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[quin]

I think its finally time to invest in a tivo like device. I've looked at Tivo and didn't see any models that could record an HD Stream and i'm not very fond of paying a monthly fee for the service so I'm turning to the diy approach.

My question is were would be a good place to start?

1.) It has to be able to record HDTV
2.) be placed in an entertainment center and if all possible record two stations at the same time
3.) be a media center(I don't know if this is possible but it probably already is if it records and plays)
4.) I've heard of Myth TV and thats about it...

thanks!!

 

[RedDwarf]

This site's a pretty good source of info: http://www.byopvr.com/

 

[quin]

oohh! thank you!

 

[scissorfight]

As far as I know, with a HTPC as a DVR you'll only be able to record OTA HDTV. Digital cable HDTV is encrypted and can not be recorded in HD resolutions as of now.

I would love to be corrected on this, as I don't want to get an HD Tivo or subscribe to my cable provider's DVR service just so I can record HDTV cable channels in HD resolution.

 

[Phoenix]

http://www.pvrblog.com

is another good source of information.

 

[borghe]

digital cable can't and won't be recorded by PC-based DVRs until they come out with cablecard interfaces to the PC.

 

[quin]

so since I get my hdtv from cable i cannot record it? I don't think its encrypted because i'm not using a comcast box but my ota reciever.... I gave up on ota...

 

[borghe]

well, let me restate that (I am partially incorrect).

if it is encrypted QAM, no computer can receive it. if it is UNENCRYPTED QAM, which all local channels are supposed to be (unencrypted that is), then a computer with a QAM cable tuner (i.e. digital cable) should be able to get the signal.

you can test this by getting a cable tuner for your PC that is QAM capable and try tuning in to one of the HD local channels. however if it is encrypted QAM (like all other cable channels are) then you need either a cable box or cablecard.

 

[quin]

well, let me restate that (I am partially incorrect).

if it is encrypted QAM, no computer can receive it. if it is UNENCRYPTED QAM, which all local channels are supposed to be (unencrypted that is), then a computer with a QAM cable tuner (i.e. digital cable) should be able to get the signal.

you can test this by getting a cable tuner for your PC that is QAM capable and try tuning in to one of the HD local channels. however if it is encrypted QAM (like all other cable channels are) then you need either a cable box or cablecard.

So i should be okay it sounds like! cool beans

 

[borghe]

maybe.. I know not all cable systems send local hd unencrypted, and you still have the trouble of finding a QAM capable TV tuner card for the PC.

 

[quin]

maybe.. I know not all cable systems send local hd unencrypted, and you still have the trouble of finding a QAM capable TV tuner card for the PC.

My set top ota tuner picks up all unencrypted digital stations from comcast. I know this for a fact. so if i can find a QAM pc card i'm guessing that should work also.

and i could use http://www.copperbox.com/lite/popinfo.php?lc_code=MDP-130&PHPSESSID=1e5803f79642d0c09666f135fc9e7380 as the tuner?

 

[Drozmight]

? I have tivo and don't pay a monthly fee.

 

[Phoenix]

Meh. I ran a firewire cable from my motorola Comcast box to my mac and my downloads seem to be fine... and in HD. Takes up trememdous amount of space though.

 

[Miguel]

MythTV
Use KnoppMyth

Get a PCHDTV-3000 http://www.pchdtv.com

 

[borghe]

Meh. I ran a firewire cable from my motorola Comcast box to my mac and my downloads seem to be fine... and in HD. Takes up trememdous amount of space though.

doh. never thought about that. though you then have to program two devices for it to work (cable timer and pc timer).

as for space, shouldn't be anymore than any other HD. my Tivo is about ~8GB per hour.

oh. p.s. you will want AT LEAST a 300GB drive dedicated solely for PVR use (i.e. no OS, apps, or nothing). I have 2x250GB in my tivo and still wish I had more.