Do I need a satelite box to watch TV on ATI TV card?

[Bennybone]

I have been a long time lurker on the forum but mostly on the video editing side of the house. My question is based on my limited knowledge of "TV cards" specifically a ATI 9600 AIW.

I built a computer for my Dad and I am going to unveil it on Friday, I know that he currently has DirecTV Digital Satelite BUT does not subscribe to HDTV content.

The primary objective is to of course watch TV on the new PC from the office, the manuals and website for connecting the AIW to the source (in this case Digital Satelite) is void of any helpful information. Which would lead me to assume that it is plug and play from the standpoint that you plug in the coax into the AIW and viola!

However there is a big difference between using a splitter after the LNB of the dish and running direct to the TV card and using a splitter after the satelite box in the room next door... What is the proper way to run the coax so that you can change channels at the PC?

I appreciate your help in advance!

[Marty2003]

I don't have satellite and my knowledge of capture cards is limited, all I have is an old cheapo Hauppauge Win-TV-Go card but I'm pretty sure you need to connect the AIW to the output of the decoder. The AIW will not "understand" the signals before they get to the decoder. Since you need a decoder for the AIW to understand the signal, and the decoder can only output one channel at a time the AIW will not be able to change the channels through software unless you have an IR blaster setup to change the channels on the actual decoder.

[DLogic]

Unfortunately, DirecTV isn't compatible with PC's. An access card is required for all decoding of signals and, to this date, there is no support for them on PC's. I wish it were possible... I'd love to be able to use my PC as a Tivo machine. I know it works for analog cable TV systems. Only current solution is to hookup the box to the card itself. You'd still have to use the box to change channels and all.

[Bennybone]

Unfortunately, DirecTV isn't compatible with PC's. An access card is required for all decoding of signals and, to this date, there is no support for them on PC's. I wish it were possible... I'd love to be able to use my PC as a Tivo machine. I know it works for analog cable TV systems. Only current solution is to hookup the box to the card itself. You'd still have to use the box to change channels and all.

So to clarify what you just said - I CAN view the satelite feed on the PC by spllitting the signal after the DirecTV box that has the access card in it... I won't have channel controlling ability but I will at least get to watch the signal in the office!?!?!?

Not interested in this point at recording anything, first thing is first in that I want to at least get the PC to act as a viewing terminal. Good idea on the IR trasmitter!

[Gritz]

My DirecTV satellite box is RCA and has 3 video outputs. The S-Video goes to my TV, the Antenna Out goes to a computer with a AIW card where I can watch or record, and the 3rd composite goes ... as I remember, to one of my VCRs. I have 2 sets of sound outputs ... and I the second pair is going to my PC at the moment. So ... yes, you can view the Sat feed after the box.

[Bennybone]

My DirecTV satellite box is RCA and has 3 video outputs. The S-Video goes to my TV, the Antenna Out goes to a computer with a AIW card where I can watch or record, and the 3rd composite goes ... as I remember, to one of my VCRs. I have 2 sets of sound outputs ... and I the second pair is going to my PC at the moment. So ... yes, you can view the Sat feed after the box.

Seems like I am recieving conflicting information on the recording aspect of the setup... I now understand clearly that the connections should be made downstream from the satelite reciever box and so now my questions will be related to the recording of non-HD content

Can anyone else who is on DirecTV digital satelite comment to the ability to record what you are watching...

Thanks

[Nelson37]

Have same satellite system and similar card. If you can see it on the PC, you can record it. No problem.