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Please review our list of most Frequently Asked
Questions regarding SageTV software. If you can't find an answer
to your question here, feel free to contact
us
or if you have any questions you feel we should address,
please send them to
sagetvfaq@sagetv.com.
What is SageTV?
SageTV is a computer software application for your PC that interacts with a
TV tuner card allowing you to record television programming to your PC.
With SageTV you can pause live TV, rewind and fast forward, and
conveniently record your shows for playback on your monitor or TV.
SageTV is also a service that provides an
Integrated Programming Guide
listing all upcoming programs for the next 14 days based on your
cable or satellite provider. This service also provides Favorites
Manager,
One-Touch Recording, and
Intelligent Recording and Scheduling
(a SageTV exclusive), which records programs based on your prior viewing
habits. SageTV also supports the playback of any video and music files
stored on your PC along with DVD playback support.
What is the SageTVClient?
The SageTVClient is a stripped down version of SageTV that allows you to view Live and recorded Video and Music
anywhere on your network. You'll have access to the EPG, your Favorites, Search and your Library on any PC where
the SageTVClient is installed. Add a remote control and connect your PC to your TV and you've got the same PVR
functionality on any TV in your house!
What is the SageTVRecorder?
SageTV Recorder is a computer software application for your PC that interacts with a TV tuner card allowing
you to record television programming on your PC. With SageTV Recorder you can Pause Live TV, rewind and fast
forward, and record your favorite shows for viewing on your monitor or TV.
What is the difference between SageTV and SageTVRecorder?
SageTV and SageTVRecorder are two completely different programs but share the
same underlying technology. However they do not rely on each other to run. They were both designed as
timeshifting PVR applications
for the PC. SageTVRecorder only gives you time-based recording options with no Integrated Programming Guide.
SageTV gives you a fully Integrated Programming Guide and a full-screen interface. Providing you with Programming
Guide data gives you Intelligent Record ing and Scheduling, Favorites Recording, Search Functionality and Parental
Controls.
How does SageTV enhance my TV viewing experience?
SageTV gives you complete control of your television viewing experience. Phone rings, just pause what you are watching until you are done. Don't worry SageTV will continue to record your current show. Then when you resume viewing, you can now instantly skip forward through commercials for more efficient viewing. SageTV also learns your interests and automatically records other shows of interest for later viewing. No need to go searching for what you want to watch on TV, SageTV will record it for you automatically.
How is SageTV different from my VCR?
The SageTV Service provides you with your local television listings directly through the Internet. Now you can just select shows to record from the guide without trying to program what time to start/stop and set the channel appropriately. SageTV takes care of all that for you, including changing the channel on your Cable Box or Satellite Receiver if necessary. In addition, you can begin watching a show from the beginning while it's recording, something your VCR can't support. You can also pause it during playback and it will continue to record.
How is SageTV different from a TiVo or ReplayTV?
TiVo and ReplayTV are dedicated digital video recorders offering some of the same functionality as SageTV. However these systems are not scalable and don't allow you to upgrade when you want more functionality. Since SageTV works on your current PC, you can add multiple tuners, more storage space, use your PC for music and DVD playback, stream video across a home network and surf the internet. The best part is you can pick and choose what applications best fit your needs and upgrade when necessary.
Are SageTV products available as shareware?
Yes, trial versions of SageTV, SageTVClient and SageTVRecorder are available
here. You will have full use of the
application for 15 days and then you must purchase the full version for continued use. (With the release of version 1.4, the trial period has been reset so previous trial users can use the software again risk free for 15 days.)
Can I watch recorded programs on my TV or does it have to be on my PC monitor?
You can watch TV on both your PC monitor and your TV with an appropriate video card
that has "TV out"; capabilities. SageTV has a full-screen interface allowing
you to use the application while sitting on your couch. You can also use the
TV-out feature of your WinTV-PVR-350 for video only (OSD support will come in a
later version).
Is SageTV available for use outside of the United States?
SageTV software can be used anywhere around the world with compatible hardware. We fully support both NTSC and PAL video formats.
Does SageTV support all television viewing markets in the U.S.?
Yes, the SageTV Service provides TV programming data for every U.S. channel lineup.
How do I get programming data outside of the U.S.?
You can use the third-party EPG plugin discussed in our
Configuration
section. More information on using the XMLTV plugin is available under the
SageTV Service group in our
Discussion Forums.
What system requirements do I need for my PC to run SageTV software?
SageTV runs on any Windows 98 or later PC that has a compatible TV tuner card.
SageTV recommends at least 256Mb of RAM and at least a 20Gb hard drive. For a complete list,
see System Requirements.
Is there a remote control for SageTV products?
Yes, SageTV functions with the remote control provided with the TV Tuner/
MPEG-2 Encoding Card.
SageTV also supports third party
IR receivers such as the
IRMan and the USB-UIRT.
Devices like the IRMan allow you to use any infrared remote control to send
commands to your PC. SageTV also has fully integrated remote learning capabilities
from within the application.
SageTV Recorder works with the remote control provided with the Hauppauge WinTV-PVR-250, PVR-350 and PVR-usb2.
SageTV Recorder can also be configured to work with Girder.
Does SageTV support the use of Girder?
Yes, SageTV fully supports the use of Girder to control the SageTV application. SageTV also supports the use of Girder's event plug-in to control an external set-top box or IR receiver. A plugin for control of SageTV is available here.
Can SageTV software control my cable or satellite set-top box receiver?
Yes, SageTV and SageTVRecorder can utilize an IR transmit device to control an external
set-top device. Currently the Actisys IR-200L and
USB-UIRT are supported and can be purchased from SageTV. SageTV also
supports the use of a serial cable for some satellite boxes. Any other devices that utilize the IR tuner interface from
SourceForge.net will also be supported.
Can I record two channels at the same time with SageTV?
Yes, and you will need one tuner/capture card for every channel recording at the same time. You can also record multiple
channels by using multiple tuner cards across multiple PCs on a network. More information on network encoding is available
in our Configuration section of the site.
SageTVRecorder requires you utilize more than one tuner card as well. Each tuner card requires one instance of SageTVRecorder
associated with that card.
Can I watch one program while recording another with SageTV?
You can watch pre-recorded content while recording a program 'live' on a different channel.
Can I watch one program while recording another with SageTVRecorder?
No, within SageTV Recorder you can only watch what is currently being recorded or previously recorded content.
Does SageTV software work with any TV tuner card?
SageTV and SageTVRecorder support a handful of Hardware-based MPEG-2 encoding cards listed on our Systems Requirements page.
Other TV tuner cards may work with SageTV, but are not supported in Version 1.0.
Other TV tuner and capture cards may work with SageTV Recorder but will not be supported with version 1.4.
Do SageTV products support the WinTV-PVR-pci card (model 880) from Hauppauge?
No, the WinTV-PVR-pci card uses a different Codec than the PVR-250 and PVR-350 cards and is not supported through SageTV.
Can SageTV playback video files I already have stored on my PC?
Yes, SageTV supports playback of any Media files, including MP3 format, you already have stored
on your PC. They will appear within the " Library" section of the application for easy access.
SageTV Recorder also supports playback of any media file (including Music files) you already have stored on your PC.
Is the
Integrated Programming Guide data stored on my PC and integrated into SageTV?
The program guide data is integrated and an Internet connection is required using a standard TCP/IP connection.
SageTV connects to the SageTV Guide server daily to download and update the programming listings for the next 14 days.
Does SageTV offer Parental Controls?
Yes, SageTV has an extensive Parental Controls menu for your specific needs.
Does SageTV maintain a buffer while watching live TV?
Yes, SageTV is always recording the video you're watching. You're free at any time to pause, instant replay, or walk away and let the recording continue.
Does SageTV collect any information about my viewing habits through the SageTV Service?
SageTV, LLC respects your privacy and does not collect any personally identifiable information about your viewing
habits without your prior consent. SageTV does collect information about your system configuration and system use pertaining
to SageTV to help improve our services and support. For more information see our Privacy Policy.
What is the upgrade policy for all SageTV applications?
We reserve the right to charge for future upgrades but most minor upgrades will be available at no charge.
Are SageTV products available for professional use?
All Sage software products sold in our online store can only be used for "personal use" on a "home personal computer".
If you need a professional use license of any of the Sage software applications, please contact us at
orders@sagetv.com for more information.
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