The Custom Integrator Show - All Comments

re: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 023

bill — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:17:13 GMT

interesting - will be waiting for the next edition

re: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 01E

DrFlick — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 01:36:45 GMT

I am sure that was a consideration. In fact, there are several optical-based HDMI extenders on the market. Some are pure fiber and others are a combination of fiber and copper. Opticis even makes an HDMI Matrix Switch for optical cables.

I can think of several reasons why fiber did not go mainstream:

- Cost – Although the cost of HDMI can be exorbitant, most of the fiber-based solution start at several hundred dollars for the electronics and several hundred more just for the cables. This also means a huge additional cost to the manufacturers if they were to build optical ports into their devices, which always is a major problem for any CE manufacturer.

- Power – The sink termination needs power for Hot Plug Detect and EDID transfer. Note that the optical receiver components also need power, so that would increase the current drain. Adding a wall wart to the receiver side would have been very unpopular, although several fibber solutions have them. Using copper in with fiber has some possibilities, but there are distance limitations induced over long distances at the voltage and current levels currently used for those services.

- Reliability – Let’s face it. The average consumer would have fiber cables destroyed in no time if they were the standard way to interconnect. Although they could have been armored somehow, that would have increased the cost and manufacturing requirements.

With that said, I agree that fiber is a great solution for long distances if required. There should be no reason why integrators would not consider using fiber-based HDMI cables if the cost is not prohibitive and they have the ability to run them. There are fewer problems and limitations with fiber compared to using copper-based HDMI extenders. Fiber also provides an excellent solution for digital signage applications.

=D-

re: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 01E

somervda — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:42:37 GMT

Excelent topic. Any thoughts on why HDMI cabels did not use an optical transport? Using copper seems to be problematic as amount of data increases, also would alow a thinner capble to be used (like a Toslink cable)

Thanks

re: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 01C

DrFlick — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:41:26 GMT

Julie just posted something on this at www.cepro.com/.../review_win_7_with_support_for_copy_freely. It is a shame about TWC and BHN. If you have the MCIA DCT Diagnostic Tool, it may give you some more insight into what the machine sees and if it changes things when watching on another set. The black screen should mean that it is tuning in correctly but there is no video content on that channel, so I guess what we have heard about it's kicking in really may not work.

I guess you will be a prime candidate for the SDV configuration available with Windows 7 and 1.19. Please let us know if it works as expected with those.

The issue is not that TiVo supports relaxed DRM, the problem was that the ATI implementation did not work as it was designed.

=D-

re: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 01C

JohnW248 — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:12:21 GMT

Time Warner has just started SDV here and moved about six HD channels to SDV. I have a Cisco Tuning Adapter connected to a Tivo HD running a SA M-card and it will tune the SDV channels. However the JVC set with a SA S-card and the Media Center with dual ATI DCTs each with a SA M-card cannot see those channels even with the Tivo tuned to them. The guide in MC still has the channels listed and goes to a black screen, the JVC now just displays No Program when you input the channel number.

Is there something else that TW is doing with this such as marking it with a different tier or encryption?

Also on the relaxed DRM, the Tivo already supports this, but TW only marks OTA channels as copy freely (so you can copy them with the Tivo desktop unitlity). All the cable channels have a CCI of 0x1 and can only be played on the Tivo. This seems to be implemented on a per channel not a per program basis as far as TW is concerned. I've heard that on Fios and Comcast, the CCI is set differently. But with the relaxed drm on the ATI tuners, it won't make much difference for TW customers.

John

re: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 00D

DrFlick — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:57:09 GMT

It is funny you should mention that. I, in conjunction with the MCIA, have been coming up with not only a list of recommended attributes to consider when purchasing appropriate switches, but which ones have been seen to work well. I believe it is important to understand the characteristics because the products always are changing, but I also know that it makes it easier if you have a few that are known to work well from which to choose.

=D-

re: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 00D

kmp14 — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:34:09 GMT

I posted this question in the forums too, but want to cover my bases! -->

Any recommended switches (16-24 port) that meet all of DrFlicks recommendations?

re: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 00E

vvincent1 — Tue, 19 May 2009 21:35:28 GMT

I've recently taken the step of moving my Media Center and extenders to their own switch, which is then connected to the main switch. That way - all traffic for the Media Center occurs without interaction or mingling of traffic from other PCs. The exception would be if my WHS is performing a backup, or if I'm streaming media from WHS to the Media Center/extender.

Is the Zune software on your Media Center PC or is it on a different PC. If it's on a different PC - and that PC is on the same switch as your Media Center/extenders - that could account for the problem. I'm not a network person, but I've definitely noticed issues all my PCs on on the same switch and I start a process (like a download) that could potentially hog the bandwidth.

re: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 00E

FrankinNoHo — Tue, 19 May 2009 20:33:15 GMT

Some problems. The PC is connected directly to a D-Link router, which also connects to the extender. Everything is fine, until the Zune software starts downloading a video podcast, then I get stuttering in the playback on the extender and the Network Issues message come up.

I could eliminate the problem by shutting down the zune software, but where's the fun in that?

re: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 00E

DrFlick — Tue, 19 May 2009 20:04:55 GMT

While it would be possible, I am not sure it would be worth the effort or that it would achieve anything. If you are running Gigabit out of the PC, that should handle your Extenders for Windows Media Center pretty well (assuming the Ethernet switch is a good one). You would end up having to have two separate subnets (I do not believe there is any third party software for Vista that lets you do load balancing, which would be different anyhow). Are you currently having performance issues? I would be curious what they are and what it takes to eliminate them.

=D-

re: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 00E

FrankinNoHo — Tue, 19 May 2009 19:50:56 GMT

Regarding extenders and networks: Would it be advisable, or even possible, to install a separate NIC on the Media Center PC exclusively to connect extenders.

For instance, the DMA-2100 has a 10/100 ethernet port. Could I install a 10/100 NIC card in the PC (in addition to the 10/100/1000 on the motherboard) and stream directly from the PC to the extender(s) over that line? The PC's on board NIC could go out to the internet, communicate with WHS, etc, and the NIC card would deal exclusively with the extender.

Any thoughts?

re: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 00C

vvincent1 — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:08:25 GMT

Heh - I'm a programmer, but I've had absolutely no time to delve into MCML (the boss wouldn't like it if I did 'personal' stuff at work - and I have two small children at home, which makes other time options scarce). Otherwise, I'd definitely put something together.

Extending the idea, this might be something that the MCIA could get involved in. I could see a repository of plugins developed by the MCIA and made available based on your membership level. These could be those sort of specialized plugins like the Powerpoint one that have applications at the commercial/business level, but not of much use for a home installation.

My personal home goal is a system that integrates Kalidescape-like functionality (an on-demand movie server), with more whole-home functions (energy monitoring, security) and is a part of my home network. I want to be able to fire up a Media Center extender and have access to every function in those areas. It's a tall order, and finding solutions that are both comprehensive and economical is a challenge. Additionally, my goal lately has been to reduce my energy footprint, which is kind of hard when you have at least two always-on systems (my WHS server and My Quad-Core Media Center system). An episode on 'going green' would be very nice.

Again, thanks for this resource. As an enthusiast, it has definitely helped me be more knowledgeable about the things I need to consider as I integrate Media Center into my home.

re: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 00C

DrFlick — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:51:19 GMT

You definitely are on the right track. Even if you do not write an actual application or install add-ins to enhance the experience, personalizing your installations is a great sales tool. On one of the installments a while ago we mentioned taking your “automation programmers” and extending their knowledgebase to include some MCML development. You could create a company-specific pane or menu option that links back to a Windows Media Center compatible hosted page for your company. There you could have information about upcoming classes, specials, service and support offerings, and even parties. Being MCML, it even would render on the Extenders for Windows Media Center. There are a lot of opportunities to think out of the box since you have a direct window from your clients’ homes to you.

Keep those ideas coming! If you ever get that PowerPoint application written, let us know….

=D-

re: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 00C

vvincent1 — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:26:33 GMT

Just finished listening. Another informative episode and, as always, a job well done.

Regarding Addins - perhaps some integrators could take the approach of having an Addin custom developed in-house (or through a contractor) which could then be part of your offering to the customer. Some OEMS (Nievius and S1Digital come to mind) already offer their own addins (or ones they've licensed).

Employ a developer knowledgable in MCML and create the Addins you need. You mentioned the lack of integration between Media Center and Powerpoint for the board room. An addin that wraps the Powerpoint viewer app in a Media Center Addin would accomplish that goal.

Of course, the burden of support is on your staff, but by custom developing your addins - you have the control to manage things like version upgrades as well as ensuring that you have a solution for your customers needs.

Just some thoughts. Thanks again for a great episode.

re: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 00B

DrFlick — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:09:21 GMT

That is some great information. Thanks.

=D-

re: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 00B

vvincent1 — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:37:54 GMT

I wanted to post some info regarding Windows Media Center w/Cable Card and Windows Home Server.. An issue I have encountered deals with WHS Backup and Restore as it interacts with Media Center.

Specifically - if you restore a Media Center to a previous point in time, the protected content recorded after your restore point is no longer accessible (it returns the "Restricted Content must be played on the original computer" message). The earlier the restore point - the greater amount of content that is no longer accessible. Anything recorded prior to the restore point is fine, but anything afterward is lost.

This is a factor for consideration as it makes the use of Windows Home Server problematic as a reliable backup point. If you don't mind losing protected content, then it's fine. But I've had situations where I've lost whole weeks worth of protected stuff (and I'm talking basic stuff like kid shows (Dora, Mickey Mouse, etc) in addition to shows like Battlestar Galactica, Law and Order, etc).

Thought I'd pass it along in case you were unfamiliar with the issue. Thanks again for providing this podcast.

re: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 00A

vvincent1 — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:28:43 GMT

I would like to second the request for an Individual membership. I have been fighting CableCard issues for about two months now. I had sent in my PC to the vendor to have a second CableCard tuner added (had one CableCard tuner already and it worked fine). However, I had nothing but problems when I had the cable people (Comcast - ugh) out to install the cards. My PC vendor (a company known for high-end PCs, including Media Center systems) only attempted to troubleshoot from a PC perspective because their tech support didn't know how to support Cable Card. After four weeks of going back and forth, I sent it back again for a reload - only to have them tell me that they couldn't find anything wrong. I'm bettin that the CableCard Diagnostic Tool from MCIA would have been invaluable in diagnosing and solving the problem.

Sorry for the rant, but one of the biggest issues out there is support. Most (if not all) of the US cable companies don't know how to work with Media Center (the cable guy that came out said that he had *never* seen a Media Center install before - and I live in a city of 100,000+ population). And if PC vendors don't take the time to educate their support staff on how to troubleshoot CableCard issues - then what is the end-user left with? Are we *required* to go through an installer in order to get decent support services? That shouldn't be the case.

If MCIA doesn't do an Individual membership, I may go ahead and pony up the $500 for a Level 1 Membership just so I can get the CableCard diagnostic tool. I've gone through about $500 worth of frustration - I should at least get something out of it.

Again - sorry for the rant. This is a *great* podcast and I have learned a lot about the various variables that go into a whole-home Media Center installation. Great job and I can't wait for the next episode.

re: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 00A

DrFlick — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:52:18 GMT

I assume you mean the videos from EHX last year. Yes, they were great. The sessions were recorded again this year, however, there has been no commitment to make those public yet.

Once again, Todd did an excellent job with the PowerPoint parts of the training. This year we had hands-on labs for the first time, which is where we got most of the “real” information. The labs were not recorded though.

=D-

re: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 00A

DrFlick — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:45:40 GMT

I have passed the request for a potential “entry-level” membership on to the MCIA. Although it does not fit the current business model, we always are looking for better ways to expand the scope of the marketplace and the support for those enthusiasts using Windows Media Center.

=D-

re: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 00A

JBRoyal — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 21:09:06 GMT

Just as a casual user, I learned a lot about Media Center from the Media Center University video presentations we were able to download from last year's CES. Will we be able to see the presentations from this year's show?

re: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 00A

JohnW248 — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 21:33:52 GMT

Dr. Flick,

Would the Media Center Integrator group consider offering a non-commercial membership for users (advanced users hopefully) that do not work commercially? Say an annual rate of $50 and access to programs that would only be for use on one's own system?

John

re: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 005

Curtis — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 20:09:46 GMT

I am loving this show. I am currently looking to break into the Custom Integration business and would love to speak with you personally. I live in Philadelphia area. Hopefully one day we could meet.

I know you are very big on HDMI which has been troublesome in many of my setup. I couldn't begin to suggest Matrix HDMI switch with the experience I personally had with them. I was hoping you could offer some advice on a problem I am having now with HDMI in a setup.

I am having a serious problem with my HDMI from my ATI Radeon 4850 -> Onkyo 606 A/V receiver -> Monoprice 1x2 switch -> Samsung 1080 RP TV and Mits 1000u FP. Every time I cut everything off with my Harmony 890 remote and then switch things back on again I have to jumps through hoops to get back to the PC desktop to come back up whenever I turn things on again. Can someone please offer some suggestions for some consistency in resolving this problem?

Hardware:

HP m8010y Cablecard system

Ahanix MCE701 case

LG Blu-ray/HD-DVD

3 Cable Card

1 HDHomerun

Vista Ultimate 32 bit

Onkyo 606 A/V Receiver

Monoprice 1x2 HDMI splitter

50" Samsung 1080p SlimFit DLP

Mitsubushi HD1000 Front Projector

re: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 004

Dave — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 18:44:16 GMT

I heard you talk about vista's automated audio calibration (at least that is how I understood it) with using 1 mic. How is this accessed, I didn't know this was available.

re: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 004

Ian Dixon — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 21:38:51 GMT

gave it a kick and it should show up soon

re: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 004

ryan conway — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 21:15:29 GMT

for whatever reason the show is not updating in iTunes...

re: The Custom Integrator Show #1 – Welcome

billspeers — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:34:05 GMT

far out

re: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 003 is Live

RayGabe — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 03:30:40 GMT

Installment 003 digs into some of the deeper aspects of delivering HD content from cable cards and over the air sources. While some of this is “baptism by fire”, most is typical of the potential issues currently involved. The assumption here is that while Windows Media Center is very reliable at delivering content from SD cable/satellite and OTA/ATSC tuner sources in addition to serving up “on demand” content for instant viewing and, of course, home video and pics. While the skills required to successfully design and build a WMC PC combine strong experience in PC HW/SW and at least a general familiarity with A/V electronics engineering. Successfully building a WMC PC is NOT for everyone. While someone with good A/V skills can successfully install Home Theaters, it’s usually wise to purchase the WMC component – at least initially. It will be difficult or impossible to avoid the desire and requirement for HD content, however. Selection of an off the shelf (or customized) WMC PC does require a good understanding of product offerings and the customer’s expectations. Integration and automation obviously require a fairly strong understanding of the fundamentals to be successful. This installment is worth hearing twice. Nice work, Derek. Looking forward to # 004. Thanks!

re: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 003 is Live

DrFlick — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 17:43:26 GMT

I wanted to make a post to clarify something that I said about three quarters of the way through Installment 003 (yes, I actually listen to them myself to see how it went). It was regarding TV tuners and using USB tuners versus PCIe-based tuners. I made an off-the-wall statement that inferred using USB-based tuners would see congestion because of bandwidth limitations of USB. What was I thinking?!??

First of all, the CableCARD Digital Cable Tuners currently are all USB-based, so obviously USB can handle that. Also, if you do some simple “worst case” math, four streams at even 25 Mb/s is not going to eat up the 400+ Mb/s of USB 2.0.

What I was thinking in my mind was an installation we saw recently where they used four USB-based ATSC TV tuners mounted on the wall at the DEMARC connected together via a USB hub to a port on the Windows Media Center PC. They ran Windows Media Center TV Pack 2008 to enable the four tuners their homemade box. They were having problems with pixelations and stuttering in addition to taking too long to switch channels. It turns out they had used some fairly inexpensive tuners. The biggest problem was that their signal levels too low, which was obvious when running the WMC signal strength wizard. It appears the tuners were not as “efficient” as those used for similar internal PCIe cards because replacing the external USB ones with internal PCIe tuners cleared up the problems. I guess my mouth was engaged before my brain when I was trying to describe something to look out for when evaluating tuner types. One of the drawbacks to a “live” show.

Anyhow, the point I was trying to make is that you need to look at every component in the chain and optimize each piece for the application. When looking at tuners, try to go with the best and highest bandwidth ones you can. We have seen other issues with some of the USB-based tuners. Not that they are not good, but they usually sacrifice quality, sensitivity, and bandwidth for size and convenience. If you have a choice, the internal PCIe tuners usually are of a better quality and will give you better results in the end. Sorry for the confusion.

=D-

re: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 003 is Live

DrFlick — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 14:50:20 GMT

Ray,

Thanks for the input. You are right, we are trying to take the 10,000 foot level right now and the diagram is digging in pretty deep. In trying to break out all of the components involved with the entire ecosystem “package” and come up with a way to discuss the individual technologies in a logical way, I ended up devising an architecture that “modularized” the pieces into something manageable and came up with what you see. I think we are on the same page if we look at just the generalized “three tier architecture” compartments, much like you would with any IT-oriented project. That is where we are now in our discussions.

At some point, however, one still needs to understand all of the factors involved. What I was trying to convey to Larry is that it is tough to get from A to Z in a few half-hour talk sessions, but I wanted him to see what is over the horizon. We are not at the point of evaluating and designing a solution for the various source options like his high-def cable setup yet, but I think we at least have a path and plan for getting into it now. As you know, implementing and testing all of the minutia involved with delivering a solid solution takes years of hands-on experience. Trying to convey that experience requires a methodology of starting at the top and peeling away the layers as you move down the stack. With what I put out there, I exposed the stack already. I still think it will provide a useful model for conveying where we are going over time though.

My thought is that I will use the blog space for defining all of the terms associated with the individual compartments and components on the diagram. Once we are all have a common understanding of the terms and what the technologies are, then we can start to look at how to evaluate the options when addressing each one of them. We then can start wrapping “the glue logic” around them as a way to delivering a solution. I think using the diagram and written text will be a good complement to discussing how to work with the pieces via the podcast and will save a lot of “hot air” trying to explain all of them verbally. I do have another one that starts to detail the glue logic and technologies that it takes to integrate the components on this diagram, but I will save that one for a later time…..

=D-

re: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 003 is Live

ray.casey@arestar.com — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 05:34:06 GMT

Like a moth to the flame... derek be mindful of complex cuz like ego it will kill. I know this series is suppose to be more remedial to align those out of the know into the known. However the graphic appear to screem out COMPLEXITY, so much so that you even call that out. My comment is simply this. Most of what you are introducing to us is METHODOLOGY based - aka best practices for "getting it down". To aviod complexity and to temper your content for you audience I would think that the methodology would be less waterfall/heavey process and more agile and iterative based. Meaning Iteration 1. Get a PC footprint in the account and use it to collect digital assets/backup PC's (bridging of media and IT support), Iteration 2. Integrate it into A/C cable, Iteration 3. Extend the ecosystem to distribute media, Iteration 4. Maybe some automatio, Iteration ....

Anyway... u r the expert I just wanted to call you out re your own guiding principles and goals. I am sure you will cover all these things and that you want to get your refernce out there, I just think that to be succesful with the "cable guys" we need to spoon feed them the content in little doses and aviod complexity out of the gate. It is 12:20 AM, I am a fat finger typist and do not really give a hoot about grammar/spelln as I am more focused on the message and content. So my message is reduce complexity, talk about small, measurable (agile) byte :) sized bits of information... Oh and if that is what you are doing, then simply look at this post as an affirmation that I get what you are trying to accomplish...

re: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 002

RayGabe — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 03:21:18 GMT

This episode lays the fundamental ground work to properly understanding the client’s vision, setting the expectations, and designing a solution that is a “right fit” for all users in the home, office, or wherever a Windows Media Center may find itself. These essential concepts are often overlooked and are explored here in terms of analyzing the process one must follow to avoid disappointing results. While there’s deliberately little discussion on technology, this episode emphasizes the importance and describes proper system design goals. While this methodology requires patience and discipline, the result is worth it. Thanks Derek!

re: The Custom Integrator Show #1 – Welcome

Paul Matthews — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 23:13:33 GMT

I really enjoyed the show and I too am looking forward to the next pod cast. Keep up the good work.

Paul

re: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 002

cw-kid — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 09:15:38 GMT

Another good show, I'm really looking forward to this series as it's aimed at people like me who are moving in to the custom installer industry for the first time. The information is helpful and gets you thinking about things you might not have thought about otherwise.

I hope the series goes in to much more depth about the products and solutions and methods custom installers are using in conjuction with Media Center and it really helps enthusiasts bridge that cap towards custom installer.

Thanks

re: The Custom Integrator Show #1 – Welcome

cw-kid — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 08:20:13 GMT

Great show really looking forward to the rest of this series!

Thanks

re: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 002

IR1SH SN1PER — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 20:40:02 GMT

I have a small company in Ireland, we install and maintain business telephone systems and structured cabling (cat5e, etc).

I've been thinking of branching into this area for a long time, so this new podcast is just what I needed.

Thank you for taking the time to share this information and experience with us.

re: A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ME

DrFlick — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 05:45:28 GMT

Larry,

Thank you for your comment. I have not been ignoring your request. The answer is a long one, especially since you provided no information on your Windows Media Center PC and ecosystem. As you know, your options are a lot different if you built your own versus purchasing one of the ones that is certified for running CableCARDs. It also depends upon what tuner types you have and where the equipment is located. It definitely is an area we have on our agenda to discuss in the near future and I will be sure to let you know when we are ready to go live with it.

=D-

re: A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ME

Larry Greenblatt — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 17:29:27 GMT

Yo Dr Flick,

I just got digital Comcast and now need to integrate this with my MS Media Center. What are the options?

re: The Custom Integrator Show #1 – Welcome

RayGabe — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 15:44:17 GMT

Well Done! Great approach. Learned some important things about building a successful business around MC solutions.

While the nutz and bolts of whole-house solutions are what’s most interesting, laying the ground work and having some perspective is critical. This is almost always overlooked.

There is no doubt that Derek can go really deep in this topic as he's not only done the high-end design and installation, but also very active in the community with all the right connections. Stay Tuned...

re: The Custom Integrator Show #1 – Welcome

IR1SH SN1PER — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 14:45:30 GMT

This is going to be a great podcast. Looking forward to the next one.

re: A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ME

Steve Plotkin — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 14:39:19 GMT

I can't wait to see Dr Flick in lower earth orbit!

Good wishes on your unselfish sharing and creative blog.