Windows Media Center and FTA Satellite

C

califboy999

I'm in the process of building an HTPC for the living room. I think having it be supplemented with FTA as well as OTA signals would be interesting, and Windows Media Center is the only program I know of that can scan for satellite transponders and receive updates etc. I know how to merge Windows Media Center EPG listings onto Kodi (XBMC) and from my understanding, Windows Media Center merges every channel from each tuner onto a single guide, which makes everything so much easier.

I have a few questions however, Can Windows Media Center automatically tell the dish motor to turn to another satellite while flipping through channels? Is there something I'm missing?

My grandparents once had a C band receiver that would pick up all sorts of channels including the locals (that they couldn't Over the Air get because of their geographic location) and it had a giant EPG of channels. My grandpa would select the channel the dish would take about a minute or so to locate the satellite and begin receiving the signal. It seemed pretty awesome. Their dish is still there, but they use paid Satellite now because they didn't feel C band was reliable.

I'm open to experiment on Galaxy 19 97W on a Ku dish, because they are cheaper to pick up in kits. I know all of the USB DVB S2 tuners that work with WMC, and eventually I want to get a C band dish and another tuner so I can again merge it into my Windows Media Center/Kodi HTPC.

If I can get all this working, it'll be pretty cool being able to get all sorts of weird channels and feeds in addition to my Over the air channels all on one set top PC.
 
Welcome to Legit!
I do not know if anybody is using Windows Media Center to control their satellite equipment. I would suggest getting a fta reciever and connecting it to your dish first.
 
The receiver in that kit is a bit outdated, but it is an excellent starter kit. Just be careful when trying to edit any satellites or channels with that receiver and you will be OK!
 
You might experiment with Smartdvb and load it to your pc and see the motor options available. Then see if it's compliant with Windows Media Player. Smartdvb works with an internal card or usb tuner. There are other programs out there that might also play with Media Player. Progdvb, Dreamdvb, etc.
 
I have found the tuner I wanted - its of the TBS variety. Now if I understand correctly, I can simply connect the motor the lnb, then the cable will then be connected to my receiver? I know how to align the dish and motor but is that seriously all I need?
 
Which tuner are you talking about or thinking about? TBS has several...

Forget the motor. Align the dish and get some satellite signals first. Then add the motor. This is my suggestion because setting up a motor for the first time can be very challenging. Get the system working on a single satellite first, and then add the motor.
 
TBS 5922SE - Does the motor need a positioner or switch? Or does the receiver control that? I will be pointing my Ku dish at 97 W Galaxy 19 and other various satellites.
 
Your new receiver already has a tuner, and it will not support the TBS tuner. The TBS tuner will work on a windows computer, but you would be purchasing it in addition to the fta receiver that is already included in your package system.

A Ku motor contains everything needed to support it, so no switch or positioner is needed to operate it.
 
El Bandido said the receiver is a bit dated... I read good things about it so far. I want to end up with pvr and ability to support c band maybe down the road. What other receiver should I consider?
 
I was hoping around $100 but I could go higher if it really was a marked improvement. Not over $200 though since I still need to get a dish and lnb.
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VU-Plus-Zer...113?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f493b0fe9

The receiver in the link will give you the best picture quality of any receiver that I know about in your price range. The main drawback to it is no blindscan or blind search. It has excellent pvr capability, and it has excellent internet tv capability. The Zero is a linux based-open source receiver. To enjoy ALL of the options and features, you will need a decent internet connection, plus a basic knowledge of computer networking. The Zero is capable of being expanded to work on terrestrial U.S. tv channels, and you would have pvr capability with terrestrial channels. IMO, these linux or Enigma2 types of receivers give the maximum performance for the money, but you need to understand what you are getting into when purchasing one of these receivers.

Closed Source Receivers like the Geosat MicroHD are designed for the beginner or for the person that wants a very simple to use fta receiver. The MiroHD does not have any kind of an Internet connection, and it can be easily corrupted when editing channels or satellites. Once corrupted, the receiver may need to be returned to the vendor for repair. The MicroHD is several years old, has very limited features, but does allow you to watch tv.

You may want to start a thread explaining what you are looking for or what you are trying to get out of fta. There are several here who use fta receivers that were purchased for 100 dollars or less.
 
I have a tivo roamio ota on the way so sounds like I should start with the micro hd as a beginner. The linux based receivers look amazing though, maybe down the road :)
 
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