Transfer HD content from T-Box to HTPC

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KGo

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Topic # 84080 24-May-2011 21:20

I have a Telstra Clear T-Box with HD card connected via HDMI to full HD tv. Works brilliantly. I want to transfer HD content from the T-Box to the HTPC. I purchased the Hauppauge HD PVR because that's what it was advertised to do. From any set top box via component video (YPbPr) to HTPC via USB. Record up to 720p or 1080i. However, as I have now discovered, the component video out from the T-Box is only576i. Not only is this inadequate quality, there is the added insult of widescreen content (16:9) being "squished" into 4:3 when recorded to the HTPC using the bundled software (ArcSoft Total Media Extreme). It occurs to me that a potential solution is to use the HDMI output from the T-Box and convert to component through either a cable or converter hardware. This looks like it might do the trick:
http://www.rapalloav.co.nz/product/2092/HDMI---DVI---VGA---YPbPr-Convert/HDMI---DVI---VGA---YPbPr-Convert/

Of course, I wouldn't want to muck around swapping HDMI cables, so I would also want an HDMI splitter between the T-Box and the converter, sending one signal to the TV. So the setup would be:
T-Box - HDMI Splitter - Converter - HDPVR - HTPC. Seems like an awful number of links, each with the potential to go wrong or downgrade the signal quality. Would this work? Is there a better solution?

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Biddle Corp

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Reply # 473674 24-May-2011 21:41

That won't work. You'll need to buy a HD Fury to remove the copy protection on the HDMI signal.

Restrictions on component output are put in place at the demand of content owners to stop people from copying HD content - don't blame TCL, blame the content owners.

KGo

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Wannabe Geek

Reply # 473712 24-May-2011 22:20

Many thanks. What is an HD Fury and where do I get one? Appreciate your help.

sbiddle

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Reply # 473718 24-May-2011 22:26

From the HD Fury website.

You'll just have to decide whether a ~$600 investment just to copy content is worth it.

JimmyH

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Reply # 474117 25-May-2011 20:00

I would go with a matrix splitter from Jaycar, 4xHDMI input, 2xHDMI output.

1. Plug the T-Box into one of the inputs.

2. Plug the first output into your TV.

3. Plug the second output into an HD Fury (the cheaper model 2 is good enough, avoid the model 1).

4. Plug the component output of the HDFury into the HD PVR.

5. If the Matrix splitter doesn't supply enough power for the HD Fury, connect the power adapter as well (not always necessary).

6. Connect HD PVR to computer.

This will cost a wee bit - $200 for the splitter and circa $250 for the Fury (I landed mine for $250 NZD). At least you have the HD PVR, which is the most expensive bit.

richms

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Reply # 474586 26-May-2011 21:56

There are plenty of cheaper HDMI to component options than the HD Fury.

Ebay is full of them. just be sure to paypal so if it is one of the ones that doesnt deal with HDCP you can do a goods not as advertised chargeback with them easily.

Richard rich.ms

AndyK

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Wannabe Geek

Reply # 478880 8-Jun-2011 10:21

Have you had any luck with this? I'm interested in getting the Hauppauge HD-PVR and also have a Telstraclear T-box. I brought my HDTV back from Canada and all I want to do is be able to use it with the T-box via a Mac. The Hauppauge HD-PVR apparently works on the Mac via Elgato EyeTV softward which is apparently very good. But, if the picture quality is crap and squashed using this software then I don't want to get it.

AndyK

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Wannabe Geek

Reply # 478901 8-Jun-2011 11:29

BTW, do you subscribe to the HS Service on your T-Box as I know I had to request this as an extra, else everything is broadcast in standard definition? Just wondering if this makes a difference.

KGo

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Reply # 478922 8-Jun-2011 12:31

Yes, I subscribe to the HD service and yes, it makes a huge difference. Sport in HD is gobsmacking.

I haven't made any more progress getting it to work, but ordered the HD Fury 2 a few days ago so will update once that arrives.

AndyK

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Reply # 479204 9-Jun-2011 09:35

I contacted Telstraclear yesterday and asked about the output via HD Composite and they were telling me that it should be 1080p. Does the video throughput from the PVR look bad or is it just the recordings?

sbiddle

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Reply # 479238 9-Jun-2011 10:59

AndyK: I contacted Telstraclear yesterday and asked about the output via HD Composite and they were telling me that it should be 1080p. Does the video throughput from the PVR look bad or is it just the recordings?

Composite is right at the bottom of the pile when it comes to video quality. It only supports a maximum of 576i SD.

AndyK

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Reply # 479553 9-Jun-2011 23:46

D'oh

Sorry, Component is what I was meaning. I don't think the people on the phone really knew what I was asking.

KGo

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Reply # 481169 14-Jun-2011 20:08

Oh My Goodness! HD Fury 2 arrived today. It rocks. To recap -In New Zealand: TelstraClear T-Box HD connected via HDMI to HD Fury, then Component (YPbPr) to Hauppauge HD PVR, then USB to Home Theatre PC. Recorded content on T-Box played back and recorded onto PC in 720p. Superb. I can now edit on the PC to get the content I want and transfer/output content as I please. Yippee!

AndyK

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Reply # 481352 15-Jun-2011 10:29

Excellent to hear that HDFury is working well for you, I have a few of questions as I'm working on a similar solution.

Why HDFury2 not 3, was it just price?
What was the price you get the HDFury2 for? I've been quoted $450 for a HDFury3 which is a bit of an investment.
Why 720p, are you able to get 1080p out of the T-box?
I'm currently using EyeTV on a Mac with the Hauppauge HD-PVR connected to the T-Box only getting 576i at the moment and why I need an HDFury, what is your final config?

Thanks for any help.

KGo

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

Reply # 481463 15-Jun-2011 13:57

Andy K

Final Configuration - refer my previous post.

HD Fury 2 not 3 - my research showed Fury 3 not required for what I'm doing - can't recall reason, possibly added features for gaming or something, which I don't do.

Price - I got it for USD 200, which is not much more than NZD 200. I found the worldwide distributors on the HD Fury website. Not easy to follow, but got there in the end. Several didn't have stock, but I got one from one of the Asian distributors. Arrived inside a week. Note, NZ distributor wanted over $400 for the Fury 2. I ordered the UK 3 pin plug and happened to have a UK - NZ converter. Probably safer this way as UK uses 240v system, same as NZ whereas North America uses 110v system. (I'm no expert on this, so went with what seemed safest. Having lived in UK for a while I know appliances work fine in both countries, just need plug adapters).

720p not 1080p - The HD PVR is limited to 720p. No noticeable difference on 42" Plasma screen.

Hope that answers your questions.

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Reply # 481700 16-Jun-2011 08:11

KGo: Andy K

720p not 1080p - The HD PVR is limited to 720p. No noticeable difference on 42" Plasma screen.

The Hauppauge HD PVR does 720p or 1080i.

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