Installment 00B of The Custom Integrator Show is live. This one wraps up our series on Digital Cable Tuners and CableCARDs. In this installment, we use the Digital Cable Tuner Diagnostic Tool from the Media Center Integrator Alliance (MCIA) (http://www.mediacenterintegrator.com/) as our way of illustrating how all of the pieces we discussed from Installment 007 through Installment 00A come together. We rely on the core knowledge gained from looking at the architecture, the terminology, the Transport Stream (TS), the data flow, and the embedded MMI screens to make sense of the information exposed through the graphical User Interface (UI) this tool provides, which is essential when working with it. We also dive into how it can be is used as a key component of the final system testing and troubleshooting.
Even with this tool, installing and configuring a reliable and predictable experience relies on getting the core components correct. Always check the RF cable plant first. Go in prepared with the provider’s Channel Lineup list and the client’s subscription package options. Check the hardware and software out and burn it in before going on site. Establish a good contact at the provider with whom you can work – and have the phone numbers handy. Understand the lifestyle of your client and their viewing habits beforehand so that you can deliver their ultimate TV experience that no other platform can provide.
I guess you have figured out by now that I really am pushing the MCIA and the benefits of membership. Well, I am. I consider it our path to “the inner circle.” Being involved in working groups with the manufacturers actually delivering the products is invaluable when supporting the types of technologies we are implementing every day. Being able to get industry-level training and certifications is a huge benefit when selling our services against the competition. Having access to white papers and tech tips is just one more avenue in the on-going learning process, especially with Windows 7 looming on the horizon. Getting an extra level of support from other members – priceless.
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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.
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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.
That is some great information. Thanks.
=D-