HTPC... again

[dragonash]

Every now and then I come across an article talking about HTPC or even reviews of google tv/apple tv and there are always people who say "for the same price, you can make an HTPC"

Whenever I read comments like those, the techy in me starts to itch and I kind of do want to build one. Building one is not a problem, however, whenever I do my research, I always get stuck on this fundamental question.

When comparing my cable companies DVR, how can I replicate the capabilities? What do I need?

I hear some people say that in order to decode, you will need a basic cable box and a tuner connected to the HTPC. So if I want to watch one channel and record another channel at the same time, does that mean I need 2 tuners plus the one basic cable box?

This is when I start going cross eyed and say...F it. I will just get googletv for my b-day lol

[Ninjahedge]

The answer is yes, you need two tuners.

the thing is, I think you can get decoders for the computer that are simple cards now rather than eintire boxes since tehy do not need to amplify and transmit the signal (THEY do not produce the light or component signals that need to be hooked up, so they do not need much of the bulk).

I know they have these cards for some TV's, but I am not sure if they have them as video cards for HTPC systems yet.

I think they are still researching on how to charge you for "equipment rental" :P


Thing is this, you may be able to simply have the recorder attached to your main machine in another room and then just stream the recorded content to your HTPC/Player in the living room.....

[Ash]

I dont get Googletv. In this episode they show it and I dont see it as being a stand alone product.


http://revision3.com/tekzilla/tekzilla-164

[dragonash]

Ash - thanks for the link.
They pretty much summed up what i was feeling when i just played with it at best buy.
It felt incomplete, but with soooooo much potential. Especially when that app store goes live.

[Ash]

It's sad that everything so far has fallen short. One device to do it all.

[Ninjahedge]

One device that fits in the entertainment center!!!!! ;)

[dragonash]

the main problem that *I* believe is hindering everything is the whole cable card crap.
First off...renting the cable card is stupid and these cable companies want you to pay for everything.

Second, you will not get the VOD stuff! I think that is VERY stupid.

Thirdly, i believe there is an issue with getting certain channels. Something like you wont be able to decode some of them if you didnt have your normal cable box looped into your system...but that could be related to the VOD stuff. Can anyone clear that up for me?

[Ash]

The HDNation Guy just got his new cable card so in the next few week we should see how it works in his HTPC.

[Ninjahedge]

All they need to do is actually work with an electronics company to get something that would be compatible.

Like I said, the only real thing you need the card for is decryption of the signal and account verification. They should leave everything else up to the consumer.

I think they are more concerned about second hand streaming. One guy getting the card with everything on it tuning into PPV events and either recording them or live streaming them w/o Cable/Verizon getting any $$......

[dragonash]

I think they are more concerned about second hand streaming. One guy getting the card with everything on it tuning into PPV events and either recording them or live streaming them w/o Cable/Verizon getting any $$......


i cant see that being an issue since its so easy to get a usb kit and stream TV to your laptop.

Hell, I could easily use my laptop as an all in one HTPC, but I just dont like the "idea" of using a laptop for that lol Dont ask me why... I really should make use of it since I dont use it much.