Sky Decoder with DMR-BWT700GZ

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floodgte

3 posts

Wannabe Geek

#95571 8-Jan-2012 13:47

Hello Forum
I am looking for a way to have Sky and Freeview controlled by the Panasonic DMR-BWT700GZ.

I currently have MySky HDi and Freeview.
If I downgrade to just the Sky Package, am I able to

Record 2 Channels At A Time
Pause and Rewind Live TV

with the Panasonic DMR. Record to HD, Blu-ray disc for Archiving etc.
The problem with MySky HDi box is that you cannot transfer the media to any other media.
There are programs that I want to keep - motor racing etc but there is a space limitation and also the risk of it eventually corrupting data - had one unit pack up on me already.

Two other comments

The HD quality of Freeview (UHF) is better than Sky (satellite)?
We subscribe to Sky for one reason - Formula One

Any feedback and comments would be much appreciated

JimmyH

2886 posts

Uber Geek

#566139 8-Jan-2012 16:53

floodgte: Hello Forum
I am looking for a way to have Sky and Freeview controlled by the Panasonic DMR-BWT700GZ.

I don't think this can be done.

I currently have MySky HDi and Freeview.
If I downgrade to just the Sky Package, am I able to
Record 2 Channels At A Time
Pause and Rewind Live TV

If you mean get rid of the MySky box, get a standard Sky decoder, and record two sky channels at once, then the answer is no. The non-MySky boxes only tune one channel at a time.

The problem with MySky HDi box is that you cannot transfer the media to any other media.

Yes, actually you can - although you need to transfer in real time.

To get material off in standard definition you just need to connect the AV connectors (red, white and yellow RCA connectors) to your recorder. I don't currently have a MYSky box to test this, but my understanding is that they put copy protection on some of the premium channels (macrovision). To deal with this you need to connect a video stabiliser (the same bit of kit needed to transfer purchased VHS tapes to DVD when you upgrade libraries), which Jaycar used to sell and probably still do. Mine cost circa $125, connect it between the yellow cable and the recorder.

Getting material off in high definition is more fiddly, expensive, and you can't do it with your Panny box - you need a computer. You need to take the video off the HDMI cable, convert it to HD component using a converter that is HDCP compatible (an HDFury works well), and then capture the HD analog signal (A Hauppauge HD PVR or Colossus will do this, I think Avermedia make a capture solution as well). Assuming you have a computer, you're probably up for around $600 in parts and a lot of tinkering. If you are doing a lot of this transferring, I would be inclined to add a matrix splitter and make the installation permanent.

JonnyCam

643 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

#566431 9-Jan-2012 11:21

You need to take the video off the HDMI cable, convert it to HD component using a converter that is HDCP compatible (an HDFury works well)

You don't need a converter for Sky Sports. It's HD over component.

floodgte

3 posts

Wannabe Geek

#566509 9-Jan-2012 14:31

Thanks for the replies Ultimate and Master Geeks, now I fully understand the limitations created by Sky.
Igloo's even worse???
I have 3 Macs so there is not an issue doing as you suggest, at least I can do what I want as you have suggested.

Thanks again

sbiddle

30853 posts

Uber Geek

Retired Mod

Trusted

Biddle Corp

Lifetime subscriber

#566575 9-Jan-2012 17:08

floodgte: Thanks for the replies Ultimate and Master Geeks, now I fully understand the limitations created by Sky.
Igloo's even worse???
I have 3 Macs so there is not an issue doing as you suggest, at least I can do what I want as you have suggested.

Thanks again

It's not so much the "limitations created by Sky", but the fact you're wanting tight integration between a STB and a PVR/DVR unit, something that's not really possible.

Sky do limit some HD output, but that's at the request of the content owners.

floodgte

3 posts

Wannabe Geek

#566595 9-Jan-2012 18:10

You are of course correct, I am frustrated by proprietary systems and Sky is an example of one which could and should do more. The capability for pay per view is there already i.e. Formula One could be pay per race, or, any program for that matter.
The MySky box ex England (different part number) is able to be accessed by other media, able to be backed up, the Sky box is locked the Hard drive is not able to be accessed.

JarrodM

969 posts

Ultimate Geek

#567132 10-Jan-2012 21:52

Unrelated question relating to the DMR-BWT700GZ.

I was just wanting to confirm that the epg is delivered over the air and not through an internet connection as my aunty is thinking about getting one of these for my grandparents who do not have the internet.

Cheers

B1GGLZ

1961 posts

Uber Geek

#567137 10-Jan-2012 22:02

JarrodM:
I was just wanting to confirm that the epg is delivered over the air and not through an internet connection

Cheers

Yes

Equinox IT

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JarrodM

969 posts

Ultimate Geek

#567140 10-Jan-2012 22:07

B1GGLZ:
JarrodM:
I was just wanting to confirm that the epg is delivered over the air and not through an internet connection

Cheers

Yes

Thanks man