Hi,

I'm new to this site, so if I've posted this to the wrong forum, please let me know.

I currently have:

• HP's MediaSmart Server where I have all of my family's photos, videos, etc
  
• PC running Windows Vista Ultimate (in office room) - no TV tuner
  
• TimeWarner's HD service + HD DVR (in living room)

My plan is to:

• Run Windows Media Center on the Windows Vista Ultimate PC (in office room) - no TV tuner planned
  
• Build a small Windows Vista Ultimate (or Home Premium) PC that sits in the living room as a Media Center Extender to watch video, photos (from the MediaSmart) and recordings
  
• This MCE would have a TV Tuner, so that I can plug in the TimeWarner's coax cable to it and be able to record SD & HD programs.  My understanding is that the coax in the living room is the only one that carries HD in the house.  Obviously I can change this, but it will require more $$/month which I'd rather not do.
• The reason I'd like to also have the Windows Vista box in the living room is so that I can use it as a PC as well (browse the web, play some games, etc)
  

Does the above setup makes sense?  Is there a better way?

If I do what's above, would I be able to set all the recordings to go to the HP's MediaSmart Server as my storage without having to actually record the program on the MCE (can the MCE do this?) and then manually move it to the MediaSmart?  If so, is it easy to setup?

Thank you!

   Hi,

Any feedback on this?  thanks!

No one?

You may have lost us when you said the coax in the living room has HD.  HD requires a 'device' for lack of better terms to decode HD.  Check into ATI Cablecard tuners or the HDHomerun for getting an HD signal to your MC.  Otherwise your goal is viable, that's what MC is for.

Personally, my living room PC is dedicated to MC, my WHS houses all of my media, and I use my laptop for everyday functionality.  I play games on my Wii and I no longer invest in "gaming" equipment.  You may come to the same conclusion as I did; web browsing and game playing is to awkward on the living room PC.  To sit that far back and tinker with a wireless mouse/keyboard is a bit hokey in my opinion.