Pioneer DVR-520H-S & HDTV

[kenmo]

My cable provider is now offering HDTV via a leased Motorola 2500. Will the Pioneer recorder capture HDTV if I hook it up to the Motorola ?

They are also offering a Motorola 6208 PVR for lease but it does not have a DVD recorder. If I captured HDTV shows on the Motorola PVR would I be able to move the shows (or recpature) to an external DVD recorder or the Pioneer DVR-520H ?

So for so many questions....


Cheers

Kenmo

[telemike]

You can only record SD from the box (480i) via S-Video or Composite. Only D-VHS can record HD via firewire.

I do get good results from recording SD output of an HD channel.

[Frobozz]

telemike already has answered your question. I have the same setup with a Motorola HD converter box and the Pioneer DVR-510H-S. I've recorded high definition channels using the recorder's line input and have a good-looking standard definition picture. No complaints.

You might notice that the Motorola DVR uses about five times more hard drive space for HD recording than for recording from other channels. This means you couldn't fit much HD programming on a single-layer DVD even if that option was available. Plus, the Pioneer DVR can't play HD anyway.

I am interested in the Motorola DVR. I'm paying $5 per month for the HD converter and I have heard that it might only be another $5 to get it with the DVR. If you get this I'd like to read what you think of it.

[masterpug0]

is the only way to capture dvr material from the motorola 6208 dvr firmware 7.10+ of 5c encrypted channels with s-video or rca's for an analog vs. digital transfer? if so, is it better to get an hd capture box like the hauppauge hdtv pvr2 usb breakout box?

mike

[DVWannaB]

is the only way to capture dvr material from the motorola 6208 dvr firmware 7.10+ of 5c encrypted channels with s-video or rca's for an analog vs. digital transfer? if so, is it better to get an hd capture box like the hauppauge hdtv pvr2 usb breakout box?

mike

Personally, if your intent is to capture HD material that has the 5c flag, then buying the hauppauge hdtv pvr2 usb breakout box is a waste of time and money. For one, the Motorola 6408 & 6412 output HDTV via firewire to crtified DVHS machines. With the DVHS machine you can capture once and playback, but it will not allow you to archive it. Meaning, the 5c flag inbedded will not allow you to capture via firewire from DVHS to computer or any other capture device.

The only way to record HD programs with 5c flag, is via svideo or rca out to capture device. Meaning you do not get HD resolution (1920x1080 or 1280x720), only standard resolution (720x480). But even in standard resolution, the quality of the capture SLAM_DUNKS regular cable/satellite capture.

One final note, you CAN record HD programming if it does not have the 5c flag. That means, no ESPN, ESPN2, HBO, Showtime, HDNet and INHD. Some Discovery HD is not flagged. Not sure about TNT-HD (most likely flagged). So your choices are limited. If you want to record local network HD programming (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, PBS, WB), just get an over-the-air antenna and record away in FULL HD GLORY !!!!!

[edDV]

One final note, you CAN record HD programming if it does not have the 5c flag. That means, no ESPN, ESPN2, HBO, Showtime, HDNet and INHD. Some Discovery HD is not flagged. Not sure about TNT-HD (most likely flagged). So your choices are limited. If you want to record local network HD programming (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, PBS, WB), just get an over-the-air antenna and record away in FULL HD GLORY !!!!!

Local HD channels are available in DVHS (MPeg TS) format from the IEEE-1394 connector on the Comcast HD cable box. The FCC prohibits cable companies from further encrypting the locals but the local broadcaster has that option.

The local cable DTV channel feed is a single digital channel version of the local broadcast (either upscaled SD or HD), usually fed to the cable company over fiber or microwave from the station but sometimes is taken off air. If you tune the same station over the air, you get the DTV multiplex of as many as 2-5 subchannels from the same station.

[Epicurus8a]

I have the 420H-s and record/play NTSC Widescreen without any problem. If I play that disc back on a standard NTSC TV the picture is 'squished' a bit, but it's not a big deal. NOTE: If I want to, I can re-author the disc(s) with Ulead Workshop 2 to get widescreen playback on either type of TV. (Letterbox on the standard NTSC TV).

[DVWannaB]

NOTE: If I want to, I can re-author the disc(s) with Ulead Workshop 2 to get widescreen playback on either type of TV. (Letterbox on the standard NTSC TV).

Me thinks there is a much quicker method with Ifoedit

[Epicurus8a]

I'll check it out. Thanks.

Update: IfoEdit solved the aspect ratio problem quickly. Unfortunately the newly burned disc only plays in my Pioneer 420H-s, and not in my other player (same problem I have with discs burned in the Pioneer). Re-authoring with Ulead DVD Workshop 2 solves this compatibility issue and offers a wide selection of menus, buttons, etc.