Capturing TV with my PC

[colt4523]

I used to be able to do this with a tv tuner card but now things have changed. My father has figured out how to capture using his pc but he is able to do that because he has the actually comcast cable box attached to the tv. I on the other hand only have the little digital converter in my room not the cable box. Is there still a way or device that allows me to record tv to my pc for viewing later? I had an old pioneer dvr but I just tried to hook that up and it will not power up anymore. Any help would be appreciated.

[usually_quiet]

I used to be able to do this with a tv tuner card but now things have changed. My father has figured out how to capture using his pc but he is able to do that because he has the actually comcast cable box attached to the tv. I on the other hand only have the little digital converter in my room not the cable box. Is there still a way or device that allows me to record tv to my pc for viewing later? I had an old pioneer dvr but I just tried to hook that up and it will not power up anymore. Any help would be appreciated.

There are PC devices that you could use for recording TV, but your choices depend on the DTA that Comcast gave you. If you need to have the PC change channels on the DTA as well, that is possible too, but it is often more difficult to get that working.

Which DTA do you have, the standard definition DTA that only provides RF out for connecting a TV, or the uDTA (micro DTA) that has both HDMI out for connecting an HDTV, and RF out for connecting an analog TV?

[colt4523]

I used to be able to do this with a tv tuner card but now things have changed. My father has figured out how to capture using his pc but he is able to do that because he has the actually comcast cable box attached to the tv. I on the other hand only have the little digital converter in my room not the cable box. Is there still a way or device that allows me to record tv to my pc for viewing later? I had an old pioneer dvr but I just tried to hook that up and it will not power up anymore. Any help would be appreciated.

There are PC devices that you could use for recording TV, but your choices depend on the DTA that Comcast gave you. If you need to have the PC change channels on the DTA as well, that is possible too, but it is often more difficult to get that working.

Which DTA do you have, the standard definition DTA that only provides RF out for connecting a TV, or the uDTA (micro DTA) that has both HDMI out for connecting an HDTV, and RF out for connecting an analog TV?

I just have the standard DTA. Coaxial cable from the wall into the DTA then into my TV.

http://media2.comcast.net/anon.comcastonline2/support/help/faqs/dta/dta_001.jpg

[usually_quiet]

I used to be able to do this with a tv tuner card but now things have changed. My father has figured out how to capture using his pc but he is able to do that because he has the actually comcast cable box attached to the tv. I on the other hand only have the little digital converter in my room not the cable box. Is there still a way or device that allows me to record tv to my pc for viewing later? I had an old pioneer dvr but I just tried to hook that up and it will not power up anymore. Any help would be appreciated.

There are PC devices that you could use for recording TV, but your choices depend on the DTA that Comcast gave you. If you need to have the PC change channels on the DTA as well, that is possible too, but it is often more difficult to get that working.

Which DTA do you have, the standard definition DTA that only provides RF out for connecting a TV, or the uDTA (micro DTA) that has both HDMI out for connecting an HDTV, and RF out for connecting an analog TV?

I just have the standard DTA. Coaxial cable from the wall into the DTA then into my TV.

Your DTA converts whatever digital channel it is tuning to an NTSC analog TV signal on either channel 3 or channel 4, depending on the position that you selected using the switch on the back of the DTA. You need a PC TV tuner device with an analog tuner to capture the signal. Having this particular DTA means that you can only record a standard definition picture.

The devices below are current models which have both a digital tuner and an analog tuner. Although you only need an analog tuner, analog-only TV tuners were phased out soon after the US switched to digital for over-the-air TV, and some of those older models don't have drivers for Windows 7 and newer operating systems.

If you want an internal PCI-e card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815116028

If you prefer an external USB device, there are these:
http://www.hauppauge.com/site/products/data_hvr1955.html
http://www.hauppauge.com/site/products/data_hvr955q.html

The WinTV HVR-1955 includes an IR-blaster to change channels on the DTA. Its blaster will work with the included WinTV software and some third party software (SageTv and maybe some others) but not Windows Media Center unless you install a plug-in. Otherwise, you would have to buy a MCE remote and an IR receiver/IR blaster to use it with Windows Media Center. You do need to purchase an MCE remote and an IR receiver/IR blaster for the other two TV tuners to control your DTA.

This is one example of an MCE remote kit with an IR receiver/IR blaster: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16880101007&ignorebbr=1&nm_mc=KNC-...82E16880101007 Note that the MCE remote kit in my link includes IR blaster capability, but some others only include an IR receiver with no IR blaster capability to control a DTA.

[SHS]

Or he could get hold of used WinTV HVR-1850 internal PCI-e card or WinTV HVR-1950 external USB device which also includes an IR-blaster to change channels as well

[colt4523]

Thanks for the help guys. I will look into the suggestions. I miss my old pioneer dvr or even my vcr. Much easier before all of this digital conversion. I am leaning towards the WinTV-HVR-1950.

[colt4523]

I have seen the term "cable card" pop up on my research. I wouldn't need one of those correct? Just the WinTV-HVR-1950? Trying to think how this would be setup. I wouldn't be able to use my tv with this correct? I run the coaxial cable into the DTA then into the 1950 which is plugged into my tv. I would then have no outlet to the tv correct? Do I have this wrong?

[usually_quiet]

I have seen the term "cable card" pop up on my research. I wouldn't need one of those correct? Just the WinTV-HVR-1950? Trying to think how this would be setup. I wouldn't be able to use my tv with this correct? I run the coaxial cable into the DTA then into the 1950 which is plugged into my tv. I would then have no outlet to the tv correct? Do I have this wrong?

If you want to record the output from the SD DTA, then a CableCARD is of no use to you. If used with a SD DTA, the WinTV-HVR-1950's analog tuner is the only tuner you need.

Since you are asking about CableCARD, I have a CableCARD tuner and it works great with Comcast service. The only aggravating problem I encountered was getting a working CableCARD from Comcast. The first card wasn't set up correctly, but the second one was fine.

WIth a CableCARD tuner, you no longer need the DTA or the WinTV-HVR-1950. The CableCARD tuner (with an M-Card installed) tunes channels and decrypts the stream, so your your PC can record the resulting MPEG-2 or H.264 stream directly using appropriate PVR software. M-Cards are rented from Comcast at $7.50/month if your household already has a cable box or cable DVR, but may be free otherwise.

You cannot use a CableCARD tuner record video on demand or pay-per-view at all, because CableCARDs, like the Comcast DTAs, do not provide access to interactive services, but you can record cable channels in your package. You would need to use Windows Media Center to be able to record channels with copy-once protection (mostly premium channels like HBO). WMC has the ability to encrypt recordings copy-once channels. Copy-freely channels won't be encrypted and most Comcast channels are copy-freely. There is other PVR software that you could use for recording copy-freely channels. However, I'd suggest using WMC to start regardless because setup is easier.

[SHS]

You cannot use a CableCARD tuner record video on demand or pay-per-view at all, because CableCARDs, like the Comcast DTAs, do not provide access to interactive services, but you can record cable channels in your package. You would need to use Windows Media Center to be able to record channels with copy-once protection (mostly premium channels like HBO). WMC has the ability to encrypt recordings copy-once channels. Copy-freely channels won't be encrypted and most Comcast channels are copy-freely. There is other PVR software that you could use for recording copy-freely channels. However, I'd suggest using WMC to start regardless because setup is easier.

As usually_quiet point out there are up and down to cablecard here list of hardware you get
InfiniTV 4 or InfiniTV 6 in but USB and PCIe models
SiliconDust HDHomeRun PRIME Ethernet
Hauppaue WinTV-DCR-2650 USB and WinTV-DCR-3250 Ethernet

Software Package that support both Encrypted DRM and NoN Encrypted channel
Windows 7 with Media Center Edition is best option

Software Package that suppurt only NoN Encrypted channel
HDHomeRun DVR Software (There own hardware)
Hauppauge WinTV 7 or 8 (There own hardware)
Emby
SageTV
NextPVR
And there min other

[colt4523]

I have seen the term "cable card" pop up on my research. I wouldn't need one of those correct? Just the WinTV-HVR-1950? Trying to think how this would be setup. I wouldn't be able to use my tv with this correct? I run the coaxial cable into the DTA then into the 1950 which is plugged into my tv. I would then have no outlet to the tv correct? Do I have this wrong?

If you want to record the output from the SD DTA, then a CableCARD is of no use to you. If used with a SD DTA, the WinTV-HVR-1950's analog tuner is the only tuner you need.

Since you are asking about CableCARD, I have a CableCARD tuner and it works great with Comcast service. The only aggravating problem I encountered was getting a working CableCARD from Comcast. The first card wasn't set up correctly, but the second one was fine.

WIth a CableCARD tuner, you no longer need the DTA or the WinTV-HVR-1950. The CableCARD tuner (with an M-Card installed) tunes channels and decrypts the stream, so your your PC can record the resulting MPEG-2 or H.264 stream directly using appropriate PVR software. M-Cards are rented from Comcast at $7.50/month if your household already has a cable box or cable DVR, but may be free otherwise.

You cannot use a CableCARD tuner record video on demand or pay-per-view at all, because CableCARDs, like the Comcast DTAs, do not provide access to interactive services, but you can record cable channels in your package. You would need to use Windows Media Center to be able to record channels with copy-once protection (mostly premium channels like HBO). WMC has the ability to encrypt recordings copy-once channels. Copy-freely channels won't be encrypted and most Comcast channels are copy-freely. There is other PVR software that you could use for recording copy-freely channels. However, I'd suggest using WMC to start regardless because setup is easier.

Got ya. So I don't need a cable card. Now about the setup. Am I missing something or I will not be able to use my tv with this setup? I will not have cable going into the tv correct? Thanks for the help.

[jagabo]

You split the cable source with a Y adapter. Send one output to the TV, the other to the cablecard device. Beware, cable companies are quickly moving to all encrypted and copy-once (or never) so they can get you to rent more cable boxes. So a setup that doesn't handle encrypted QAM may soon be useless.

[SHS]

You split the cable source with a Y adapter. Send one output to the TV, the other to the cablecard device. Beware, cable companies are quickly moving to all encrypted and copy-once (or never) so they can get you to rent more cable boxes. So a setup that doesn't handle encrypted QAM may soon be useless.

Yup that ture as well but it not Cable Companies that are doing this jagabo they have chosse in the matter it all Boardcast Network that tell them to enable it or else there face with law suit becases of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

[colt4523]

So will splitting it work with Comcast? I don't want to end up buying a tuner and find out I can only watch tv on my regular tv or pc.

[usually_quiet]

Got ya. So I don't need a cable card. Now about the setup. Am I missing something or I will not be able to use my tv with this setup? I will not have cable going into the tv correct? Thanks for the help.

Comcast no longer provides clear QAM channels, so you need to use the DTA to both watch TV and to capture using the HVR-1950. You can use an RF splitter to split the RF output from the DTA to provide a signal to the TV and the HVR-1950. While this would provide a signal to both the TV and the HVR-1950, it won't allow you to watch one channel while recording another. The DTA can only tune one channel at a time and only has one RF output.

[colt4523]

Got ya. So I don't need a cable card. Now about the setup. Am I missing something or I will not be able to use my tv with this setup? I will not have cable going into the tv correct? Thanks for the help.

Comcast no longer provides clear QAM channels, so you need to use the DTA to both watch TV and to capture using the HVR-1950. You can use an RF splitter to split the RF output from the DTA to provide a signal to the TV and the HVR-1950. While this would provide a signal to both the TV and the HVR-1950, it won't allow you to watch one channel while recording another. The DTA can only tune one channel at a time and only has one RF output.

Got it...thanks

[colt4523]

Got the tuner and everything setup. Any recommendations for dvr software to use? I did a quick search and saw NextPVR. Anyone try that?

[usually_quiet]

Got the tuner and everything setup. Any recommendations for dvr software to use? I did a quick search and saw NextPVR. Anyone try that?

I use NextPVR. It should work for you, but you need to obtain guide data service. I use Schedules Direct, which costs $25/year. Also see: http://nextpvr.com/nwiki/pmwiki.php?n=Hardware.TunerCards. If you can use Windows Media Center, it is easier to set up and guide data service is free. SageTV's free version is also a possibility. http://forums.sagetv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56137

[colt4523]

Got the tuner and everything setup. Any recommendations for dvr software to use? I did a quick search and saw NextPVR. Anyone try that?

I use NextPVR. It should work for you, but you need to obtain guide data service. I use Schedules Direct, which costs $25/year. Also see: http://nextpvr.com/nwiki/pmwiki.php?n=Hardware.TunerCards. If you can use Windows Media Center, it is easier to set up and guide data service is free. SageTV's free version is also a possibility. http://forums.sagetv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56137

I am going to try NextPVR first. My father just uses vdub to record shows. Might try that too since I really don't want to pay for any schedule services.

[SHS]

I am going to try NextPVR first. My father just uses vdub to record shows. Might try that too since I really don't want to pay for any schedule services.

What capture card did you get colt4523 ?.

[colt4523]

I am going to try NextPVR first. My father just uses vdub to record shows. Might try that too since I really don't want to pay for any schedule services.

What capture card did you get colt4523 ?.

I got the HVR-1950.

So far no luck with NextPVR. Unable to find device. Check that, just audio right now. I suppose I probably need some kind of plug in.

[usually_quiet]

Got the tuner and everything setup. Any recommendations for dvr software to use? I did a quick search and saw NextPVR. Anyone try that?

I use NextPVR. It should work for you, but you need to obtain guide data service. I use Schedules Direct, which costs $25/year. Also see: http://nextpvr.com/nwiki/pmwiki.php?n=Hardware.TunerCards. If you can use Windows Media Center, it is easier to set up and guide data service is free. SageTV's free version is also a possibility. http://forums.sagetv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56137

I am going to try NextPVR first. My father just uses vdub to record shows. Might try that too since I really don't want to pay for any schedule services.

Having guide service makes scheduling recordings significantly easier with all PVR software. I have a few channels with no guide data. NextPVR just shows a blank grid with half-hour increments, which means all recordings would be 1/2 hour by default. It is only possible to schedule one-hour recordings or longer recordings by modifying the stop time.

I got the HVR-1950.

So far no luck with NextPVR. Unable to find device. Check that, just audio right now. I suppose I probably need some kind of plug in.

Read this: http://www.nextpvr.com/nwiki/pmwiki.php?n=Utility.HauppaugeSoftPVR

NextPVR uses SoftPVR, one of WinTV's components, for analog tuner devices and for Hauppauge's built-in IR blasters.

[SHS]

Just so you know the HVR-1950 will not work with VirtualDub as it dosen't support any hardware encoder
Schedules Direct works with SageTV, NextPVR and MediaPortal and min other
Or could used WinTV that come with card but you have used TitanTV for Guide and setup schedule show you want.

[colt4523]

Just so you know the HVR-1950 will not work with VirtualDub as it dosen't support any hardware encoder
Schedules Direct works with SageTV, NextPVR and MediaPortal and min other
Or could used WinTV that come with card but you have used TitanTV for Guide and setup schedule show you want.

So the virtualdubdvr doesn't work with my tuner? That sucks. I am looking at the other options.

[SHS]

Read this: http://www.nextpvr.com/nwiki/pmwiki.php?n=Utility.HauppaugeSoftPVR

NextPVR uses SoftPVR, one of WinTV's components, for analog tuner devices and for Hauppauge's built-in IR blasters.

It is Hardware Encoder just like HVR-1600 and 1800 only in forum of USB usually_quiet it dosen't user Hauppauge SoftPVR software at all.
I would check it frist with WinTV to be sure that working

[SHS]

So the virtualdubdvr doesn't work with my tuner? That sucks. I am looking at the other options.

That becuase it only works with AVI capture device

[colt4523]

So the virtualdubdvr doesn't work with my tuner? That sucks. I am looking at the other options.

That becuase it only works with AVI capture device

WinTV works. I am updating that to the latest version linked in usually_quiet's post.

[usually_quiet]

Read this: http://www.nextpvr.com/nwiki/pmwiki.php?n=Utility.HauppaugeSoftPVR

NextPVR uses SoftPVR, one of WinTV's components, for analog tuner devices and for Hauppauge's built-in IR blasters.

It is Hardware Encoder just like HVR-1600 and 1800 only in forum of USB usually_quiet it dosen't user Hauppauge SoftPVR software at all.
I would check it frist with WinTV to be sure that working

The notes at NextPVR indicate SoftPVR is a necessary component for all Hauppauge's analog tuners, even those that hardware encode. Since you never used NextPVR, and I have, maybe you should not be giving advice about it.

[usually_quiet]

So the virtualdubdvr doesn't work with my tuner? That sucks. I am looking at the other options.

That becuase it only works with AVI capture device

WinTV works. I am updating that to the latest version linked in usually_quiet's post.

WinTV itself works, but is not stable on every system.

[colt4523]

So the virtualdubdvr doesn't work with my tuner? That sucks. I am looking at the other options.

That becuase it only works with AVI capture device

WinTV works. I am updating that to the latest version linked in usually_quiet's post.

WinTV itself works, but is not stable on every system.

Ok, currently updating to the latest wintv suggested on the link you gave me. Scanning channels again. Hopefully NextPVR will show video when I am done.

Now no video with WinTV Back to the drawing board.

[SHS]

Read this: http://www.nextpvr.com/nwiki/pmwiki.php?n=Utility.HauppaugeSoftPVR

NextPVR uses SoftPVR, one of WinTV's components, for analog tuner devices and for Hauppauge's built-in IR blasters.

It is Hardware Encoder just like HVR-1600 and 1800 only in forum of USB usually_quiet it dosen't user Hauppauge SoftPVR software at all.
I would check it frist with WinTV to be sure that working

The notes at NextPVR indicate SoftPVR is a necessary component for all Hauppauge's analog tuners, even those that hardware encode. Since you never used NextPVR, and I have, maybe you should not be giving advice about it.

That wrong who think help sub with some of the PVR and HVR other some of the latest model
The analog tuner is tie to Hardware MPEG encoder chip
Only NoN Hardware MPEG encoder need that software like WinTV PCI, HVR 1150, 1250 and other even down to the ImpactVCB
Just becuases I don't used it, I know what I'm talk about when it come to Hardware Encoder and tell you rigth that soft dose not work with HVR-1950 end of story if don't believe me then go ask sub
He should be seeing it listed some thing like Hauppauge HVR USB2 that is HVR 1950/55 is showing it in the device list
One common problem is Decoder codec make sure there set or will not get any audio/video colt4523
A good codec pack to get is LAV Filter