recording Comcast digital channels with MythTV

[Jarod Wilson]

On Nov 24, 2009, at 3:39 PM, Ben Scott wrote:

> On Mon, Nov 23, 2009 at 12:33 PM, Tom Buskey <tom at buskey.name> wrote:
>> Or am I missing something?
> 
>  The thing you're all missing is that the system is *designed* not to
> let you record content.  You keep expecting to find a way to capture
> content where it would make sense to have one.  There isn't one,
> because the copyright cartels don't *want* you to have one.
> 
>  The digital channels are encrypted.  They can only be decrypted by a
> CableCARD.  The CableCARD checks the host equipment (set-top-box, TV
> with CableCARD slot, Tivo, whatever) for a crypto signature
> authorizing the host.  CableLabs only hands out a signature after
> they're happy the host equipment will properly honor restrictions put
> in place by the copyright cartels.  Those restrictions include
> enforcing copy restrictions on digital outputs.  This is why your TV
> has to support HDCP (High Definition Copy^W Content Protection) in
> order to use an HDMI input to watch encrypted channels.  The host will
> shut off the digital signal if it doesn't get the proper HDCP crypto.
> 
>  There is the "analog hole", which is the copyright cartel term for
> analog outputs that can't be digitally copy protected.  Available
> analog outputs are RF, composite (single RCA), S-video, and component.
> All but the last are fuzzy standard definition only, which was
> already available plaintext via RF, so the cartels didn't worry as
> much about them.  Component allows for high def.  Currently,
> analog-to-digital capture devices for high-def component video are
> expensive,

Where "expensive" is $200. Sure, not super cheap, but really not that much in the grand scheme of things. Of course, you also need a set top box to feed it.

> so they have remained out of consumer hands.  But the
> copyright cartels are still worried, and keep trying to get that
> "hole" plugged somehow, too.  If a cheap high-def ADC box becomes
> available, you can expect them to step up their efforts and buy the
> needed legislation.


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815116030

-- 
Jarod Wilson
jarod at wilsonet.com