[mythtv-users] hdhomerun vs. capture cards: is it even a contest?

[Kenneth Emerson]

On Mon, Jan 24, 2011 at 4:15 PM, George Galt <george.galt at gmail.com> wrote:

> On Mon, Jan 24, 2011 at 4:52 PM, James Miller <gajs-f0el at dea.spamcon.org>
> wrote:
> > Since I've started grappling with some HD-related issues and my
> > trailing-edge hardware, I've become aware of the HDHomeRun device. Now
> that
> > the nature of this device has sunk in a bit further, I'm beginning to
> wonder
> > whether the struggles involved in getting traditional capture cards set
> up
> > and working under myth might become a thing of the past. Before going too
> > far toward arriving at that conclusion, though, I just want to ask for a
> few
> > clarifications on the device and its workings.
> >
> > First of all, I understand that the device gets hooked to a broadcast
> source
> > (e.g., cable television or an antenna) at one end, as it were, and then
> to a
> > computer network on the other. From that point, it can grab and display
> > scheduling information and, more importantly, can stream the broadcast
> > signal over its network connection to networked computers that have the
> > ability to display and/or capture the broadcast (e.g., mythtv). Have I
> > understood more or less correctly what the device is and what it does?
> >
> > Whether or not I've understood properly the way these devices work, I'd
> be
> > interested in hearing what other users see as the pro's and cons of the
> > hdhomerun vs. capture cards.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > James
> > _______________________________________________
>

James:

I use my HDHR connected to an antenna (on my roof) to capture OTA broadcasts
(which accounts for 85% of my recordings during "the season" and about 50%
during the summer).  Support for this device within MythTV is great making
it one of the easiest "cards" to setup.  But if you connect it to your cable
company's input, you may be disappointed if many of the stations are
encrypted.  You should be able to test by using your TV if it has a QAM
tuner (and no cable card).  If your TV can receive it, the HDHR will also.
 I consider it a great investment. For content delivered to me via my cable
company encrypted, I use the HDPVR and my cable company's STB.  My cable
company only delivers HD content encrypted (except for local stations).  The
HDHR and HDPVR handle 99% of my recording needs.  That being said, you also
mention schedule data.  If you are in the states, you will not want to rely
on EIT data for scheduling. Schedules Direct will be your friend and well
worth the $20/year.

-- Ken E.
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