[mythtv-users] HDPVR replacement

Gary Buhrmaster gary.buhrmaster at gmail.com
Sun Sep 7 07:13:30 UTC 2014


On Sun, Sep 7, 2014 at 4:28 AM, Oz Dror <odror7 at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi
>
> My HDPVR is getting old. I am looking for a replacement.

Because you have had it a long time, or because it is failing?
The HDPVR (along with many Hauppauge devices) tend to
"fail" with age because the power being supplied to it (from the
power adapter/brick/wall-wart) is poor.  Replace the brick, and
the device can be more reliable.

>  Something that does
> not use the Analog output (component) and will allow recording of of ALL the
> available channels.  I have Time Warner.

There is encryption of the stream, and DRM flags on the stream.
TWC encrypts everything other than the basic channels in
most markets, but is encrypting everything over time (already
done in the test market in Maine, the great NYC area, and
is in progress in some parts of California).  While one could use a
clear QAM tuner to record the un-encrypted (local) channels
today in most markets, that is a short term solution.  In
addition, TWC sets all digital streams (other than the locals) to
be DRM flagged as Copy Once.  Only fully certified platforms
(i.e. WMC and TiVo) can record and play back the digital
streams set to Copy Once.  The HDPVR (with TWCs STB)
takes advantage of the "analog hole" to record protected content.

> The same channel number is assigned to HD and SD. I would like it pick up
> the HD signal.

This auto SD->HD function (when the output of the STB is
set to HDMI) is something the STB does by TWC
configuration.  You can manually configure MythTV
to do something equivalent, but MythTV has no knowledge,
nor ability to discern, how TWC has configured their boxes
for auto SD->HD.

> Is the HDPVR 2 supported now on mythtv.

MythTV depends on the v4l/dvb linuxtv drivers. That is your
authoritative source for support.  And the current answer is
the same as the last answer.

> Are HDHomerun prime or ceton 4 are
> better. Is there a better choice ?.

Not really for TWC and MythTV.  If you move to WMC, then
an OCUR tuner such as the HDHR Prime or the InfiniTV are
good choices.

> If I cannot record channels like HBO. Is it possible for mythtv (or xbmc) to
> stream it from a windows machine (far less preferable choice. I do not want
> to have two computers running).

No.  HBO is set to Copy Once.  Only WMC and TiVo can record and
display digital Copy Once content, and only to other of their platforms
(certified extenders).  The HDPVR uses the "analog hole" to record
such protected content.


More information about the mythtv-users mailing list