mythtv and digital tv

[Frank DiPrete]

Ben Scott wrote:
> On Wed, Jul 23, 2008 at 6:25 PM, Frank DiPrete <fdiprete at comcast.net> wrote:
>> It looks like it's time to switch tv service. I am using basic analog
>> cable and Comcrap has been eliminating channels from the lineup to use
>> the bandwidth for their digital tv service.
> 
>   Obtain (e.g., purchase) TVs or other equipment which supports the
> CableCARD standard.  Per FCC rule, cable operators are required to
> provide a single CableCARD for each cable "outlet", at no additional
> cost.  You won't get high definition programming or the additional
> channels that Comcast's "digital cable" packages offer, but you'll be
> able to tune your existing channels digitally, without giving more
> money to Comcast.  No equipment rental, no Comcast set-top box, no
> added programming fees.
> 
>   Disclaimer: The above may be inaccurate.  But it's what I was told,
> and it seemed to check out when I upgraded my TV and TiVo.  I ended up
> spending the extra $7/month for the first tier "digital cable" package
> to get the high-def and additional channels.  But before they
> successfully up-sold me on that, it wasn't going to cost me anything
> extra for my first CableCARD.
> 
>   (I actually need two CableCARD's for the TiVo model I have.  The
> second costs me... $3/month, I think.  The original high-def TiVo
> models (of which mine is) do not support M-Cards (Multi-Stream
> CableCARDs).  Since the TiVo has two QAM tuners, I need two cards.
> The newer high-def TiVo models work with just one M-Card.)
> 
>> To sum it up, comcrap customers are forced to pay to solve their
>> technical problem.
> 
>   How is it their problem?  It's often leading to people buying
> additional services from them.  Seems like a win for Comcast.  The
> problem is, it's *our* problem.  :-(
> 

.. that's what I mean.

>> Here's the rub. I'm using a pvr-250 in my mythtv setup and that becomes
>> a brick when in any of the 3 scenarios.
> 
>   There are some options for QAM tuners (digital cable) that work with
> Linux.  The drawback is, anything encrypted by the local cable
> operator will not be receivable.  I've been told that most of the
> "basic cable" channels in this area are still coming "QAM in the
> clear".  As long as that holds true, you should be able to upgrade
> your existing MythTV box for QAM and get your existing programming
> digitally.  Again, no high-def or extra channels, but no additional
> recurring chargers, either.
> 
>   The two products which seem to be best for MythTV are:
> 
> (1) HDHomeRun, from SiliconDust (http://www.silicondust.com/).  Two
> QAM tuners in a small box, attached via Ethernet.  This has a lot of
> advantages: No host PC compatibility issues; relatively future-proof;
> you can put the tuners far away from your MythTV box if needed.
> Disadvantages: Somewhat more expensive; LAN become TV problems.
> 
> (2) HD-5500, from pcHDTV (http://www.pchdtv.com/).  PCI card.
> Specifically designed to work with Linux.  Microsoft Windows is not
> supported.
> 
>   Hope this helps,
> 
> -- Ben


That helps - thanks Ben

I checked the HD-5500 :
MPEG2 decoding are done on the host computer in software

arg.




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