Capturing Digital Cable? Is this possible?

[loki2099]

hey there! I'm moving in to a new apartment. My old place has regular cable and I use a Pinnacle Studio PCTV Pro and record on my Win2k box with NO problems.

My new place has digital cable and I want to know how to set up my computer to capture from it or if it's even possible. Will I need a cable box? Run the Digital Cable to my S-Video on the PCTV?

I have a firewire card and getting the right software isn't an issue... just need to know what setup to use!

Thanks!!!
loki2099

[loudanddeep]

The digital cable uses a converter box, to convert the digital stuff to standard video (composite or svideo).

You just take that output and use it like any other video input.

As far as I know, there are no digital cable decoder cards here in the us. (I think there are a few in europe).

BTW - I would reccomend satelite, more channels, better UI, less $. (I have both).

dp

[Bud]

Yes, I use VirtualDub Capture, I have a Digital Cable Box. I use the S-Video from the Box to my capture card, and a capture to AVI and convert to MPEG for VCD and SVCD. I can cap anything that comes across, all channels including HBO, Starz, VH1, VH1C etc.....A great way to do it.

Bud

[Bud]

Forgot one thing, just set up yur TV Card to channel 3 or 4 just like a VCR, depending on what your Digital Box tells you.

Bud

[next]

I capture digital cable too but capture straight to mpeg2 via s-video. I find that the digital source is so clean and the resolution significantly higher than analog cable that going straight to mpeg2 produces excellent quality.

[Bud]

If at all possible use the S-Video Out and In, it will add to the overall resolution.

Bud

[loki2099]

sweet!
thanks for all the help! I'll make sure I get a cable box and run the s-Video straight to the capture card.

You guys are the greatest!
thanks again
loki2099

[Greg12]

I find that cable is the superior choice because i have like 6 jacks in my house n my tv's built in tuner works.

Also, i enjoy not having to have a phone line hooked into each reciever.