[Blogs] Home Automation - SageTV

[CT Droid]

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.

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