TV capture - yes or no? (2 Viewers)

[jacton]

I'm starting to build my HTPC but have come to a crossroad. I currently get DVR functions from my cox cable DVR box. I would like to replace that function with MP DVR capabilities, however I only want to do this if it can handle recording HD channels from my cable box.

Basically, what I'm saying is, if MP can handle recording HD channels through a cable box, then I am going to downgrade my cox DVR box to just a standard digital box and use MP's functionality to handle DVR.

If MP can't handle that, then I'm just going to stick with Cox DVR and use MP for Movies/Music/Pictures.

So can someone tell me whether this is possible? If it is, then I will purchase a TV capture card, if not then I'll just stick with the video card.

I've searched through multiple threads here with mixed answers on this.

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If this is possible can someone recommend a TV cap card that will allow for full HD capture and playback?

Thanks, I'm looking forward to compilling my HTPC!

 

[garry]

The HD-PVR is your only option for HD cable.

 

[Spragleknas]

Why won't you use a DVB-card to avoid using the STB (DVR)?

 

[jacton]

ok...

Thanks for the info garry....any recommendations on what kind of capture card to get? I need an AGP card, preferrably not to expensive and with HDMI connector.

Spragleknas:
"Why won't you use a DVB-card to avoid using the STB (DVR)?"

Honestly, I have no ida what DVB or STB stand for, could you break those down for me...I'm a lil' green on HTPC lingo.

Thanks for the help guys.

I'm an idiot...I just now read about the Hauppauge HD-PVR, so disregard my question about the video capture card. At $200 dollars, I think I'm going to wait until I get some extra cash to get one of those. So since that is out of the question for now, any recommendations on an AGP video card for playing back movies through HDMI?

Thanks

 

[Spragleknas]

Hm... If you fill out some system about yourself, like where you are form - and what TV provider you use (link is nice) I'd might be able to help better

Oh, and
STB (set-top-box) ---> WIKI LINK

And yes, the Hauppauge HD-PVR is very expensive! Going digital might be more reasonable.

Regarding AGP cards: I'd really consider upgrading to PCIe system - if not, I think you best choice is the ATi HD 2x00-series

 

[garry]

Since you said cable I assumed you are in the US/Canada. In the US the HD-PVR is definitely the only legal way to get HD cable in mediaportal and I'm pretty sure the same is true in Canada.

You will also need a decent video card since the HD-PVR is only a capture device. I use a NVidia 8500gt which is probably about as cheap as you can get for 1080p playback.

 

[Spragleknas]

Cable (DVB-C) is used many other places. Very popular in Norway, at least.

 

[jacton]

one more ?

Thanks for the help guys...

garry - unfortunately I'm building my HTPC with an old Optiplex which doesn't offer PCI express, only PCI and AGP slots, and it appears to be fairly hard to find PCI cards, on top of that it's a SFF case, so it has to be a low profile card as well....

I found this one that looks decent for the price, anyone have any feedback on this card: Amazon.com: PNY GeForce 6200 256MB Low Profile AGP Graphics Card VCG62256AWB-LP: Electronics or can recommend something that will work with my setup.

Thanks in advance.

 

[garry]

You will have a difficult (if not impossible) time trying to play back HD content using a PCI or AGP graphics card. You really need a PCIe x16 card that is an 8500gt (for NVidia) or better.

 

[Spragleknas]

Asus 3650 AGP -> ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
(There is also 3450 models).