Is MP viable replacement? (1 Viewer)

[martoq]

Hey guys, somewhat new to MP. I checked it out a year ago hoping to replace my STB but the technology still isn't there for that do to HD encryption from TW and all that other fun stuff. So what I wanted to now know is this:

Is MP a viable replacement for TiVO? I currently have a SA-8300HD and the software on it just blows cookies. I want to use a real DVR. But I want the same functionality, meaning, I want to be able to record in HD audio AND video, have multiple tuners (1 watch, 2 record just like my 8300).

So the question is, can I do it with MP? And if so, there are a few peices of hardware I am most interested in,

1. The HD video card? I haven't seen any 2 tuner HD cards out there that are decent.

2. The HD audio card? Any recommendations? I was under the impression I wouldn't need one.

3. The IR. I am a little confused as to how my DVR will work with my existing STB to get it to the channels it needs to be at AND handle the multiple HD signals.

Thanks in advance!

 

[martoq]

Wow, no one?

 

[jazZman]

Patience grasshopper, the answer you seek will come

Personally, I now have 3 DVB-T cards, record 2 watch 1, works fine under RC3.

I have never heard of a HD audio card, but ya never know, they might be out there. My ears are too shot to tell the differance anyway.
I run a standard 5.1 into my amp, and it sounds great to me

Video card and Tuner card are two different beasts, as far as the latter is concerned. I use 2 ULTRAVIEW plus cards and FUSION plus picture is great no issues after running the patches suggested in the forums.

Now I don't have cable, so I'm going to be much help with STB stuff, but there has been alot of posts covering this topic in the fourms so a quick search may help.

Cheers

Jamie

 

[dale_mac]

As far as I am aware, if the TV station puts out a good audio signal, the audio through your PC should be as good as any DVD audio. I'm only using the 5.1 surround from my onboard audio connected to my amplifier through a standard stereo cable and it sounds awesome. Onboard audio controlled through Windows doesn't quite make it to ground-shaking volume, but it's close. A separate sound card will be louder and possibly more clear, but most people wouldn't notice the difference in clarity.
Most tuner cards these days can receive HD video without a problem, but if you want to record, remember that you will need a HUGE hard drive for HD signal storage.
If, by STB, you mean free to air digital signal, you can replace the STB completely providing you have multiple tuner cards. If you mean a subscription service, searching the forum for specific answers as Jazzman said would be the way to go.

 

[martoq]

Appreciate the responses guys. What I found so far is that in order to get multi-tuners, I will need 2 STBs in order to be able to watch 1 and play another. Unless...

Is this possible. Set up one tuner to record off the STB, and the other can record regular ota? In which case I would need 1 capture card and 1 tv tuner and 1 STB?