What do I need to record TV to a PC ?

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richms

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#72101 24-May-2007 16:54

Most current licenses expire in 2011. I expect that is when the tv companies will not be able to renew them. Thats still 4-5 years off, and its not unreasonable to expect that people will have bought settops by then. Its the people in the whops that will have the issues, the ones that currently only get 1 and 2, possibly 3, and by then they will have bought dvb-s if it matters to them at all.

Why delay it. TV is hardly an essential, so those people that cry about poor people not being able to afford it are just bringing up a red herring, most of them have sky already from my experiences.

Richard rich.ms

xlinknz

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#72221 25-May-2007 15:40

last question

Is Freeview DVB-S encrypted or indeed the forthcoming DVB-T ?

I wonder how encryption will fit in with PC tuner cards...

allstarnz

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#72225 25-May-2007 15:58

none of the freeview channels are encrypted. I don't expect DVB-T channels will be either. However Sky digital (also on DVB-S) and any Australian channels such as 7 Central and SBS are encrypted.

The non encyption of channels is one reason Prime (apparently) aren't on Freeview, as they would have to encrypt due to it breaking their rugby contracts (S14 and internationals). Not sure how this will affect TV3 come the World Cup. The Australia Network (formerly ABC Asia Pacific) get around this by running non-encrypted for everything but Super 14 Rugby.

None of the current official freeview boxes have CAMs in them (card slots)

vindaloo

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#74823 15-Jun-2007 15:24

Hey guys, would anyone be able to direct me to a "Dummys Guide for TV tuners" so to speak? lol

Just bought a laptop (Vista Home Prem) and want to use a TV card to essentially record All Black games off Sky (or TV3 when the World Cup kicks off). Trouble is, I've never looked at this before so I know very little about how they work, what I need to make it work, pitfalls to look out for all that kinda stuff.

Also have a desktop running XP (but without media cantre), if there is a tuner that will work on both, that would be even better.

Any help would be great... thanks

Batman

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#74830 15-Jun-2007 15:56

1) any USB2.0 tuner that supports vista will work on both your desktop and laptop
eg see http://www.trademe.co.nz/Computers/Components/Other/auction-104409315.htm?p=49 or search usb tv tuner under google for reviews. pitfalls? check reviews first for everything

2) set up the tuner on the computer(s)

2 ways to transmit signal from skybox to tv tuner (assuming tv tuner supports both) - RF (need to tune it in) or composite (just plug in the yellow red white cables, no tuning involved)

use a program that can capture - one that you should have is windows movie maker but there are other dedicated tv recording programs out there - luckily usually comes with your tv tuner so make sure you check.

in short (sort of, so you get the idea):
your sky functions as sky
your tv tuner functions as your tv box
your computer functions as your vcr

vindaloo

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#74835 15-Jun-2007 16:18

Cheers Joker, thats really helped me get my head around the whole thing.

Any recommendations on a good tuner? Not too fussed on cost, just want a good product, especially if I can make it work with both my desktop and laptop.

Will it work ok with Sky Digital?

Thanks again for the quick reply

Batman

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#74837 15-Jun-2007 16:42

yes sky digital will work

i dont know which is a good one but i do suspect pci cards (desktop only) give better quality so check this out (please can anyone shed some light here):
http://www.dse.co.nz/cgi-bin/dse.storefront/4672180b009fe54a273fc0a87f3306ac/Product/View/XH9027

edit: oh dosh absent minded professor ... you want to use on laptop! try this ... http://www.trademe.co.nz/Computers/Peripherals/Other/auction-104767362.htm?p=1 dont ask me anything about the product please check compatibility, capabilities/functions, reviews etc

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execute22

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#74849 15-Jun-2007 18:53

Main thing is to get something with a hardware encoder. That way all the hard work gets done by the "card" rather than the PC's CPU. which means that (a) it won't slow down your PC and (b) what ever else your doing on your PC won't cause interruptions or problems for the recording. The Haupauge PVR 150 is a good card I use one and have had no problems at all. Also very common and well supported.

Batman

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#74888 16-Jun-2007 09:45

just searched and found a "hauppauge wintv pvr usb2 mce kit" which will suit your exact needs. dont ask me where to buy though leave that to you!

vindaloo

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#74950 17-Jun-2007 17:49

Thanks heaps for the help guys, very much appreciated.

I do have another question that maybe you can help with as well - I have a 19 LCD monitor thats just gathering dust since I hooked my desktop up to my TV. As a way to get some use out of it, is there a standalone tuner that can convert it to a TV independant of a PC?

I've tried ringing around specialist pc stores today but have had contradicting stories as to whether its even possible.

Thanks again guys, you have been most helpful.

Batman

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#74953 17-Jun-2007 19:05

yes there is. made by pixelview too! pixelview playtv box 3" and there are heaps others
see http://www.pricespy.co.nz/pno_3262.html http://www.ezone.co.nz/pixelview-playtv-external-turner-cardperfect-match-p-199.html

vindaloo

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#74954 17-Jun-2007 19:19

Ah thats looks to be perfect. Cheers Joker, you've been an absolute legend mate... exactly the sort of help that newbies like me are hoping for when we post a question.

Thanks again

Batman

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#74956 17-Jun-2007 19:54

as i always say, dont forget to search reviews/critics, to reduce the risk of getting unpleasant surprises when buying electronic things!

All the best ... !

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