HDTV(ComCast) DishNetwork(ViewSat Ultra 2000)

[KrishManohar]

Hello,

I am looking for a way to capture HDTV Shows to xvid(Mpeg2 i think) Like Boxing or UFC fight.

I have both cable and dish network at my home and like to capture from both.

What card do i need for both a desktop / laptop

And software. I would like to remove unwated scene ending title and so on.

Desktop Spec:
AMD 1ghz 640MB Ram WinXP - SP2
Laptop Spec:
AMD 64 2.01GHz 480MB Ram Winxp pro sp2

I dont care if it takes 3 - 5 hours i want it to be done perfectly so i can watch it again if i want to.
Thanks.
Krish

[jman98]

If you have an HD cable box, it is possible via firewire to do a direct capture of non-encrypted channels to a PC. HBO is an example of an encrypted channel you will not be able to capture with this method. ESPN HD is an example of a non-encrypted channel you can capture with this method. Here is a link:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=403695
This method works very well for me. It is also possible to record standard definition shows with this method.

I can't help you with captures from satellite devices. I know only that such things are possible.

[KrishManohar]

Thanks jman98,
I really need one for all channels including HBO and PPV, and some Sports.

thanks,
Krish

[davidsama]

You would really need a faster pc than what you have to do that quickly and easily.

[jman98]

You would really need a faster pc than what you have to do that quickly and easily.

Not necessarily true. The firewire capture simply dumps the transport stream to a PC. Since there is no processing of the signal, it couldn't be any easier or faster.

KrishManohar - There is no good way that I know of to capture PPV and HBO. Your sports channel captures SHOULD work fine with this method, provided that your local cable company didn't do something weird.

[KrishManohar]

jman98, Thanks again.

What Spec would be needed for my computer?

[Krispy Kritter]

Thanks jman98,
I really need one for all channels including HBO and PPV, and some Sports.

thanks,
Krish

It likely won't be possible for all channels. HBO, PPV and some other channels set the copy protect flag during some of their broadcasts. Most recording options honor the flag, preventing the recording.