Anyone capturing Comcast HDTV broadcasts?

[margib]

Comcast is starting to get more channels but I don't see an easy way to record this sort of content. The Motorola 5100 box I have doesn't have a firewire out so does that mean to only way to record would be using the analog outs?

Ideally I would like to record via my PC which is in a different room than my HDTV. I will probably just wait until Comcast gets the new Motorola box with built-in PVR but what would I need to record now if I wanted (to my PC)? I know if it is possible one of you is doing it .

I figure at least I would need a second cable box for my PC (I have cable internet so I could tap easily) but my current TV card only has composite and s-video in. Would these capture an HD signal okay? I understand it would actually be analog at this point but it should work right?

Thanks.

[thayne]

but my current TV card only has composite and s-video in. Would these capture an HD signal okay? I understand it would actually be analog at this point but it should work right?

No. You need an HDTV capture card

[cplevel42]

Yes, you can capture OK, but it will NOT be HD. It will be analog. When you get an HDTV capture device, then you will have REAL HDTV captures as suggested by the always profound "Thayne".

[thayne]

Yes, you can capture OK, but it will NOT be HD. It will be analog. When you get an HDTV capture device, then you will have REAL HDTV captures as suggested by the always profound "Thayne".

Profound? he he he 8)

[wmfv7]

Will an HD cable box output any signal at all if you are on an HD channel and you are only using either the Standard rca or S-video ouputs?

cplevel42 do you get any signal at all when you plug your cable box into your capture card and put it on an HD channel? My Time Warner HD box only sends a signal out of the Component outputs when it is on an HD channel. Would a non-HD TV with standard Component inputs pick up a signal on an HD channel or does it have to be and HDTV to pick up a signal on an HD channel?

[cplevel42]

I don't have HD yet. I'm getting a Large screen HDTV in January.

My video card is component compatible, but only for output to a HDTV. Its a ATI All In Wonder 9700 Pro.

I only have inputs for regular video and s-video, so HD is not an option.

see my manual here. http://www.ati.com/support/manualpdf/AW9700Pr.pdf?type=pc&cardType=ALL+IN+WONDER&prod=...=11&submit.y=7

[gminnick]

I found a FAQ here on the MyHD HDTV decoder card.

http://www.digitalconnection.com/Support/cn_myhd_1.asp

There was a question similar to yours.

Q. Can I record cable or satellite HD programs?
A. No. All HDTV card "stores" high-def signals in their raw data form and decodes the signal during playback. Since Cable and Satellite services do not use 8VSB modulation, their signals require dedicated tuners, and once decoded, cannot be routed to the input of the HDTV PC cards.

I don't know if this will be common among all HDTV capture cards. If so, seems pointless to get one. How many people are really going to have HDTV antenna's? And if so, what programs are over-the-air that anyone would want to spend that much money for hdtv recording?

If someone knows something different please reply. I am just now checking into HDTV recording myself.

[cplevel42]

Yes, correct! These are for playback, not recording. There has to be a way of doing a workaround though.

[powaking]

I've found that in HD channels on my Comcast system I can view the HD channels via the S-Video out but the quality is not all there. Once I switch the TV to HD mode then you can definitly see the difference. The HD picture via the S-Video though is much improved over the non-HD channels. but again you won't get the clarity you do get out of the components.

[handyguy]

Why not get a HDTV VCR? Used to be around $1,500 but should be around $300 or so these days.