Comcast DVR Set-Top Box

[kburton]

I'm getting some conflicting information so I figured I'd settle in the forum's of this truly awesome website.

I'm about to purchase a Hauppauge WinTV PVR-150 card mainly for TV capture purposes. I'd like to transfer some of what I've got DVR'ed on Comcast's box onto my computer with this card. I don't doubt the card will handle this task well using either S-VHS or composite jacks on both ends. What I'm curious about is the FireWire port on the Comcast box. Has anyone had success transferring from the Comcast box to their computer via FireWire? I would further upgrade my computer if it's possible.

I'm in the DFW area. I've called Comcast inquiring about this and was told that "90% of the time these ports are not hot, but that I should reference Motorola's website and check there" which I did and of course it doesn't say one way or another. I figured this would be a firmware decision from Comcast's perspective whether certain ports are hot, but I could be wrong.

This is the box I have.
http://broadband.motorola.com/consumers/products/dct6200/

Any feedback would be appreciated.

[edDV]

The IEEE-1394 port outputs in the D-VHS format if it is supported locally by your cable system. All Comcast channels are encrypted via this port (including DVR playbacks).

Local DTV channels may be available unencrypted. In April, the FCC ruled that a cable company cannot encrypt these local DTV TS streams. Local stations have the right to encrypt their own stream as they see fit.

So for encoding your DVR material, you are limited to analog S-Video (recommended) and composite.

[kburton]

edDV,
Thanks for the reply. All makes sense. S-Video transfer is fine with me.

[Shocker Milwaukee]

The IEEE-1394 port outputs in the D-VHS format if it is supported locally by your cable system. All Comcast channels are encrypted via this port (including DVR playbacks).

Local DTV channels may be available unencrypted. In April, the FCC ruled that a cable company cannot encrypt these local DTV TS streams. Local stations have the right to encrypt their own stream as they see fit.

So for encoding your DVR material, you are limited to analog S-Video (recommended) and composite.

@ edDV - Is the same true for the USB ports on the same unit?

[kburton]

I thought about asking that also, but on my unit it just happens to say "USB 1.1". I don't know if it'd be wiser to try that (If possible) or stick with the S-video port.

edDV or anyone else - thoughts?

[edDV]

The IEEE-1394 port outputs in the D-VHS format if it is supported locally by your cable system. All Comcast channels are encrypted via this port (including DVR playbacks).

Local DTV channels may be available unencrypted. In April, the FCC ruled that a cable company cannot encrypt these local DTV TS streams. Local stations have the right to encrypt their own stream as they see fit.

So for encoding your DVR material, you are limited to analog S-Video (recommended) and composite.

@ edDV - Is the same true for the USB ports on the same unit?

No, as I recall USB is for control. Mine is currenetly non-functional. The Motorola site is the best place to find the full spec for this port. Comcast won't detail their plans.

From Motorola site:

USB is v1.1

"Features such as a smart card interface, DOCSIS and USB are features added for future use by your cable provider and may not be activated at time of purchase. These features were designed for future use and applications that your local cable provider may make available to you in the future."

Full Spec is here:
http://broadband.motorola.com/consumers/products/dct6200/downloads/DCT6200_User_Guide.pdf

Potential USB devices shown are printers, keyboard, mouse, still camera, joystick, computer and hard drive. DVR models have SATA connectors for external DVR HDD.

[BillDoE]

You can capture HDTV from a Motorola STB and Comcrap via 1394/Firewire.

Heres how.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=403695

I do it all the time. And no nothing I have captured was DHCP protected or scrambled. HBO,Showtime, Discovery. I do them all.

I do not have a DVR model. I capture direct to my PC's HDD. I don't think you can transfer things from the DVR.

[edDV]

You can capture HDTV from a Motorola STB and Comcrap via 1394/Firewire.

Heres how.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=403695

I do it all the time. And no nothing I have captured was DHCP protected or scrambled. HBO,Showtime, Discovery. I do them all.

I do not have a DVR model. I capture direct to my PC's HDD. I don't think you can transfer things from the DVR.

Your mileage will vary locally. My local system is in upgrade and sometimes the digital channels work over IEEE-1394 and sometimes not.

Currently they are working with the following resolutions and bit rates. Even analog channels produce a TS stream via the motorola box now. How do these compare with your caps?

Analog - 720x480 8.5Mbps (locally digitized in the DCT-6200)
Digital - 528x480 15.0Mbps
HDTV - 1920x1080 25Mbps or 20Mbps

All interlaced. As reported by CapDVHS.