[Herdfan]

OK, I have finally hit the limit of wires I can fit into my conduit, so this fall my new project is to build a real rack area in the basement. I will then be able to run as much wire to the rack as I would ever want or need.

Here is my dilemma: Do I want to put a couple of receivers (HR21P's) in the rack and use my component distribution system to distribute, or wait on MRV?

If I had MRV, I would not need to put a couple of receivers in the rack, I would be able to ebay my component matrix switch and each TV could have its own DVR hook up via HDMI. If MRV will make an appearance before Santa, then I will skip adding receivers to the rack.

But if MRV won't be available any time soon, I will need to put a couple of receivers in the rack and use component.

Anyone have any suggestions/thoughts?

 

[harsh]

I would recommend planning on not having MRV and using HR22s instead of HR21Ps. If you aren't going to avail yourself of the HR21P's optical HDMI, then it is largely a waste outside of the extra cooling fan.

 

[Herdfan]

If you aren't going to avail yourself of the HR21P's optical HDMI, then it is largely a waste outside of the extra cooling fan.

I want the IR in, otherwise a regular HR2x with external storage would work fine. These boxes don't really like IR flashers.

 

[rudeney]

I want the IR in, otherwise a regular HR2x with external storage would work fine. These boxes don't really like IR flashers.

I have "IR flashers" on two of my HR20's and they are fine. The trick is to either obscure the HR2x's sensor with solid tape and a pinhole or place the IR emitter several inches away from the sensor.

But back to the real question, if you really want MRV before Christmas, I'd plan on doing it using the distribution system. I am certainly hoping that MRV is right around the corner, and we know D* is working on it, but if it's something you really want and you have another way to do it "today", I'd go that route.

 

[Doug Brott]

I'd recommend going with whatever works best for you

 

[Hotscot]

I've been thinking of this as well. Still in the early stages.

One tentative plan is to keep two HR21's in my home office at the end of the house and then distribute the HDMI signals via RG6 all around the house. I've got two runs of RG6 going toevery room.
I would probably need some sort of HDMI switcher to send the output to the applicable receiver/HDTV in whichever room I'm viewing. I'd also need to think about how to control the HR21 from a distance. RF remote I guess.
However before I find the time, or energy, to get around to that I'm hoping Wireless HDMI will be here.

Other option is Wireless HDMI

 

[rudeney]

I'd recommend going with whatever works best for you

So, Ehternet-based MRV works best for me, and that's what I'm going with! Can I have it now please?

 

[inkahauts]

It sounds like you are able to set up your system so that you can do either, so why not do that? Run all the wires you need to to have all your tvs with one box hooked up via hdmi... You will need HDMI hookup if any channels start using encryption and for 1080p movies... however, it can't hurt to have a component distribution system either... maybe their is some other unit out there that one day you'll want to hook up to that, like say a box that streams HD content from Netflix, or something like that? I'm just saying, if you can cover all the bases... do so...

 

[cartrivision]

I've been thinking of this as well. Still in the early stages.

One tentative plan is to keep two HR21's in my home office at the end of the house and then distribute the HDMI signals via RG6 all around the house. I've got two runs of RG6 going toevery room.
I would probably need some sort of HDMI switcher to send the output to the applicable receiver/HDTV in whichever room I'm viewing. I'd also need to think about how to control the HR21 from a distance. RF remote I guess.
However before I find the time, or energy, to get around to that I'm hoping Wireless HDMI will be here.

Other option is Wireless HDMI

How do you distribute HDMI over RG6? Is there some sort of converter available?

 

[Grentz]

Note that with the HR2x (non-P) you can use a USB->Serial adapter to get a serial control if that would help you at all.

Does not help if you want to use a stereo plug type IR, but thought I would mention it

 

[bwaldron]

These boxes don't really like IR flashers.

I guess it depends upon your environment, but I've had no such problems with my HR2x DVRs. I have Slingboxes connected to two of them and haven't had any problems with commanding them via the flashers. But, sure, wired is preferable.

 

[dennisj00]

Reading between the lines (posts), I don't see MRV coming in the next 6-12 months.

If it does sooner than that, count me pleasantly surprised.

 

[inkahauts]

Oh, I think that they will be testing MRV in the next 3 months or so at the latest... but going mainstream and advertised... at a minimum it will be 3 months...

 

[Starchy77]

So, Ehternet-based MRV works best for me, and that's what I'm going with! Can I have it now please?

+1

Mine is all set up this way as well, lets see it!

 

[MikeW]

This page seems to have been forgotten...

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=109695&page=3&highlight=halloween

 

[Herdfan]

I'd recommend going with whatever works best for you

Well, that would be MRV. I do prefer to have a DVR at each main viewing location and the ability to move shows would enhance that

The component system will be there no matter what for the DVD changer and the wife/daughter's HR10 which has some things they wants to keep.

Thanks for the input.

 

[perilous]

Well, that would be MRV. I do prefer to have a DVR at each main viewing location and the ability to move shows would enhance that

The component system will be there no matter what for the DVD changer and the wife/daughter's HR10 which has some things they wants to keep.

Thanks for the input.

Can you explain the "component system"? I have all rooms wired with Cat5 and RG6. Plus I have a Niles ICS system wired throughout the house. It is "rumored" that Niles will add HD video distribution at some point, but in the meanwhile is there any way to use my Cat5/RG6 setup to either distribute a D*TV/HD/DVR signal from a rack and/or send the Sat signals to local D*TV boxes???

I currently am distributing 3 D*TV Tivo SD signals from a rack through a modulator and the signals are watched on 3 channels (117, 123, 125) on local SD tv's. I then use IR cones/repeaters to control the boxes via remotes....would love to do this with HD signals and upgrade to flatscreen HD tv's in bedrooms, etc.....

Thanks!!!