So what do we do about HDTV?

[AJ Bertelson]

Two ways that I can see it done now

1)Firewire, I have heard sage is compatible somehow with this since it is built on havi. Big problem is the 5c encryption that blocks PC's from viewing it.

2)OTA, looks like it will work but what cards to get?

[chrisc16]

I'm still hoping that Frey will complete support of AccessDTV cards, since I already own one.

-Chris

[Deadbolt]

I just wish that when HDTV card is supported...that it will be with 5.1 sound. Right now all the Hauppauge PVR cards only do stereo.

[stanger89]

HD cards just write the stream to the HDD, so you get whatever audio/video is broadcast, be it DD 5.1 or 2.0.

[edraven]

Right now I have both a MyHD mdp-120 ota HD card, and I'm also able to record HD via firewire input from my Motorola 6200 box. Would Sage2.0 support either or both of these?

[AJ Bertelson]

Originally posted by edraven
Right now I have both a MyHD mdp-120 ota HD card, and I'm also able to record HD via firewire input from my Motorola 6200 box. Would Sage2.0 support either or both of these?

I wouldn't count on recording with firewire for much longer

[edraven]

Why not? 5C won't be enabled on broadcast networks.

[edmc]

edraven> Why not? 5C won't be enabled on broadcast networks.

Unfortunately that has yet to be decided. My understanding is that a hearing was held (about a month ago) on whether CableCo's (or their boxes) would be allowed to encrypt such broadcasts. I don't believe the decision resulting from that hearing has been announced yet.

Incidently, 5C is only the encryption on the Firewire. It is quite possible, for instance, for the HD Locals to traverse the Digital Cable coming to your house to not be encrypted but when "streamed" out the Firewire to have 5C encryption applied. Several folks have reported their local CableCo's are currently doing exactly that :-(.

So much for Fair Use!

[mikesm]

Most of the large MSO's are sending OTA HD over the 1394 interface unencrypted. That may change, but for now it allows TV's with QAM tuners in them to recieve OTA signals without a cablecard. I expect this trend to continue.

Incidentally, I am aware of folks writing software to do HD playback on PC's and protect the content enough to be certified to handle 5C encryption, so in the future this may be possible, though not without certification work by the vendor and the resulting recordings not being stored in the clear. If Sage can run a plgin to do playback, working this approach may be as good an option as you can get until 5C is hacked.

Thanks,
Mike

[AJ Bertelson]

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...hreadid=409442

[stanger89]

Very interesting, I may have to look into that. I'd be much more interested if it could record SD as well, that's a rather pricey mod for the rather limited HD Content.

[AJ Bertelson]

It pretty much costs the same as HD-tivo but does it get the same stations?

[stanger89]

I should have looked more closely, the Dish version can record all the Dish channels, it appears that the DTV one can't do SD, probably because DTV doesn't use MPEG2 for the SD channels.

It may cost the same, but you get unlimited HDD space, and control over the recordings (you can play them in Sage, etc.)

[AJ Bertelson]

Yea that is what I am looking at.

What would be REALLY sweet is if I you would be able to designate a tuner for HD recording only and not have to worry if your tuners are going to be able to record your HD channel.

You could be watching a regular program on your HD-tuner when you want to have sage record a HD program so your analog tuner flips over and records the HD program.