splitting the signal source to computer

[timbo-wilderbeest]

In the past, whenever I've wanted to record something from the additional channels that come with our cable package I've had to use the VCR hooked up to the cable company's little black box in our main viewing area. All the other cable outlets in our home only have the standard package available of course, including the one my computer's hooked up to.

It would be easier all round if I could record directly to the computer, and I was wondering if I could put a splitter behind Brighthouse's little box and run a separate cable to my computer. That way, if I want to record or watch something off a station like Ovation while I'm working on my PC, I can do so. Only question is how much the signal will be affected by splitting it in this manner.

Can anyone provide an answer?

A last point. Can you actually buy those little cable boxes instead of renting additional units from the cable company?

Thanks in advance...........Tim

[edDV]

If you spit and distribute the output of a single cable box, everyone has to watch the same channel. Also you would need to go to the other room to change channels. Remotes are infrared not RF.

You can buy a cable box but the cable company would need to program it to receive any digital channels. Most won't do that. The only exception is Cablecard technology. There is movement on Cablecard tuners for HTPC (particularly MCE) but still a year out or more.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CableCARD

[timbo-wilderbeest]

Hi again,
I'm well aware about the limitations that you mentioned. The point was about setting it up temporarily whenever I specifically want to watch or record something in this manner. Any other time the cable would be disconnected, otherwise we'd have an unsightly roll of cable permanently strung across our living area.

The question related to the technical feasibility of the measure, not so much its practicality.

Thanks..........Tim