Recording HD TV in Canada from STB signal

[pepper579]

So my current WMC computer has died and I have decided to build a new one. I am updating everything and want to be able to watch AND record HD TV in Canada. I will have an HD set top box for either cable or satellite, I don't care which. So I will be recording what comes through my STB and so don't care about ATSC or clear QAM. I really need advice on which tuners will record HD from my STB signal. The info I can find always talks about ATSC and clear QAM (and cablecards which I understand are not available in Canada). Also the OS will be either Windows 7 or 8 64-bit (I have both). Please help me me! Thanks

[STC]

Check out the Hauppauge HDPVR. I am out right now so can't say much

[pepper579]

Hey thanks for the suggestion. Was really hoping for an internal tuner solution (any suggestions?), however, if the HDPVR is the only thing that works that is compatible with WMC, then I will look into it further. Does the PVR definitely record encrypted HDMI? It looks like Hauppauge Colossus will only work on un-encryted HDMI and doesn't seem to be compatible with WMC - am I right?

Also forgot to mention, but I want to have dual tuner capability as I have (or had) currently. Cheers

[richard1980]

The Colossus is compatible with WMC, and you can connect either the HDMI output or the component output of the STB to the Colossus. However, if you choose to use the HDMI output, the Colossus can only handle unencrypted content.

[pepper579]

Just wondered if anyone has anything to add to this. I want to order my tuners this weekend if I can get a good price during Black Friday/Cyber Monday. Am missing my WMC pc lots!!! At the moment I am thinking about the Hauppauge HDPVR but hate the thought of buying 2 external tuners so I can have my dual tuner capabilities. Got enough hardware in my living room! Thanks!

[STC]

You are restricted to having to record from the output of an STB. You'd have to have two STB's and two HDPVRs. The HDPVR is able to record in analogue component HD and that is how you will be able to record encrypted channels in HD.

[richard1980]

I'm not sure why you would be leaning toward the HD-PVR if you want an internal solution. If you want an internal solution, buy the Colossus. Like I previously said, the Colossus accepts either HDMI or component input (via the included adapter cable).

[STC]

Ahh I was unaware of the Colosus accepting component, well that's better news.

I just looked it up and it has two encoders so you'd only need one Colossus with two STBs.

Make sure your STB's output component video.

[holidayboy]

I thought it could only capture one source. Or is that just the external HD-PVR?

[richard1980]

The Colossus has two video inputs; one is HDMI, and the other is component. AFAIK, you can only use one or the other, not both. Even if you can use both, the HDMI input still doesn't work with HDCP. So you're still down to 1 usable input per Colossus.

Also, in case there is any confusion, there are two component connectors on the Colossus; one is for input, and the other is pass-through.

[STC]

Okay that's what threw me looking at the pictures. Thanks for the corrections.

[pepper579]

Thanks for your input guys . The reason I was looking at the HDPVR is that I wanted to have the choice between HDMI and component. In my experience, sometimes one gives a better quality picture than the other. Therefore it is good to be able to try out both. Since the Colossus doesn't work with encrypted HDMI, then it isn't even a choice if I want flexibility. Am I correct in thinking that the HDPVR will be able to record output from my STB whether it is component or HDMI and therefore will give me the flexibility I want?

And yes, I do intend to have 2 STBs and 2 tuners (unless there was a dual tuner option which it doesn't look like).

[richard1980]

The HD-PVR does not have an HDMI input. It only has component input.

[Crash2009]

Richard, What about STB to MUX-HD to Colossus?

http://forum.videohelp.com/threads/3291 ... ost2071964

[pepper579]

Yeah I just noticed myself the HDPVR has no HDMI input. Read it somewhere that it had - should have looked more closely to verify......

[pepper579]

Quick question about the Colossus. How well does it work with Media Center? I have heard some say it is buggy and the channel changing via the IR blaster does not work as it should. Any comments/experiences?

[richard1980]

Richard, What about STB to MUX-HD to Colossus?

No comment.

[barnabas1969]

Seriously people, 1080i or 720p over component looks IDENTICAL to 1080i/720p over HDMI. I promise... you can't tell the difference. I've tried... on a 61" screen at close range. No difference whatsoever.

[rainforrester]

Go with the Colossus. HD over component looks fantastic from my Shaw HD box.
Cheers

[pepper579]

Thanks for all your comments! Just an FYI for anyone that doesn't already know/is interested. When using the HDPVR or the Colossus, you have to use Hauppauge's crappy remote control. Since they say neither is a true Media Center solution (apparently we are using software to trick Media Center into recognizing them), the Media Center remotes will not work. I got this direct from Hauppauge. Well, that sucks!

So have you guys out there found this out to be true? Am interested to know what others use as a remote control solution with these tuners. Cheers