Hi-Def PVR

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eXDee

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#18947 30-Jan-2008 18:26

Hey there,

We've got a DVD recorder, but we are looking to upgrade since this one doesnt remember channel when its turned on, so you have to constantly reset it to EXT1 (sky). Preferably this should have the ability to record component or HDMI inputs, otherwise it isnt much of an upgrade. It seems there are plenty of these which upscale to component/hdmi, but none record it. I Checked Sony AU and US, but there seems to be no product replacing the DVD recorder to do this.

So, will there be something similar released with the ability to record component or HDMI, likely hi-def?

It's also likely that we get Sky Hi-Def whenever that comes out, which is rumoured to be on a mysky like PVR. This could be a better idea but it cant record to DVD's, and will probably only have a 160gb hard drive or something small.

A Media Centre PC looks to be ideal, but sky throws a wrench in the works when it comes to this as a few of you probably know. Also im thinking a hi-def capable one is 2000+ for the box alone, with still slow PC startup times (longer than 10s).

Current setup goes (old) Pace Sky Decoder >--Scart-Composite-> Philips DVD Recorder >-Component-> Onkyo Reciever/Amp >-Component-> Sony D Series 40"
Its pretty much permanently set on sky.

So, any suggestions of what to do/what you would do, or what the plans/dates are for Hi-Def Freeview and Sky?

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#107607 30-Jan-2008 19:05

If Freeview and SKY set the ICT flag on their broadcast content then it won't be possible to view HD, let alone record, over any type of analog (component) connection. By definition, HDMI will pass and require HDCP to be decoded in both broadcast and receiving device - it will be interesting to see what happens with DVD-HDD recorders in this respect. Suffice to say that any type of HDMI switching in existing receivers has proven to be problematic, at least in the early stages of this brave new (HD content protected) world.

At best you would be able to record a downconverted (SD) signal.

eXDee

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#107611 30-Jan-2008 19:48

I plan on bypassing the reciever if a HDMI connection is necessary or the best way, since it doesnt support HDMI anyway. Sound will still go 5.1 through it though, via a coax cable.

Also the D series has 2 rear HDMI ports and one side one, so im sure it'll be fine.

gehenna

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#107623 30-Jan-2008 20:19

eXDee:
A Media Centre PC looks to be ideal, but sky throws a wrench in the works when it comes to this as a few of you probably know. Also im thinking a hi-def capable one is 2000+ for the box alone, with still slow PC startup times (longer than 10s).

that's not necessarily true. you can build a decent rig for around $1000, and as long as you've configured your power settings correctly you can have one that goes into standby/starts up in the sub-ten second range.

Rollux

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#107626 30-Jan-2008 20:34

I built my setup below for $1400(including case, bluetooth keyboard,XP etc), just thru pricespy. And it's a lot higher than necessary just for a PVR. And it takes about 6 secs from standby to usable. The tv actually takes longer to warm up than the PC, by the time it displays, the pc is on, has logged onto my wireless network and all hdd activity has stopped. And it's all HDCP compliant

Could easily get a cheaper Mobo and CPU and less RAM, upgrade the HDD and hi def tuner. And if you go Linux, you don't have to pay $150 for endless problems!

Lounge:
WIN7 HOME x64 HTPC - E6420 2.13Ghz - 4Gb 800MHZ PATRIOT RAM - ASUS HD5670 1GB
ASUS P5B-VM MOBO - LG BLU-RAY DRIVE - BG3595 TUNER - 1.5TB STORAGE
PANASONIC 42" FULL HD PLASMA - PIONEER VSX1019AHK RECEIVER - WHARFDALE DIAMOND 10 SPEAKERS

Man Cave:
XBOX 360 MODERN WARFARE 2 EDITION - PANASONIC 37" PLASMA - SONY MONSTA 5.1 SURROUND SYSTEM

gehenna

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#107776 31-Jan-2008 14:12

older cpu's aren't that much of a problem - most of the hard work is done by the specific hardware you get for each process. ie, get yourself a tv tuner that handles all the video processing, an audio card that handles all the audio processing, and then all you really need is a case, ram, and hard drive. you can get motherboards with hdmi onboard, or get yourself a video card with the same features. it's really easy to save money on a htpc build by deciding what you need to put your money into, and what you can get that is generic and inexpensive.

eXDee

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#107779 31-Jan-2008 14:33

Whoops, accidentally deleted my post, lucky my back button works

That button should have a javascript alert on it.

So how much on average at for a hi-def capable box? Nothing flash, just above the minimum to process DVB-T streams and component/HDMI input? I can price up a gaming rig fine, but im not sure how good a pvr would have to be.
I might be able to use an old p4 (northwood methinks) 3ghz w/1gb ddr + 9600XT in a few months, but i dont think this would be fast enough.

How much am i looking at for a tuner card with DVB-T and hdmi input? Do those exist? Would i need a second card to jump onto the other freeview/australian DVB-S channels? The LNB is fairly new, Its approx 100mm or so long, 50mm high, black with 2 'stems' out to the long white bit. Put in by a sky tech approx 1 year ago.

Also ive considered myth, but my experiences with it seem not so great, so perhaps mediaportal is the more popular way to go? That'll run on XP Pro im sure.

These don't work with sky NZ do they?

edit: If we have sky and use that pretty much exclusively, is threre still any point in making a Media PC? Picking up Freeview High Def would be nice, but maybe sticking with 2 decoders (Sky Hi Def + Freeview High Def) is a better/cheaper way to go. Thoughts?

edit2: While im throwing questions all over the place, i may as well ask if a D series Sony can have the tuner box replaced with a DVB-T or DVB-S version? It seemslike a seperate compartment. I doubt it, but no harm in asking.

gehenna

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#107782 31-Jan-2008 14:40

eXDee:
These don't work with sky NZ do they?

if you're worried about cpu speeds i wouldn't go for a usb solution, better to go for a straight pci card to maximise bandwidth.

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eXDee

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#107783 31-Jan-2008 14:42

If you checked out the page you'd see its a SmartCard reader. It's for subscription services, so you can insert your paytv card in there instead. Its an addon for hauppage products.

edit: after doing a bit of googling it seems it can't do Sky UK, so i doubt it can do sky NZ, Never mind.

gehenna

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#107785 31-Jan-2008 14:46

my bad sorry, no idea if that would work though.

mruane

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#107788 31-Jan-2008 15:10

Hey Rollux

Can you provide some information on the Bluetooth keyboard that you selected. I have been hunting for some time for a Bluetooth keyboard.

Anyone else found a Bluetooth keyboard that works?

Cheers Mike

gehenna

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#107792 31-Jan-2008 15:13

i've been through a few bluetooth keyboards on my rig but always found them to be battery vampires. i'd literally get 3-4 weeks out of a set of batteries. in the end i sucked it up and bought the official microsoft media center keyboard. it works in conjunction with the microsoft remote control infrared receiver. been very happy with it ever since, and the range is superb so long as it's line of sight.

eXDee

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#107809 31-Jan-2008 17:22

Theres a few on the HTPC wiki:
http://www.htpcnz.net/index.php?title=Wireless_Keyboard

I've got another question to add, has anyone tried using a wiimote to control their media centre?

kiwipawl

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#107810 31-Jan-2008 17:38

Hi guys

I am not sure if this is the kind of thing you are after and I am not sure how expensive they are, but it might be worth a look?

http://www.mypvr.co.nz/mypvr/

Cheers Paul

gehenna

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#107815 31-Jan-2008 18:29

$1999 for what it is, is pretty steep!

openmedia

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#107817 31-Jan-2008 18:37

kiwipawl: Hi guys

I am not sure if this is the kind of thing you are after and I am not sure how expensive they are, but it might be worth a look?

http://www.mypvr.co.nz/mypvr/

Cheers Paul

Lots of fun niggles with HD at the moment.

1. You won't be able to record Sky in HD, or atleast it will be very very unlikely. They will use HDCP over HDMI to restrict this.

2. At the moment myPVR can't handle all of freeview DTT. We hope to have this resolved before the freeview launch in May.

3. The copyright ammendment bill will make most PVRs illegal anyway in its current form.

Steve

Generally known online as OpenMedia, now working for Red Hat APAC as a Technology Evangelist and Portfolio Architect. Still playing with MythTV and digital media on the side.

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