Windows MCE and HDTV capture.

[digital-mann]

Bare with me. I've researched the internet and this site to obtain a clear idea on capturing HDTV with Windows MCE. My understanding is it can't be done without an OTA HD card.

My question is the following, and if someone could explain why it would help.

Is there no capture card available that has a DVI(or hdmi) input that can capture HD content from an HD satellite/cable receiver? If there is, is it compatible with Windows MCE?

Does anyone know or future plans for such a device?

Thanks.

[Nelson37]

SFAIK, nothing available, and any future card so equipped will most likely have recording blocked.

Current available methods are Firewire capture with an enabled box, OTA HD cards for non-encrypted programming.

An alternate is to capture the S-Video feed from an HD channel. It is not HD, but it IS the best quality SD from broadcast, true widescreen in most cases, and also progressive. Also it is already in DVD-ready resolution. I no longer capture anything else on a regular basis. The difference is dramatic.

[digital-mann]

Thanks for the info. I don't really care about the DVD ready. I just want to use the PVR feature of my MCE while still watching the HD stations. HD hockey is incredible, but I can't pause it when I need to.

[digital-mann]

I suppose that is why there are not any Dolby Digital capture options either?

[David K]

Nelson 37,

How do you get your S video feed from the high def channel?
Do you use a terrestrial ASTC tuner, and if so which one do you use or can you recommend?

[digital-mann]

Just connect your HD receiver to your Media Centre via SVIDEO cable and tune to the HD channels. The revceiver should still broadcast the station.

[David K]

I do not yet have a high def receiver, so I was trying to figure out what to buy. I do not need or want a high def T.V. in my computer room.

[digital-mann]

Ah, then I wouldn't bother.