It seems that there are a bunch of way's to record HD so I'm trying to figure out the simplest way to record cable HD programs (that I subscribe to) and am open to suggestions on which route to go.

My cable STB is a Motorola DCT 6208 (Charter Cable, Minnesota) and it has 2 firewire ports at the back (dont know if they work), 1 set of component video outputs, DVI port, and an optical audio out. I can also use the AVR output's of my Yamaha RX-1700 if this is the best way to go.

Depends on what else you have existing, the quality that you want to record, and how much extra are you willing to spend.

Assuming that you want to record the HD in it's full quality, then the simplest way would be to lease the DVR from the cable company. It will be authorized to record all of the channels that you subscribe to. Of course, it'll cost you about $12/month, but you'd get back the $5/month for the current STB.

Another option assumes that your STB's Firewire ports are active. You can connect a D-VHS recorder (or a Mac/PC to emulate a D-VHS deck) to record programs off of the STB. The problem is that D-VHS has become somewhat of a niche format and no one is making new ones (that I know of). A Mac/PC can be used, but then you'd have to have a computer nearby ... which not everyone wants in a living room.

3rd option would be a HD-DVR. There are (3) popular options: Tivo Series 3, Sony DHG-HDD250/500, LG LST-3410A. All of these will require a CableCard (or two) to record all of your channels. If you just want the local HD channels, then the QAM tuner integral to these units will suffice. The Sony and LG models are discontinued, but you still may be able to find them new or refurb'd. Also, eBay can be a source.

You can also use a Mac/PC with the appropriate tuner and software to do PVR duties. The PC market is more mature, but you can get an off the shelf Mac mini that can integrate nicely in the living room. ATi makes a tuner that accepts CableCard, otherwise you're limited to QAM.

I'm sure there are still more ways to do it, but these options are pretty simple.

ft

ft, Thanks for the info.

I dont want to give the cable company anymore money than what they are receiving from me so that rules out a DVR. I am considering a D-VHS since it seems to be the simplest form of recording but the technology seems to be hibernating into obsolescence and I'm not absolutely sure if firewire works on my STB.

I'm grossly ignorant about the HD-DVR options so please bear with me. Why would they require a CableCard? Couldn't they get the signal from either firewire (if it's functional), or component video output and optical audio output? Can you care to comment more.

The PC might option could also be a possibility, if the others prove to be too troublesome.

Thanks

If the box has an active firewire port....then a DVHS machine will allow for the most flexibility and the most HD recording options. You can record any channel not flagged as copy never...use cheap SVHS tapes ( or DVHS if you prefer). Computers with CapDVHS was limited to non 5C channels and DVR's trap your material onto their HD.

OTA tuner cards don't allow for recording of HD OAR movies from ShowtimeHD ( or anoyother cable HD movie network)...or HDNET movies

Now pair a DVR with a minimally compressed full HD rez cable signal and a DVHS machine.........and you are an HD archiving fanatic :)

Copy full HD rez clips to your computer...put HD clips on a regular blank DVD and copy them to your P3 hard drive...and you are in full geek archiving mode!

If the box has an active firewire port....then a DVHS machine will allow for the most flexibility and the most HD recording options. You can record any channel not flagged as copy never...use cheap SVHS tapes ( or DVHS if you prefer). Computers with CapDVHS was limited to non 5C channels and DVR's trap your material onto their HD.

OTA tuner cards don't allow for recording of HD OAR movies from ShowtimeHD ( or anoyother cable HD movie network)...or HDNET movies

Now pair a DVR with a minimally compressed full HD rez cable signal and a DVHS machine.........and you are an HD archiving fanatic :)

Copy full HD rez clips to your computer...put HD clips on a regular blank DVD and copy them to your P3 hard drive...and you are in full geek archiving mode!

Star56, Thanks for your input.

Is there a way to figure out if the firewire is active?

I read somewhere in this forum that there are MPEG issues with some D-VHS machines; some record and decode and play properly vs. not being able to record some material. Any info on this subject?

What do you mean by CapDVHS and 5C channels (some type of copy protection ?)?

Thanks

I'm grossly ignorant about the HD-DVR options so please bear with me. Why would they require a CableCard? Couldn't they get the signal from either firewire (if it's functional), or component video output and optical audio output?HD-DVR's record directly from their own, internal tuners. The CableCARD is needed to decode the encrypted digital channels (usually only the locals are left unencrypted). The cable coax just goes straight into the RF input on the unit.

By the way, I should mention that only the TiVo and the Sony accept a cable card - the LG doesn't. You're only limited to receiving the unencrypted digital channels (and analogs) with the LG's QAM tuner. The LG will control some outboard cable boxes through an IR blaster, though. The Sony's IR blaster can only control a VCR. All 3 models also have ATSC (over the air) tuners. The Sony and the LG use the free, TV Guide on Screen service for programming recordings (they can be set manually, also), while the TiVo, naturally, uses the TiVo pay service. And all 3 units can only transfer HD or SD material from their hard drives onto a recording device in 480i (SD).

Rammitinski, Thanks for answering that question. I guess that rules that route out.

It would be ideal if there were a system to record right from the component outputs of the cable box and optical sound output without getting into all the complications :(

Actually, the Sony and the TiVo are very easy to use (the TiVo even has multiple tuners - the Sony won't let you watch one thing live while recording another). You just rent the CableCARD(s) instead of the cable box, and everything is done internally in the unit. You don't need the company's cable box - just the card(s). It's basically the same as having their DVR - except you own it, and in the case of the Sony, there is no monthly fees, except possibly for the card, which can range anywhere in price from free to the same monthly price as the box.

But you just can't archive in HD from them.

The Sony DHG-HDD500 comes with a huge, 500 GB HDD, which is nice.

Rammitinski, Thanks for that information on the Sony and TiVo; gives me another route to consider.

I've had HD now for about 2 years and really enjoy it whereas I never liked nor watched SD TV before. I'm just trying to figure out how to record the odd program that I might miss when traveling. It was just a lot easier to use the VCR's of old.

Rammitinski, Thanks for that information on the Sony and TiVo; gives me another route to consider.

I've had HD now for about 2 years and really enjoy it whereas I never liked nor watched SD TV before. I'm just trying to figure out how to record the odd program that I might miss when traveling. It was just a lot easier to use the VCR's of old.


Tape is not dead yet. In fact for shows I want to archive, tape is my go to media most of the time. It is a great hard copy, not to mention that it isn't confined to one DVR that will eventually overwrite it or die first.

Foamfan,
I just wrote a reply into the Houston HD reception forum about my reluctance to sink another chunk of change into a specific piece of hardware instead of leasing. I have paid a fair amount of $$ to Time Warner since 2001 but I have had three different upgrades and replaced machines that acted up in that time. There's no warranty on the leased machine to run out. There are also some ongoing fees associated with the Tivo unless I've lost track.

I suggest you reconsider paying the slightly higher ongoing rate for the DVR from you cableco.

I wish I could lease computers and cell phones and such.


TerryB

This thread has been dormant for a few weeks and I'm glad that you guys are sharing your insight on this whole matter.

I did start another thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=846988 wherein I started messing with the firewire of my STB for HD recording. I'd like to report that it was a great success :) I was able to use D-VHS to record HD programs now with the help of contributors in this second thread mentioned.

While leasing equipment is ideal for me (no initial outlay, maintenance, low fees, blah, blah, blah), the number of HD programs that I get from cable is extremely limited. I know some people wouldn't think twice about spending $140/month but that's not me. I dont really watch SDTV; would rather do upconverted DVD's, HD-DVD or Blueray movies and the occassional HD program of interest.

There is a new project on my mind now and it involves OTA HDTV which I started on this thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=857358
I guess, it's just so hard to leave things as they are. I have the constant need to try things out :) Please feel free to comment on my desire to get a new tuner.

ok, I tried a recording to DVHS JVC HMS5U from SCi ATL 8300HD thru firewire, SD channels live works fine, analog channels do not and HD live does not work at all

I tried DVR recordings HD and Regular and they work decent, the only thing is that they hiccup audio and video quite a bit, any comments? Is this comcast or is this the HMS5U messing up the signal?
Comcast in Northern VA