options for capturing from satellite receiver/cable tv

[method]

Hi all . I want to be able to record from my satellite receiver and cable TV. Could an expert tell me what options i have when it comes to purchasing hardware tool. I am looking forward for usb,firewire,pci,... solutions.Thanks

[Nelson37]

You will definitely need more memory, 512 to 1 gig.

Faster CPU might be needed.

Second hard drive almost mandatory.

Look in the list of capture cards to the left. Reviews and opinions already done, with far more user input than you will get in this thread.

Your choice of usage type, playback device, storage medium, and archiving methodology are all necessary inputs for further advice.

I will assume you do not desire to inscribe individual scenes and dialog onto stone tablets.

[edDV]

The most basic approach is to capture from set top box as analog S-Video and audio.

For that you would select an analog to digital capture device. These then break down into uncompressed capture (i.e. computer does all the encoding) and realtime hardware encoding devices. Hardware encoding devices break down by format encoded (e.g. MPeg2, MPeg4, DV) and by internal PCI cards vs external devices (e.g. IEEE-1394 or USB2).

Each of these has pro-con for a given task. That is why all options exit.

[method]

Thanks for both of u for reply. The problem is that i am not familiar with connections on back of my receiver.So i do not know which ones are utilized for this purpose!! I attached a pic and be happy if some one explain to me which ones are used for purpose of recording.

My whole goal is to do a research and then go purchase the device. I went the other day in to a shop and the sales man were trying to sell the most expensive device for this purpose. I got very mad because he did not understand what i was looking for!!

I be happy if some one tell me what are the least expensive devices that i can use for purpose of recording from my satellite receiver.Thanks

[edDV]

What box is that? Model number and service?

[method]

What box is that? Model number and service?

Thank u for u reply.
i have DTM box 2004 and digisky and viewing Free to air channels only . No subscription to any service.

[edDV]

Most basic (in USA context) is record from RCA composite video and audio to a VCR or DVD recorder.

Other connectors are TV-scart and VCR-scart used for connecting euro equipment. Various adapters exist.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SCART
http://pinouts.ru/VideoCables/scart_svhs_pinout.shtml

[method]

Thanks for u helpful post. I be Happy if answer the following questions i have :
1)could u tell me for both pci capture cards and usb based capture cards what type of connectors needs to be utilized?(such as RCA,TV-scart ,s-vhs )
2)could u mention the name of each type of cable used in each type of connection?
3) RCA connectors are the ones that are red ,white and yellow ?
4)Is there any difference in quality of recording by using either type of connectors ?
5) what is the type of signal (digital or analog?) when different type of connectors from back of my receiver is used? in another word, all of them are digital ?
6)earlier you mentioned about analog to digital capture device, so u mean satellite receivers output is not digital? i was thinking satellite receivers are digital !!