your 'Control Panel'. Please keep in mind that this feature will use quite a lot of disk space, so compress your files before uploading. Initially, there will also be some file size limitations, but we bump things up once everything is running smooth. Some key features:
    • Get notified when certain albums get updated (RSS, e-mail)
    • EXIF/IPTC support
  • Blog
    While blogging is sometimes a overhyped word, it does have its usefulness. We are now offering each member 1 blog, and you will be able to select your own 'friendly' URL (i.e., http://www.cocoontech.com/blog/WHATEVERYOUWANT). This is a very useful feature, especially if you would like to document the process of building and wiring your home, or any other projects you might be working on. You can configure this feature through your 'Control Panel'. Some key features:
    • Support trackbacks, pings, RSS feed and comments
    • Predefined content blocks make it easy to add more data to your blog
    • Custom blocks allow you to add your own content
    • Private blogs: create your own hidden blog, which can only accessed by members you have granted access to

    Once we have a few blogs up and running, we will select some of the better blogs to be featured on the CocoonTech.com main page (assuming it is a public blog).
  • Downloads
    Most people have been using our attachment feature to share files with other members in the community. This can make it difficult to find what you are looking for. Our new Downloads feature will allow us to organize all useful files with an easy to use interface. As of right now, there are 2 main categories: "Premise" and "Library". Check out the Downloads section to see what this is all about. We probably need to create more (sub) categories, but we'll do so as we see a need for them. The goal is to use this feature for all permanent and interesting files, and use the forum attachment forum to share a quick screenshot or photo. Some key features:
    • Easy to use interface
    • Support for versioning
    • Screenshot thumbnails
    • Powerful search engine


If you have any questions about how to use these new features, or have any suggestions, please do not hesitate to post them. While these features are now online, they obviously will be fine tuned during the next few weeks, to make sure everyone is happy.

Work on phase 3 will start soon. If you have any suggestions for new features you would like to see, please post those as well, they might be included (if they aren't already planned)!


CocoonTech.com 2008 Product of the Year Awards

Posted by Dan (electron), Dec 8 2008, 12:41 PM


CocoonTech.com Product of the Year nominations


In an attempt to figure out which home theater software product was the most popular this year (2008), CocoonTech would like to invite every member to nominate their choice below. Please only post if your favorite product hasn't been nominated yet, and refrain from adding any kind of comments to your nomination, since this thread wasn't created to gauge popularity. A poll will be created once enough products have been nominated in this thread, where you will be able to cast your vote for your favorite product, and include comments why you voted that way.

There are currently 6 categories:

The main goal is to award this title to the product which is actively used by the membership.

Rules:
  • Don't encourage anyone to sign up just to nominate and vote.
  • Don't post a link to the site on other forums, telling everyone to vote (even if they are already a registered CT member).
  • Don't ask members who aren't interesting in voting to vote a certain way.
  • Don't do anything else that might influence/skew the results.
  • Only 1 vote per member (nominate your most favorite product).


People tend to complain that many of these 'awards' are fake and paid for (a very valid statement). Here's your chance to truly award the company which came up with a great product.

If you are a manufacturer or vendor, please do not nominate or vote.


Welcome

Posted by Dan (electron), Dec 8 2008, 11:18 AM

Blog services are now online!


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