[mythtv-users] RE: Which is best for MythTV: Analog Cable, Digital Cable, or Satellite?

Nelson Butterworth red_five at charter.net
Sun Nov 2 21:37:50 EST 2003


For analog cable, the Hauppauge PVR series is probably best. Video comes 
out of the card encoded in MPEG-2 format, and there is practically no 
CPU load when recording. I am using 2 right now, and I can record 2 
shows while watching a previously recorded file, and I don't even notice 
the record processes going on.

There is nothing available for digital cable yet; the format is too new, 
and from what I've read, there are issues with content providers about 
doing such things.

For digital satellite, there are cards available in Europe, but I think 
there's content provider issues with those, too. Search for DVB cards if 
you're interested, but I don't think they can be imported.

For either of the digital formats, you'll need to use a set-top box 
plugged into the video input of your chosen capture card, and possibly 
use some form of external tuner. Some DBS boxes can be connectec by 
serial cable; most digital cable boxes can't, but all can use an IR 
repeater.

I personally don't use much of the extra stuff on digital cable, so I 
don't have any reason to record from it, so running analog cable to my 
MythTV box works for me.

Nelson




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