[shahsmerdis]

Hey, I just signed up for this forum. Saw it on google and i though i would give it a shot.


here is my attempted setup.


HDTV on pc via tunner.


setup:

Cablevision sliver package

SA4250HD (20 or so free HD channels, including hdo and stars)


I have read, look uped a whole bunch of information on this topic. is there anyway where i can hook up STB to my pc via tv tunner (Doesn't matter what kind, don't have one yet).


Would i need something like QAM? how does QAM connect to your pc...



Also does the SA4250HD support component to VGA adapters??? (not converters)



thank you in advance.

Shahsmerdis.


edit 1: product page of the SA4250HD says it supports Qam but can anyone clear this up for me ??? thanks

 

[Ken H]

HD tuners for PC's are available, some include QAM tuners which will receive unencrypted HD. Cableco's almost always encrypt all HD except local HD stations.


Moved to HTPC Forum.

 

[shahsmerdis]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken H /forum/post/0


HD tuners for PC's are available, some include QAM tuners which will receive unencrypted HD. Cableco's almost always encrypt all HD except local HD stations.


Moved to HTPC Forum.

So what exactly is a QAM connection, is it just a coaxial connection to a TV Tunner??


if a channel is already unencrypted because i am paying for it, the tuner will pick it up right?????


would it just be cable signal-->STB-->coaxial cable-->tuner ??


thanks


recommendations on TV tuners???

 

[UFGrayMatter]

I recently tried hooking up the 4250's and didn't get much luck. I'm also on CableVision (Optimum) and the quality of signal that came out of my 4200 (before the upgrade) was pretty bad. I only got one channel in nicely.


I spent a little bit of money and got the HDHomeRun. It has a 170 price tag but the thing is awesome. You plug the cable feed straight into it, right from the wall, no need for the cable box first.


You go through a setup and it works awesome. I use it with SageTV.


It has two tuners so you can record two things at once, record one watch one etc.


I also have an analog tuner (PVR-500) to get all the other channels that the HDHomeRun doesn't get.

 

[shahsmerdis]

and this is all legal?


Does cable vision count this as a cable box or something? they have QAM in there FAQ, but no phone support for it at all...


would adapters work at all? does the box have the necessary converters onboard???

 

[UFGrayMatter]

yes it's all legal. QAM channels are unencrypted, at least the ones that the cable company says you can have w/o a cable box. This is how a TV would work w/ QAM. The HDHomeRun takes the cable feed, finds the unencrypted channels (the legal ones) and allows you to record them over the network. Quality is great

Cablevision doesn't see it as anything, so no, they don't see it as a cablebox.


Not sure what you mean by adapters and converters...

 

[shahsmerdis]

I want to use my monitor as display device.... Ebay has component to vga converts and i was wondering if the cable box has the built in converter for it. understand?


Why don't they have something like a capture card that captures HDMI or component video.


btw which channels do you get =P.

 

[kapone]



Quote:
Originally Posted by shahsmerdis /forum/post/0


Why don't they have something like a capture card that captures HDMI or component video.

Welcome to the wonderful world of HTPCs, DRM, OCUR, MPIA, Movie Studios, Cable companies, Microsoft, Nvidia, ATI, HP, etc etc etc....I could go on.


The answer is : "There is no such card, or atleast no such consumer card". You are about 5 years late in discovering this. And yes, this is completely by design, they don't want/CAN'T come out with such a card, because of laws and restrictions, not technology.

 

[AnthonyB]

How about FireSTB? Get a firewire cable box and a tuner card.


Something to think about.


See more on thegreenbutton.com

 

[vladd]



Quote:
Originally Posted by kapone /forum/post/0


Welcome to the wonderful world of HTPCs, DRM, OCUR, MPIA, Movie Studios, Cable companies, Microsoft, Nvidia, ATI, HP, etc etc etc....I could go on.


The answer is : "There is no such card, or atleast no such consumer card". You are about 5 years late in discovering this. And yes, this is completely by design, they don't want/CAN'T come out with such a card, because of laws and restrictions, not technology.

http://www.blackmagic-design.com/products/intensity/


Just make sure you have REALLY big/fast drives.

 

[kapone]



Quote:
Originally Posted by vladd /forum/post/0

http://www.blackmagic-design.com/products/intensity/


Just make sure you have REALLY big/fast drives.

I'm aware of that card.

I was referring more in the "consumer" context, especially cards that work with popular front ends etc.

 

[vladd]

Sorry kapone, I need to read posts more thoroughly before posting

You DID say "or atleast no such consumer card".

 

[shahsmerdis]



Quote:
Originally Posted by AnthonyB /forum/post/0


How about FireSTB? Get a firewire cable box and a tuner card.


Something to think about.


See more on

I believe my cable box has 2 firewire ports, how would i go by conecting it to my pc???


Ehh, Thanks for the high end recomentation... I have no idea if thats worth it... But i am thinking =P...


anymore suggestions?