[mythtv-users] Can't simultaneously record two programs with 3 (or 4) available tuners v2

[faginbagin]

On 10/17/2013 12:16 AM, George Nassas wrote:
> On 2013-10-15, at 7:04 PM, Karl Newman wrote:
> 
>> This is important. This means your digital tuners are useless. Comcast almost certainly gave you what are called DTAs (digital transport adapters), which decrypt the cable signal for the selected channel and output an analog NTSC signal on channel 3 or 4. Or, if they gave you the HD-DTAs, it outputs on HDMI and you can't do any recording with that (legally). So your best bet is to get your analog tuner(s) working with the DTAs. You'll need one DTA to match with each analog tuner you want to record at the same time, and an IR blaster for each DTA as well, to change the channel.
> 
> This is good advice, I might refine it slightly to say your digital tuners are useless for recording digital cable but they’re still great for recording digital over the air broadcasts. Go over to tvfool.com, give it your address and antenna details, and it should come up with around a dozen digital channels which are in easy reception range for you. All you have to do is split your antenna cable into two lines, feed those into the hvr 1800 and 2250 cards, and do some easy myth setup which is similar to what you’ve already done. Digital broadcasts are really, really nice. Worth the effort.
> 
> Like Karl says if you have a DTA with analog output you still have the option of recording it using the analog input of your hvr-1800 card. It can record digital and analog simultaneously so it’s all good. A tricky part is myth needs a way to change the channel on your DTA which means you have to get an IR blaster, write a script to control it, and hook that into myth’s tuning process. For an experienced person this is low to medium complexity, for you medium to high but there are lots of people here who can help.
> 
> And like Gary described, you can try a CableCard approach but that’s also medium to high complexity and you’re spending on more hardware.
> 
> In the short term you should get things going with recording off your antenna to see if you even like myth. Most people do but maybe you’ll think it’s too much bother. Then you can decide if recording cable is worth the effort.
> 
> - George

You know there is another option to Comcast or OTA in many markets. It is WideOpenWest. They have made a commitment to NOT encrypt basic cable and OTA stations. As a WOW customer, I don't need cablecard tuners or DTAs to record digital TV. Nor do I need a DTA or STB to watch live TV on my HDTVs. Go to wowway.com to find out if WOW is an option for you. At the bottom of the "Get WOW" page, it says:

"Or, Browse Packages for these areas: Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus OH, Detroit, Evansville, Grand Rapids and Lansing. 

"For Pricing and packaging in: Auburn, Augusta, Charleston, Columbus GA, Dothan, Fort Gordan, Huntsville, Knoxville, Lawrence, Montgomery, Panama City, Pinellas, Rapid City, Sioux City and Valley please contact us."

I wouldn't be surprised if other small cable providers, like WOW, have recognized they could gain an advantage over the big cable guys if they don't encrypt basic cable services.

HTH,
Helen

P.S. I don't work for WOW, and don't get any benefits for telling you about it.