Advice on hardware to: Capture Sky TV on to PC

[baz0hara]

Hi,

I am aiming to capture my sat tv (sky+, uk) on to my pc and need help and advice on what hardware to purchase.

I already have a pinnacle link usb (horrible) capture device to capture analogue sources, but because i have had so much trouble with the usb drivers i am inclined to look for a pci card this time around. In an ideal world i would want a card that captures both analogue and digital sources, does anyone use a card for this purpose that you would recommend. Ideally i am looking for good quality but nothing professional, low price would be a bonus.

Also, at present i have my pc in a seperate room to my sky box, if i use a tv link system would i still be able to transmit the signal and capture. Basically will i be able to connect a wireless tv link to a capture card?

In summary i am interested in any advice/experience in setting up a rig like above. Please do not hesitate to add you input as i do not want to go out and buy something i will regret later. i know this could possibly qualify for different forums, but thought this one was most relavent

Thanks in advance
Barry

[ChrissyBoy]

Get a DVD recorder. you can get them for under £140. SKY+ to DVDR, take the DVDR to the PC to do whatever you want or just leave the DVDR as is.

[baz0hara]

I would prefer being able to capture via my computer in the different room, then i can also watch sky in the other room.

with regard to the dvd recorder, what exactly is the process involved? just linking up like a traditional VHS to a tv? or does it go through sky+?

[ChrissyBoy]

The way i have it is (all via scart):

SKy+ to TV as normal,
Sky+ to DVDR (using the other scart from Sky+)

So anything you are watching on Sky can be recorded to DVD or you can use the copy function to batch up several sky planner recordings.

I.e it just replaces your VCR.... That can go in the bin once you have transfered all your old VHS tapes to DVD too!


(I have a £230 canopus capture card which is now gathering dust. Digital camcorder, analogue camcorder, VHS, DVD & Sky+ are all used as inputs to my DVD Recorder)

[baz0hara]

ok, i think that is all the confirmation i needed. My only other issue will be relaying the signal to other rooms, but i guess just a tv link will do that for me.

what model you got by the way? are there any ones i should avoid that you know off?

thanks chrissyboy, i really appreciate the feedback.