Mixing MySky and VMC

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TrevorIvory

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#27913 10-Nov-2008 22:28

What I want to do is use the multi-channel recording capability of MySky (or MySky HD) from time to time, but use Vista Media Center as the "default" or primary viewing interface for TV.

What I'm thinking is that I run the HDMI cable from the MySky STB to my TV. I run a second cable (component, or scart if needed) to my tuner card in my VMC. I know the picture won't be as good on the VMC, but that is a trade-off we may have to live with. (Alternatively I guess I could run the HDMI to the VMC.)

My questions:

Will MySky output the same channel via two outputs simulaneously?

If I have a recording set up in VMC (or am watching a programme in VMC) and then go into the MySky interface and set up a recording in MySky, is there a risk that MySky will grab the tuner I'm relying on for the output to VMC either when I set up the recording, or when MySky begins recording, breaking my VMC watching/recording?

Does anyone have a way that takes advantage of the multi-channel recording in MySky but still use the VMC interface? While using MySky for TV and VMC for everything else might be better, we've grown to love the VMC interface, and also i can keep adding HDD storage as I need it.

Grateful for any thoughts, comments.

Thx

CYaBro

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#177237 10-Nov-2008 23:00

Pretty sure the best connection you will get from a Sky/Mysky/MySkyHDi box to a tuner card in a PC will be SCART to S-Video.

The best solution I have found for a setup like you are wanting, Mysky capabilities with VMC interface, is to rent two or more standard Sky boxes and use multiple tuners in the HTPC.
I think VMC supports up to four tuners but I could be wrong. The most I have done is two.
Each extra Sky box costs $25 a month and will receive the same channels that the main/first box does.

Opinions are my own and not the views of my employer.

eXDee

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#177241 10-Nov-2008 23:14

Component to VMC - Fairly expensive capture card, not consumer grade i'd imagine?
Scart to VMC - would indicate svideo - low quality
HDMI to VMC - impossible pretty much unless you have a big budget and like breaking the law
You could use VMC to record what sky is outputting, but it will likely be SD quality from svideo and reencoded - Blargh!
Sky will only grab the tuner outputting a picture if you choose to record 3 things at once on the mysky.
No you cant use sky's tuners for VMC, the closest you'll get is the "Sky legally on a HTPC" thread but this is a bit advanced and is not without its issues, but the general opinion is that its worth it.

Im in the same situation - in the end mediaportals problems + long htpc startup time meant the mysky hdi won every time now now its just used for series archiving. Speaking of which, it missed the 2nd episode of pulp sport. Anyone record this in HD? Happy to pay a few $ for shipping + a dvd.