diffrence between tv tuner and capture card?

[method]

Hi all. could any one explain to me what is diffrence between tv tuner and and capture card? Which one is used to recive video input? which recived digital input and which one recives analog input?Furthermore, satalite reciver(free to air channels) and cable tv are digital signals or analog? I be happy if an expert explain these diffrence to me.Thanks

[yoda313]

A straight tv tuner card would only be able to WATCH tv signals not RECORD> A tv CAPTURE card can WATCH AND RECORD.

There is digital cable and anaglog cable. I believe all satellite is digitial. You have to get a capture card that specifically says it can handle digital cable/satellite signals. I believe all can at least display the signal from a digital source but I think these days you are starting to be restricted on what you can and cannot record off of a digital input. You'd have to read the documentation of your specific card to know for sure.

[method]

Many thanks for u reply. The problem is that when i go to a shop the sales man is trying to sell me the most expinse device !! I went and ask for capture card so i can record from reciver and he was suggesting that i take an analog tv tuner or analog devices !! He was not telling me if the tool was good for my purpuse and the box was behind the glass and i could not touch it!!

I attached a pic of back of my reciver and be happy if what connections from back my reciver can be utilized. Furthermore, what should tell the sales man so he give me the reight card ?Thanks

[yoda313]

Well if you hadn't already mentioned it I would let the sales person know EXACTLY what type of service you have. Be specific - if its analog or digital cable or satellite.

You can essentially record to and from any device as long as it has the old rca video cables (you know the ones color coded yellow for video, white for left audio and red for right audio). Just hook the output from your source to the input on your capture card and you are set to go - very basic and usually foolproof as long as the source isn't corrupted.

[method]

so u mean i can use any capture card device using old rca video that u mention and record as mpeg in a good quality ? for example Pinnacle PCTV Analog PCI

The strange thing is that some of those capturing tools has word analog on their name and as far as i know receiver satellite receiver is digital and i wonder how it is possible to record from digital device using analogy tool!!! I be happy if explain this to me.Thanks

[yoda313]

Yes if you have the rca out just plug them into the recording device assuming it has a rca in jack.

It does it from digital to analog in the satellite/cable box first - that device sends out the anlog signal thru the rca cables. Your capture device will just then process them as if they came from an old vcr.