>>> So technically you can play back the HiPix HDTV to a VCR and record the program you want to keep? How much space does a 45 minute show take up and can you pause commercials like a VCR? Can you select the quality of your recordings like a replayTV? I just came across this thread while researching the Samsung T150 which I may buy for $499. Thanks for the feedback.
HDTV signals (regardless of going through a HiPix or not) do not record to regular type VCRs. There are expensive digital VCRs that can record HDTV signals but I don't have one of them. The HiPix saves the HDTV datastream on a computer hard disk and then you can use any computer backup system (e.g.: DAT tapes) to save the data files.
45 minutes of HDTV is about 5 gigabytes.
Yes, HiPix lets you pause, fast forward, rewind, etc. pretty much like a VCR.
The HiPix always records the exact bitstream in full quality - sort of like a DirecTiVo or UltimateTV - NOT like a replayTV.
>> PVR:
>> I also have the sony FW900 24 incher but have yet to install the new HD video card. I have been waiting on the response from telemann and Hauppague regarding 'DTV Link' (HDCP/DVI) and whether the cards will have a compatable link.
Telemann may be undergoing some sort of re-org in their engineering department so you may have to wait a while for an answer from them.
>> A couple of questions for you please....
>> 1) What software do you use to upconvert the 480p DVDs into 1080p? For HDTV's or projectors I hear of using expensive scalers such as focus enhancements 'quadscan', etc, but it seems you do this internally with your PC, I assume.
I just use software DVD playback with my desktop running at 1920x1080p. My current favorite program is Cineplayer4, but PowerDVD4-XP and WinDVD3 also work quite well. The quality of your VGA/video card makes a big difference. I use a "tweaked" Radeon LE.
>> 2) Using the same method, hypothetically, when the 2nd generation DLP/D-ILA chips come out at 1920X1080 you would be able to 'scale' using software alone to 1080p.
YES. The latest software DVD playback produces amazing deinterlaced video. I think many experts consider it close to that of the high end hardware scalers. Also free dScaler software lets you deinterlace and scale NTSC video up to full screen (I watch Laserdisks at 1920x1440 on one of my computers using dScaler).
The next generation of dILA/DLP should be awesome but unfortunately the price will be very high for many years to come. It seems that dILA is going to be offered in QXGA (2048x1536) sooner than a "HDTV native" 1920x1080...
>> The only problem with this I am running into are the INPUTS into the Telemann HiPix and Hauppague Win TV-HD are only RF and composite, so how would you pull signals from a satellite receiver with component, RGB or even DVI OUTPUTS??
You wouldn't. The component and RGB outputs are uncompressed analog data which is not what you want to record. Tuners with DVI outputs are likely meant to enforce recording controls which is not something that the current HiPix hardware/software is taking into account.
There are only a few ways to record any HDTV satellite signals right now:
Some people have old Dish network 5000 receivers and discontinued HDTV modulator modules that send full resolution digital HDTV signals as an 8VSB signal through the RF coax and into a HiPix.
Some people have WVHS VCRs that can record component HDTV signals in analog but there is some slight loss of picture quality and the tapes are very expensive.
169time.com is reported to have shipped a couple of modified Unity motion receivers that can send HDTV signals over firewire to certain compatible digital VCRs.
>> You'd have to have separate inputs into the monitor that are not switchable by remote, running one feed from the PC's video card for OTA HDTV and another from the STB for HBO, SHOWTIME, etc.
My setup is basically like this:
Dish 5000 -> HDTV modulator -> HiPix (VGA passthrough) -> Sony W900.
This way I can play DVDs (via the VGA), watch OTA NTSC or HDTV broadcasts (by having the HiPix take over the screen in 1080i mode), or HBO-HD / SHO-HD on Dish (by tuning to channel 3).
Keep in mind that the HiPix is a passthrough/overlay device. So when not running the HiPix software the VGA controls the screen. When the HiPix software starts playing a file or is instructed to display "full screen" HDTV then the VGA card signal is automatically replaced by the HiPix HDTV signal (no manual switching needed).
I use a Radio Shack antenna junction to feed the Dish HDTV modulator to the VHF input, and then have a UHF OTA antenna feeding the UHF input so the output (to the HiPix in) has both my San Francisco local HDTV OTA channels (all UHF) and the HDTV satellite (VHF channel 3) on the same wire.
>> You may be planning ahead like I am, but, like you, I'm really enjoying the best resolution money can buy, right NOW.
Exactly. Due to space limitations and costs of large displays, I was willing to compromise on display size for the time being. I feel good about the decision because the quality of the picture from the W900 or FW900 is better than most projection devices (even though it is small).
