Watch DirecTV on PC

[ned911]

I've got DirecTV and would like to be able to watch on my pc. Would also like to capture in a Tivo like fashion. Since the DirecTV receiver would be handling all the "tuner" chores what type of capture card do I need?

I have a Canon MiniDV camcorder could I use that as a bridge and still watch like TV and get Tivo functionality?

One last thing... I will need to purchase a new DTV receiver (old one died) is there a particular model that I want to get?

Ned

[TheServerGod]

To get the SVideo out of your DirecTV, a lot of people like the Xcapture card from Prolink. It can use freeware software called Dscaler, which can actually improve your picture from DirecTV.

Take a look at SnapStream software for timeshifting capture.

If you hook your TV up to your Dolby Digital 5.1 receiver for surround sound, and you LOVE DD5.1, you'll be unhappy with PC emulation of TIVO. In that case, be sure to get the Sony DirecTIVO. It captures the programs in DirecTV's proprietary format, and when timeshifting, maintains the digital audio output. No other system available allows you to timeshift Dolby Digital sound.

You can archive Svideo and stereo audio from the DirecTIVO using a PC, but no way of archiving the AC3 stream seems possible, to my knowledge.

[ned911]

Thanks for the quick reply. I'm mainly using this in my home office so I can watch TV while working at night. Mainly will use the PVR functionality to record Speed Channel since the wife doesn't like to watch racing.

Not to concerned about the surround sound issue.

Ned

[AndrewC4]

I have the All In Wonder 9000, is there anyway I can change the channels on my DirecTV viewed on my PC buy the on screen PVR menu or can I only change the channels using the sat. reciever?

Thanks
Drew