[mythtv-users] Help with choices for new HDTV card (US)
Doug Larrick
doug at ties.org
Fri Dec 24 14:18:22 UTC 2004
Chuck Lloyd wrote:
> I'm trying to decide what route to take for HDTV here in the US.
> I'll be starting with OTA but would like to go to Cable/QAM.
>
> It seems to me there are two choices. The HD-3000 and the
> ATSC/8VSB HDTV PCI Card (SkyStar Chip?)
>
> What I gather from the specs is that the HD-3000 has a more
> flexible frontend but the SkyStar chip has less processor load.
> Because its front-end is more flexible, the possibility exists
> for the HD-3000 to handle QAM.
>
> Anyone know for sure? Has anyone tried both?
I would not make any decisions counting on the ability to be able to
receive HD channels over cable long-term. The solutions are not in
place today, and Hollywood, the TV networks, and the cable operators are
getting less consumer-friendly on a daily basis, it seems. July 2005 is
looming; I would not count on much new hardware before then. Even
if/when the pcHDTV folks produce a firmware image capable of tuning QAM,
you are at the mercy of your cable company as to whether they encrypt
your stations now or in future.
OTA is a different story because the hardware and standards are in
place: your local TV station can't require you to have a "cable" box,
and so must maintain compatibility.
-Doug
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