The SA MCE Community

Hi there

I recently got myself an Xbox 360, and I'm planning to use it as an extender. My current setup:

1. LG 42" Plasma (with HD)
2. XBox 360 (connected to TV's Component 1 & Amplifier)
3. DSTV 990 Decoder (TV's Coax in & audio connected to amplifier)
4. Desktop running Windows Media Center 2005 (currently WinXP SP2, but going to reinstall)
5. Yamaha RX450 Amplifier
6. Yamaha DVD player (connected to TV's AV in & audio to amplifier via optical cable)
7. Xbox 360 to Router to PC connection (at this stage: connected via Windows Media Connect / WMP 11)

I guess that 5-7 doesn't matter, I'm only mentioning it for completeness' sake.

The whole DSTV SmartCard marriage thing made me decide to skip the DSTV PVR (no backup/transfer functionality, limited space etc). The MS solution seems much more viable and this website helped fuel the decision. I've done some research, and most of this is new to me. As far as I can make out, this is what I'll need to be able to use Media Center, control DSTV from the PC (via the Xbox's network link), record/pause live TV etc.

1. Windows Media Center 2005
2. Hauppauge WinTV-PVR 150 MCE Card in abovementioned box
3. Coax splitter (plugged into DSTV decoder)
 - one goes to PC
 - other to TV
4. XBox 360 Universal Remote (not really necessary, seeing that I can use the XBox controllers to manage Media Center)
5. Lots of HDD space (320gb to start with)

Some questions (pardon my ignorance):
1) Does the Coax cable carry audio data or do I need to add some RCA cables or something else to the mix
2) Will my DSTV remote become redundant?
3) Would you rather recommend another setup?
4) If I want to record and play HDTV, I suppose I'll need to add an HDTV compatible TV tuner?

Many thanks
knersis

(Edit: fixed formatting)

Hi,

Basically what you plan do do would work 100%.  I would get the XBox 360 Universal Remote.  It is way better than using the Xbox controllers.

To answer your questions:

1) No, you would output the video from the DSTV decoder to the Hauppauge with one cable and the audio with another.

2) Yes, pretty much.  You may as well pack it away.

3) No.  I would go with your one.  Just be careful that watching TV doesn't take up too much XBOX time!  :)

4) Yes, I would imagine so!

Good luck with everything.  If you need help, just shout!

Cheers

Chris

Cool!

Many thanks for the help.

I doubt that my xbox gaming time will decrease, busy with Gears of War on hardcore difficulty, getting into Pro Evo Soccer 6, Dead Rising, Call of Duty 3... still loads of achievements I need to unlock. :)

However, Super 14's starting soon and I want the rig to be ready when it does. Will use the S14 as a test run, hopefully everything will be in place for RWC2007.

Regards

knersis

No problem!  Hope you come right?

Whats your gamertag?

I'm still waiting for the TV Tuner to be delivered :/ 

Will keep you posted on my progress. Should be done by next week Tuesday.

Gamertag: knersis

Hi Chris

I did the setup last Saturday morning - didn't encounter any problems. I still need to add a remote blaster to the mix. Which type would you recommend? I assume that I'll be able to change DSTV channels (via MCE) then? Until I add the blaster, I'll have to rely on the "Autotune" feature of DSTV :/

Otherwise, very happy. The coax cables I'm using arent the best, but the picture quality is pretty good and I'll probably keep using them for a while.

Thanks for your help, I appreciate it

-knersis

No problem!  Glad you got it working.

I would use the blaster that comes with the official MCE remote.  It is the best blaster that I have seen.  Works fine for a lot of people I know.

Cheers bro!