I'd go with the MyHD (the MDP-130 works great for me). Then download HDTV2MPEG2 and you can strip out the streams from a recording that you don't want, also set it up for 4450MB file-size chunks. These files can then be burnt to a dvd as a file, which can be played back with the MyHD, in HD without losing resolution or having to convert to DVD-Video specs.
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Help me select a QAM tuner card
I'm trying to build my first HTPC. At present, my signal source is cable, so I need a tuner that handles QAM. The Fusion3 and MyHD130 seem to be the top choices at present. Here's what I think I know about them:
The Fusion card works with MCE, the MyHD does not. The Fusion card comes with an extensive software package, including MPEG conversion and DVD Burning software. The MyHD (I think) does not. Some excellent open source programs may fill the gap between them.
Either card can be driven from a TitanTV listing. (I prefer this over MCE mostly because I have a VERY strong aversion to giving money to Microsoft.) How functional is the TitanTV setup? Can I schedule my recordings in advance?
The Fusion card may have some limitations in its ability to handle QAM. Software updates from the vendor may eventually correct this. MyHD appears to be solid in its QAM support.
The MyHD card records the entire stream from a given channel. This may include subchannels on OTA, or multiple channels on cable QAM. The only real drawback to this is that recordings may use more disk space than necessary. I don't know how the Fusion card handles multi-subchannel streams.
The MyHD card includes S/PDIF for output of Dolby Digital and DTS. The MyHD card has inputs for both cable and OTA, so I could eventually connect both sources to it.
I'm sure that there are many other differences that I'm overlooking (besides price, of course). Can some of the experts here please correct, embellish, and expand upon my notes above?
My specific needs are pretty basic. I want to be able to capture HD programs to watch later and to be able to burn them to DVD with as little loss as possible - in both video and audio. Obviously, DVD can't handle HD resolution, but I should be able to downconvert to a nearly flawless SD image. And I'd hope to be able to retain the original digital audio track (even if it's DD5.1).
I already have an Adelphia HDPVR, so the only real priority here is the ability to move content to DVD (which is extraordinarily difficult with the cable box). And, of course, the imminent threat of the broadcast flag makes it prudent to act now.
I'm leaning toward the MyHD card. Any thoughts?
The Fusion card works with MCE, the MyHD does not. The Fusion card comes with an extensive software package, including MPEG conversion and DVD Burning software. The MyHD (I think) does not. Some excellent open source programs may fill the gap between them.
Either card can be driven from a TitanTV listing. (I prefer this over MCE mostly because I have a VERY strong aversion to giving money to Microsoft.) How functional is the TitanTV setup? Can I schedule my recordings in advance?
The Fusion card may have some limitations in its ability to handle QAM. Software updates from the vendor may eventually correct this. MyHD appears to be solid in its QAM support.
The MyHD card records the entire stream from a given channel. This may include subchannels on OTA, or multiple channels on cable QAM. The only real drawback to this is that recordings may use more disk space than necessary. I don't know how the Fusion card handles multi-subchannel streams.
The MyHD card includes S/PDIF for output of Dolby Digital and DTS. The MyHD card has inputs for both cable and OTA, so I could eventually connect both sources to it.
I'm sure that there are many other differences that I'm overlooking (besides price, of course). Can some of the experts here please correct, embellish, and expand upon my notes above?
My specific needs are pretty basic. I want to be able to capture HD programs to watch later and to be able to burn them to DVD with as little loss as possible - in both video and audio. Obviously, DVD can't handle HD resolution, but I should be able to downconvert to a nearly flawless SD image. And I'd hope to be able to retain the original digital audio track (even if it's DD5.1).
I already have an Adelphia HDPVR, so the only real priority here is the ability to move content to DVD (which is extraordinarily difficult with the cable box). And, of course, the imminent threat of the broadcast flag makes it prudent to act now.
I'm leaning toward the MyHD card. Any thoughts?
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i'm with Taz.
| Originally posted by taz291819 I'd go with the MyHD (the MDP-130 works great for me). Then download HDTV2MPEG2 and you can strip out the streams from a recording that you don't want, also set it up for 4450MB file-size chunks. These files can then be burnt to a dvd as a file, which can be played back with the MyHD, in HD without losing resolution or having to convert to DVD-Video specs. |
i'm with Taz.
If you don't want to use MCE, I'd go with MyHD. The software for the Fusion card is horrible compared to the MyHD card (about 9 non-certified drivers compared to 1 for the MyHD; a "scheduling" screen that only works at 1000i+ resolutions; more difficult to pad recordings if using TitanTV; various glitches that never seem to go away, despite hotfix after hotfix; a beta that won't even load on my computer, etc.), and I've heard the MyHD card deals with QAM better.
Using MCE you can largely avoid the Fusion software, and you can install two Fusion cards.
Using MCE you can largely avoid the Fusion software, and you can install two Fusion cards.
There's a couple things you left off your list.
1. MCE does not support QAM tuning. You must use the Fusion software for that.
2. MyHD uses a hardware decoder, with it's own output. True HD is only available via the dedicated output. You can view a reduced resolution output on your desktop. I don't think this effects you at all since you are primarily interested in recording.
1. MCE does not support QAM tuning. You must use the Fusion software for that.
2. MyHD uses a hardware decoder, with it's own output. True HD is only available via the dedicated output. You can view a reduced resolution output on your desktop. I don't think this effects you at all since you are primarily interested in recording.
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I can't see that would affect anyone, given the loop through cable for your video card signal.
The overlay that you use when not viewing in HD mode is really just a convenience factor in my mind. It allows you to control the MyHD card more as a piece of computer hardware and software, rather than using it more as a STB when viewing in HD mode. It's not something that's intended for use for viewing an entire program. It might affect someone using just a computer monitor--I'm not sure--I'd thought the MyHD card had common monitor resolutions in addition to common TV resolutions.
Also, it should be noted that the fact that it is hardware based means it requires a minimal CPU and video system.
| Originally posted by thadsaab 2. MyHD uses a hardware decoder, with it's own output. True HD is only available via the dedicated output. You can view a reduced resolution output on your desktop. I don't think this effects you at all since you are primarily interested in recording. |
The overlay that you use when not viewing in HD mode is really just a convenience factor in my mind. It allows you to control the MyHD card more as a piece of computer hardware and software, rather than using it more as a STB when viewing in HD mode. It's not something that's intended for use for viewing an entire program. It might affect someone using just a computer monitor--I'm not sure--I'd thought the MyHD card had common monitor resolutions in addition to common TV resolutions.
Also, it should be noted that the fact that it is hardware based means it requires a minimal CPU and video system.
Wow, thanks for all the great information. The knowledge that MCE doesn't support QAM, and that the Fusion software is buggy, makes the choice just that much easier.
I hadn't considered just burning a straight HD MPEG to a DVD data disk, but I think that will be a good choice for some content. Still, in some cases I'll want to create standard DVDs that can be viewed on other systems, so I'll still need to be able to make the downconversion to DVD-Video. Can HDTV2MPEG2 help me do that as well? And what will that same software do with a Dolby Digital soundtrack?
How does the TitanTV connection work? Is the integration solid? Are there any significant limitations?
And I'm a bit confused over the video card remarks. My HD set has a VGA input. Can I connect the MyHD to that input and use the HD set for regular HD viewing and also as the monitor for the HTPC? I assume that that's what the pass-through feature is all about. I take it then that I need a separate video card - are there any special requirements there? I know I said that the main priority was recording, but I still want to watch this stuff sometimes!
I sure appreciate all the help.
I hadn't considered just burning a straight HD MPEG to a DVD data disk, but I think that will be a good choice for some content. Still, in some cases I'll want to create standard DVDs that can be viewed on other systems, so I'll still need to be able to make the downconversion to DVD-Video. Can HDTV2MPEG2 help me do that as well? And what will that same software do with a Dolby Digital soundtrack?
How does the TitanTV connection work? Is the integration solid? Are there any significant limitations?
And I'm a bit confused over the video card remarks. My HD set has a VGA input. Can I connect the MyHD to that input and use the HD set for regular HD viewing and also as the monitor for the HTPC? I assume that that's what the pass-through feature is all about. I take it then that I need a separate video card - are there any special requirements there? I know I said that the main priority was recording, but I still want to watch this stuff sometimes!
I sure appreciate all the help.
titan tv is rock solid - and the big screen guide integration with the hd display and single click to record or watch are great
but you also have direct psip info on screen in the guide for myHD as well
You comment on extradinary difficulty in porting HD from the cable HD PVR to the computer does not square with my experience
I use the firewire/capdvhs routine and playback with either tt2 or myHD (too lazy to program my Pronto so I like the MyHD remote.)
What can be easier? Set to record in the cable box, and set the time and date in capdvhs. My biggest problem is converting 113 minutes into hours and minutes to add on to say a 6:15 start time.
but you also have direct psip info on screen in the guide for myHD as well
You comment on extradinary difficulty in porting HD from the cable HD PVR to the computer does not square with my experience
I use the firewire/capdvhs routine and playback with either tt2 or myHD (too lazy to program my Pronto so I like the MyHD remote.)
What can be easier? Set to record in the cable box, and set the time and date in capdvhs. My biggest problem is converting 113 minutes into hours and minutes to add on to say a 6:15 start time.
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My main complaint about TitanTV is that the advertising site they use is very slow, so the first time you bring up their web page there's a significant delay while it responds. Updating the date to different time periods is much faster, so I'm pretty sure it's the advertising site. I'm thinking about adding it to my Hosts file so that it just goes to a fake local connection, but I'm not sure that's possible or what the effect would be.
As to video card, for MyHD use it doesn't matter at all. The MyHD card will pass through your existing Windows desktop using your existing video system. But if you want to view a DVD using a software player, or other video content not using the MyHD, I'd suggest at least an ATI 9600 of some sort. I bought a 9200SE and wish I'd spent a few more bucks, but it is actually adequate. But if I had to do it again, I'd spend a bit more, and some would spend a lot more.
| Originally posted by Jim Gilliland How does the TitanTV connection work? Is the integration solid? Are there any significant limitations? And I'm a bit confused over the video card remarks. My HD set has a VGA input. Can I connect the MyHD to that input and use the HD set for regular HD viewing and also as the monitor for the HTPC? I assume that that's what the pass-through feature is all about. I take it then that I need a separate video card - are there any special requirements there? |
As to video card, for MyHD use it doesn't matter at all. The MyHD card will pass through your existing Windows desktop using your existing video system. But if you want to view a DVD using a software player, or other video content not using the MyHD, I'd suggest at least an ATI 9600 of some sort. I bought a 9200SE and wish I'd spent a few more bucks, but it is actually adequate. But if I had to do it again, I'd spend a bit more, and some would spend a lot more.
You both suggest that the 130's integration with TitanTV is trouble free, but on the main MDP130 thread, some seem to suggest that it doesn't really integrate at all for the QAM channels that I'll be using. Is there a problem here?
I have an F3Q card but will probably also purchase a MyHD before the stupid broadcast flag rules come in July unless I instead decide to go the Linux route next.
I mostly like the reportedly very good quality hardware playback of the MyHD (but haven't seen one).
- Tom
I mostly like the reportedly very good quality hardware playback of the MyHD (but haven't seen one).
- Tom
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Yes and no! QAM scheduling from TitanTV is a two step operation at this time, but MIT is working on a new TitanTV Helper Application that can handle the high numbers listed on TitanTV for cable channels.
| Originally posted by Jim Gilliland You both suggest that the 130's integration with TitanTV is trouble free, but on the main MDP130 thread, some seem to suggest that it doesn't really integrate at all for the QAM channels that I'll be using. Is there a problem here? |
so you guys totally advice against installing a MyHD130 with dual dvi mothercard on a MCE2005 box.... will there be any support for MCE in the future???>
This is an interesting thread. I wish there was a sticky that listed all the current tuner cards and ALL of their pros and cons. The reason for this is because I am also considering the ATI. I guess the only downside to it is the lack of QAM.
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Thanks, Cliff. I'm not deep enough into this stuff yet to understand thorougly how Titan and the tunercard interact. I know that Titan somehow places some data where the PVR application can find it, but I really don't know what's in the data nor what exactly the PVR is supposed to do with it. I assume that it is simply an instruction to the software to record (or cancel recording) a particular channel and timeslot.
I understand that the present difficulties have to do with the fact that the tuner and its software may use a different channel designation than the TitanTV website uses. (If my remarks show any gross misunderstandings, please feel free to correct me.)
What are the "two steps"? needed at present?
In any event, it's good to hear that help is on the way. Any idea on timeframe?
| Originally posted by Cliff Watson Yes and no! QAM scheduling from TitanTV is a two step operation at this time, but MIT is working on a new TitanTV Helper Application that can handle the high numbers listed on TitanTV for cable channels. |
I understand that the present difficulties have to do with the fact that the tuner and its software may use a different channel designation than the TitanTV website uses. (If my remarks show any gross misunderstandings, please feel free to correct me.)
What are the "two steps"? needed at present?
In any event, it's good to hear that help is on the way. Any idea on timeframe?
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