HD source into Sage in the UK?

[Alfiegerner]

This is just a general rant / canvassing of opinion.

I've just bought a new Hi Def telly and am eager to use it. The problem is, as far as I can see, the only way I can get HD tv in the UK is though Sky or Telewest.

Can anyone see any way, either now or in the future, that we can HD through Sage or any other HTPC set up?

I really don't want to go over to using a Sky + HD box with its crappy interface but at the moment I don't see that there's much choice if you want HD content.

Thoughts ... ?

[ntisdale]

Terrestrial HD is a few years off, the BBC are trialing it currently in London from the crystal palace transmitter. If you're lucky enough to live within range then you can recieve and decode the transmissions using most DVB-T cards and H.264 codec, otherwise you'll have to wait until it is officially launched. Alternatively you can pick up the BBC's HD programming via satellite as it is transmitted free-to-air - It would require investing in a DVB-S card and a dish. Check out http://www.bbc.co.uk/digital/tv/tv_hd.shtml for more details.

[Mark SS]

You can get BBCHD from satellite using DVBViewer and a DVB-S card. SkyHD is possible with a DVB-S2 card, CI add-on, T.Rex CAM module and a valid subscriber card. Need a reasonably high spec dual core PC to get smooth decoding.

I believe Sage are planning to add support for DVB-S2 and h.264 at some stage but who knows when it might appear.

[Alfiegerner]

What about telewest? I think I saw someone using a firedtv device to get that through my theatre and into sage. Does anyone know how this works with encrypted channels?

[rickgillyon]

FTA Channels if you just want to connect up and go. I couldn't find any way to connect up a CAM interface and do it "legally", as the cards are locked to the STB. PM me for details.