HTPC Build Help

[FatalSaviour]

Hey guys.
First off, I apologise if this is posted in the wrong section, as I'm not entirely sure which specialty this will fall under...
In the next few days, I'll be ordering a lot of PC components, and I feel that I would like to be able to turn the PC-to-be into an HTPC with minimum hassle.
My main question is this:
At the moment, I'm using an ntl cable set top box to receive most of my TV channels. I'm very good with hardware on the whole, but I am completely and utterly bemused as to the function of PVRs and Windows MCE in general.
Is it possible to get the HTPC to change channels through the set top box in order to view something else, or do you plug the cable from the wall directly into the PC, which then replaces the STB.

The tenuous link to HDTV here, is that I'm looking to take the plunge on an HDTV set soon, but am I to understand that there are no decent HDTV PVRs out there at the moment?

On a quick side note...I'm currently going to be buying an Athlon 64 3000+ Venice (for £65).
Almost absolute silence and cool running are my main concerns, hence why I haven't opted for a Pentium D805, but should I still be considering this for it's multitasking capability? (I'll be using an old 6600GT, so HDTV decoding shouldn't be too much of an issue, with PureVideo there).

Thanks in advance guys

[Nick F]

Welcome to HEXUS.hd mate


The whole point of the PVR is to enable you to program and record shows onto a hard drive. Oh and make sure you get two TV cards so you can record one show whilst watching another.

There are no current HDTV PVR's out there to make at the mo. you might want to look at the NTL TVDrive system though. They stream high definition content onto the box and you can record it. Sky also have the capacity to record high definition content when its broadcast.

It might be an idea to just build a cheap media centre and wack windows MCE on there and then get either Sky HD or TVDrive.

[FatalSaviour]

Thankoo

[Skinleech]

Is TVDrive available via NTL now? I thought it was Telewest only just now?

[BigBry]

Is it possible to get the HTPC to change channels through the set top box in order to view something else, or do you plug the cable from the wall directly into the PC, which then replaces the STB.

I only build with (and use) MCE so bear that in mind .... the HTPC won't change the cable channels if it's being fed through your cable box first. The MCE remote comes with a couple of IR Blasters (basically an IR extension sender) that can fit on or near your cable IR sensor and hopefully control channel changes via the MCE remote.

An alternative is you could look at DVB-S TV cards which can take some satellite signals directly into a HTPC and bypass your cable box. It's not easy, or particularly consumer friendly but it may be something you want to research?

[directhex]

Originally Posted by BigBry

I only build with (and use) MCE so bear that in mind .... the HTPC won't change the cable channels if it's being fed through your cable box first. The MCE remote comes with a couple of IR Blasters (basically an IR extension sender) that can fit on or near your cable IR sensor and hopefully control channel changes via the MCE remote.

An alternative is you could look at DVB-S TV cards which can take some satellite signals directly into a HTPC and bypass your cable box. It's not easy, or particularly consumer friendly but it may be something you want to research?

had a look at this earlier - looks like a job for a TechnoTrend TT-1500S, a CI daughtercard, T.Rex CAM, and Predator firmware

[chrestomanci]

Originally Posted by Bigotry

An alternative is you could look at DVB-S TV cards which can take some satellite signals directly into a HT PC and bypass your cable box. It's not easy, or particularly consumer friendly but it may be something you want to research?

Bear in mind that High def satelite is broadcast using a DVB-S2 modulation scheme, so a normal DVB-S TV card will not be able to decode the signal. I have heard that there are some DVB-S2 Capture cards available in Germany, but I could be wrong. If you did have such a card, then you would be able to watch the BBC HUD transmissions.

The Sky HUD transmitions are all be encrypted using their propriety encryption scheme, so even if you have a viewing card and a subscription, you won't be able to watch anything without one of their boxes.

[BigBry]

The Sky HUD transmitions are all be encrypted using their propriety encryption scheme, so even if you have a viewing card and a subscription, you won't be able to watch anything without one of their boxes.

There is a good chance you'll be able to capture this (as now) but in Standard Definition from an output from the Sky HD box, although it's impossible to be sure at this stage.

I'll stick by my comment that's it's not for the faint hearted using a DVB-S capture card of any description.

[chrestomanci]

The Sky HD box has 2 scart sockets and a UHF output outputting standard def, as well as the high def outputs (HDMI and analogue componet outputs). The standard def outputs work even when the box is tuned to a HD programme, but obviously only in SD.

For some programmes the box will turn on macrovision to prevent you recording the output with a VCR or the like, though which programmes depends on your viewing card. Obviously pay per view movies will allways have macrovision on, but some users will find macrovision to be on for practically everything, even sky one and MTV.

Presumably HDCP will be turned on on the HDMI output in the same way, but I don't know sky's policy on that. (They can turn it on and off in software any time they like). There is presumably some sort of macrovision on the High Def componet outputs, but that is probably moot unless you have an HD VCR or the like. (do they even exist?)

[BigBry]

chrestomanci, great info, thanks.

It's got an s-video out too hasn't it?

Obviously the quality is poorer but still ok if you want to use the analogue outputs to archive to DVD.

[chrestomanci]

Originally Posted by BigBry

It's got an s-video out too hasn't it?

Yes, I forgot about that.

One of the scart sockets will do RGB output if you turn in on via the setup menu.