[mythtv-users] questions about direct connections to cable boxes

[Eric Sharkey]

On Thu, Mar 3, 2011 at 5:19 PM, Rob Smith <kormoc at mythtv.org> wrote:
> On Thu, Mar 3, 2011 at 2:07 PM, Josh Rosenberg <mythtv at desh.info> wrote:
>> 1.  I know that it's possible to change channels via the FireWire
>> port.  But I've heard people say that you can record from there too?
>> If that's true, how does it work?  Do I still need an HD-PVR?  Is
>> there a particular tuner type I should choose in MythTV?
>
> 1. You can, but it's typically (YMMV) just the broadcast channels
> (Fox, ABC, NBC).

This is incorrect.  Comcast has a relatively large selection of
copy-freely channels.

> As for which capture device, if you're not one of the few extremely
> lucky ones, a HDPVR is your only real choice.

No capture device is needed.  You can directly copy video over a
firewire link for most channels.

The problem I had was reliability.  I wasn't ever able to rely on my
Comcast DCH3200 to deliver a full and complete recording.  The box was
just flakey.  You might have better luck.

http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/FireWire

Eric