Initial Considerations

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Configuration options

One of the first considerations is what type of setup you want. The ARGUS TV system is extremely flexible. So the setup you want should be possible whether you're after a simple HTPC under the telly, or a server in the closet and client machines in every room.

The options are as follows:

Single Seat

This is the most basic type of setup and has all ARGUS TV components as well as the client software, installed on the same computer. this is most commonly used where there is only one TV in the house, or when people start out on their HTPC "adventure".

This type of setup can easily be used as the Server in a Server Client System.

Server Client

Due to the modular nature of ARGUS TV, it is possible to split ARGUS TV across multiple machines. Generally speaking, machine types are Server, Recorder, and Client. This system allows you to have one computer that contains your tuners, does all your recordings, and provides live content to separate client machines.

It is also possible to have more than one Recorder machine which your server controls. This can be useful if you want more tuner cards than your server machine can hold.

ICN EDIT GREEN.PNG Example: In this authors case, the Server is located in a cupboard, there are client only machines in the lounge and bedroom, and a laptop computer which is sometimes used. The server contains three TV tuners and manages all time shifting and recordings, as well as other content.


Signal type

Signal type is an important factor for your initial decision making. You need to know what is available to you so you can decide what tuner card/s you need and what software you need to install. You can receive more than one type of service provided you have the TV tuners and receiving equipment (antenna/dish etc) to do so.

The major signal types are as follows:

  • DVB-S & DVB-S2 commonly called "Satellite" is a digital signal, and received via a satellite dish.
  • DVB-T & DVB-T2 commonly called "Terrestrial" is a digital signal, and received via an antenna.
  • ATSC is the major distribution type for North America and is received via antenna, cable, and satellite.
  • Analog is it is being phased out around the world, and as a result, is becoming less common. It is typically received via an antenna.


ICN INFO.PNG Important
ARGUS TV is only software, it can't do miracles. If you wish to receive a signal type, you must have adequate hardware and wiring for that signal type.


ICN INFO.PNG Important
If you wish to receive an analog signal, you must use MediaPortal TV Server to do so.


EPG Source

The Electronic Program Guide (EPG) is an important part of ARGUS TV, it provides program information and allows you to select shows to watch and/or record. Without EPG data, ARGUS TV will be severely crippled and almost useless.

EPG data usually comes from either the broadcast stream (Over the air) or the Internet. You need to decide how you will acquire your EPG data before, or very soon after, you begin. For more information on EPG Sources, see ICN WIKI INLINE.PNG EPG Grabbers

Hardware

The final consideration is what hardware you will use. ARGUS TV Recorder and ARGUS TV Scheduler have very modest hardware requirements. However, depending on the service you receive, the client machine/s for playing back the content may need to be significantly more powerful.

See the ICN WIKI INLINE.PNG Hardware Requirements page for more information

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