[mythtv-users] Want to get started

[Phil Bridges]

On 5/8/07, Elanor <jamina1 at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi all-
> I'm very new to this but excited to get started.
> Currently, I have Digital Cable (NOT HD) from Brighthouse Networks in
> Central Florida. I'd like to avoid, if possible messing with the
> set-top box at all, and possibly even setting it aside. I get standard
> cable through all the other cable lines in the house.
>
> Here's my question:
>
> 1) Are there any capture cards out there that do not require me to use
> the set top box and can get digital cable from the lines it is enabled
> on?

In a word, no.  You can try using QAM on one of the HDTV Cards, but
there will be a good likelihood that you won't get many (if any)
unencrypted channels.

> 2) If not, how do I connect 2 or more capture cards to my digital
> cable box to record more than one show at once?

In general, you'd need a box for each capture card to record these channels.

> 3) If this isn't possible, what do I connect the other capture card to
> (there's only one cable jack in the living room)?
>

You can set up two channel listings - one with the digital channels,
and the other with just the analog channels.  Connect the cable box to
the card that's associated with with the digital lineup, and plug the
other card into the wall.