Migrating from analog cable to Directv HD

[bigo93bronco]

I have set myself the end-of-year goal of migrating from analog cable to Directv HD. My current setup is very stable and i'd like the new setup to be as close to that as possible (probably never will be, but i'll try)

My current hardware plan is as follows

(4) HD Directv Boxes (non DVR models) (any recommendations?)

(4) 1X2 HDMI splitters (mentioned in other threads) (uhh cough, just in case I ever want to split the feed from each STB wink wink )

(4) HDPVR2 (1512) (STB--HDMI--Splitter--HDMI--HDPVR)

USBUIRT tuning or Ethernet (undecided other than NOT by HDPVR)

Some kind of quality USB card for connecting all the HDPVR's to server (suggestions?)

(2) 2250's (locals) (4 HD tuners)

RAID 0+1 (2TB) for recordings (all hardware) (should be sufficient right?)


My understanding (correct me if i'm wrong) is that with this "configuration" I should be able to have the same functionality from my STB's as if they were just connected directly to a tv without sage involved? (and regardless if something might be "ticked" if you get my drift)


Any and all suggestions, comments, etc welcomed (java versions, firmware versions, usb cables, internal vs external usb hubs, tuning (whatever you got)

[BobPhoenix]

Originally Posted by bigo93bronco

I have set myself the end-of-year goal of migrating from analog cable to Directv HD. My current setup is very stable and i'd like the new setup to be as close to that as possible (probably never will be, but i'll try)

My current hardware plan is as follows

(4) HD Directv Boxes (non DVR models) (any recommendations?)

(4) 1X2 HDMI splitters (mentioned in other threads) (uhh cough, just in case I ever want to split the feed from each STB wink wink )

(4) HDPVR2 (1512) (STB--HDMI--Splitter--HDMI--HDPVR)

USBUIRT tuning or Ethernet (undecided other than NOT by HDPVR)

Some kind of quality USB card for connecting all the HDPVR's to server (suggestions?)

(2) 2250's (locals) (4 HD tuners)

RAID 0+1 (2TB) for recordings (all hardware) (should be sufficient right?)


My understanding (correct me if i'm wrong) is that with this "configuration" I should be able to have the same functionality from my STB's as if they were just connected directly to a tv without sage involved? (and regardless if something might be "ticked" if you get my drift)


Any and all suggestions, comments, etc welcomed (java versions, firmware versions, usb cables, internal vs external usb hubs, tuning (whatever you got)

If you get a ??21 variety box you may not need the splitters to record from HDMI. My HR21 box can record directly from HDMI. I still need to get one of the splitters to see if my problems with Colossus are STB related or not. My other boxes are not H21 issue - one is a H23 and the other might be H22. Both I believe have been reported not to work recording directly from HDMI anymore. I would use HTTP tuning only had one bad tune since I started using that method 2+years. USBUIRT would give me more but was still very reliable. Get NEC based USB card. Have no experience with 3.0 but my NEC 2.0 cards work well with my 1212 HD-PVRs.

[SHS]

Shot for H25-x00 HD Receiver it is lot smaller then H24-x00, x mean the units are made by different manufacturers.
I recommend the Colossus and or older HD-PVR 2 (1480).
I go for Ethernet Tuning because you do know you will need 2 USBUIRT with 4 Receiver now if this was Dishnetwork then that a diff story because you can use Remote Address on each box with Dishnetwork Receiver.
Stay away from USB 3.0 I have found that it not working very well for me.

[bigo93bronco]

SHS - Good point on the USBUIRT, forgot i'd need 2 for directv. I would rather do the HTTP tuning anyway, isn't it faster than the USBUIRT? I haven't ruled out the colossus, but I already own (1) HDPVR2, and it grab 1080p where the colossus can't.

My goals are to be able to watch and record ALL channels from the STB at whatever resolution the STB is outputting, with 5.1 sound. I know some capture devices can't capture 5.1 for whatever reason, so what does that limit me too.

BOB - I'm not sure if i'd be able to get any H21 boxes anymore (also I was reading your posts regarding possible issues with it). I would assume sagetv would be unable to watch or record premium (or anything with copy once) using that H21 right? (unless you add the splitter)

Thanks for the info on the USB cards, that's the kind of thing I really need to know before I start buying parts. I was planning on staying away from USB 3.0, as I've heard most capture devices don't like it

[BobPhoenix]

Originally Posted by bigo93bronco

BOB - I'm not sure if i'd be able to get any H21 boxes anymore (also I was reading your posts regarding possible issues with it). I would assume sagetv would be unable to watch or record premium (or anything with copy once) using that H21 right? (unless you add the splitter)

Actually with my HR21 I can record any channel. I record off of HBO, CineMax, ShowTime, The Movie Channel, Starz and Encore with HDMI every week/month. It was with latter models that people were reporting that HDMI needed the splitter. My problems just require that I try to record the show multiple times which can be difficult with only one Colossus. I've never not been able to get something if it is repeated enough times but I have had to goto 4 and 5 attempts before I get one that can playback sometimes. Then others it works on the first time and I just delete the extras.

[SHS]

Originally Posted by bigo93bronco

SHS - Good point on the USBUIRT, forgot i'd need 2 for directv. I would rather do the HTTP tuning anyway, isn't it faster than the USBUIRT? I haven't ruled out the colossus, but I already own (1) HDPVR2, and it grab 1080p where the colossus can't.

My goals are to be able to watch and record ALL channels from the STB at whatever resolution the STB is outputting, with 5.1 sound. I know some capture devices can't capture 5.1 for whatever reason, so what does that limit me too.

As for 1080p you know there are only on PPV 111 thur 199 channel if I recall right and the rest are just 1080i.
As for 5.1 those only work if it has 5.1 which main just the Movie channel and even now and then some Non Prime Show and Movie.
So don't get your hope up.

Originally Posted by bigo93bronco

Thanks for the info on the USB cards, that's the kind of thing I really need to know before I start buying parts. I was planning on staying away from USB 3.0, as I've heard most capture devices don't like it

Hope lee if Hauppauge will be able to address we working on this but for now I stay away from any USB 3.0 port at all cost because for some off wall reason HD-PVR 2 doesn't like to start right way and sometime it end up just failing to even start so just keep that in mind.

[bigo93bronco]

Originally Posted by SHS

As for 1080p you know there are only on PPV 111 thur 199 channel if I recall right and the rest are just 1080i..

Yeah, I know there won't be much in 1080p besides PPV and on demand movies

Originally Posted by SHS

As for 5.1 those only work if it has 5.1 which main just the Movie channel and even now and then some Non Prime Show and Movie.
So don't get your hope up.

Now this one is a bit surprising to me, I was under the impression that most major channels would use 5.1, no?


Let me make sure I have the digital sound status of each capture card correct

HDPVR - Component video (only) at 720P or 1080i with stereo OR 5.1

HDPVR2 - Component video OR HDMI at 720p, 1080i, or 1080p (5.1 currently broken)

Colossus - Component OR HDMI at 720p or 1080i with stereo or 5.1 (less stable than original HDPVR)

[SHS]

Only if it come with DD 5.1 other then it fall back to stereo.

[bigo93bronco]

Oh OK, that's cool most major networks running first airings of the shows I watch are going to be using 5.1.

What's the sound capture status on the HDPVR2 these days? (I saw some of the issues in one of your older posts)

Are my "facts" about the HDPVR, HDPVR2, and COLOSSUS in my previous post accurate?

[SHS]

In tell I get one of those 1X2 HDMI splitters I can't tell how the newer HD-PVR 2 (Model 1512) will works out with HDMI and Digital Sound 5.1 as for Colossus it should work just fine with above device.
Forget older HD-PVR 2 (Model 1480) doesn't have any support Digital Sound 5.1 only Stereo but it better support under SageTV then newer model 1504 or 1512 I'm sure you read about problem with audio input.
And this I think there no way to fix SageTV in order to get to work right.

How ever this "Colossus - Component OR HDMI at 720p or 1080i with stereo or 5.1 (less stable than original HDPVR)" That is not right I hope you where look at post below your post about Colossus and solve stable problem.

[KryptoNyte]

I actually avoided the Colossus and the HDPVR2 and went for the original HDPVR1212 to avoid the problems that seem to come up in this forum. I don't seem to have any of the problems reported by Colossus and HDPVR2 users.

[BobPhoenix]

Originally Posted by SHS

How ever this "Colossus - Component OR HDMI at 720p or 1080i with stereo or 5.1 (less stable than original HDPVR)" That is not right I hope you where look at post below your post about Colossus and solve stable problem.

It's NOT stabler for me. At least not with HR21 STB anyway. Don't expect a change when I get a HDMI splitter and try H23 but I could be wrong. My original HD-PVRs are very stable for me and I record 5.1 on them all the time.

[bigo93bronco]

I thought the original HDPVR's couldn't do 5.1? (or is it PCM only)

Its looking like the best options for me are the colossus (which seems to be more stable with all the speedstep stuff disabled) or the HDPVR2 via HDMI and the splitter (if 5.1 works over HDMI with the splitter)


Its worth noting that I plan to go overboard making sure whichever capture device(s) I go with are as stable as they can be. If I go the HDPVR route i'll definitely be using a single, large, regulated power supply with significant extra capacity to power the 4 of them. I'd probably also remove the boards from the cases and mount them on a single insulated backplane with upgraded copper heatsinks and fans all the way around. I'd give the colossus(es) the same treatment where applicable

[SHS]

Originally Posted by bigo93bronco

I thought the original HDPVR's couldn't do 5.1? (or is it PCM only)

Yes the First original HD-PVR (Model 1212) can do 5.1 that what the Toslink Digital Optical Audio Input is for now at first it didn't but it take lot you know to get Hauppauge to add it.
But there are a few down side to that HD-PVR
1: It runs HOT under long hour of usage so it best to mod it with fan on top of cover.
2: You have to use fix resolution boy it didn't like native resolution switch same go with colossus just so you know.

[bigo93bronco]

Originally Posted by SHS

2: You have to use fix resolution boy it didn't like native resolution switch same go with colossus just so you know.

So you need to lock the output resolution at the STB, AND disable native resolution switching on clients and extenders? (no problem, never saw the benefit of using it anyway)


Well, since I already own a HDPVR2 (using it to pipe 1080p security DVR into EPG) and I've already ordered several of those splitters, I guess I need to do some testing on the HDPVR2 to see if its even going to be an option for me.

Some of the TV's in my viewing areas are connected to digital audio decoders, and some just have the extenders connected directly to the TV. Isn't AC3 the one audio format that the TV's without a decoder will be able to decode and adjust the volume? If true, isn't it only the HDPVR2 and Colossus that output AC3 1:1? (what you put in you get out)

[SHS]

Originally Posted by bigo93bronco

So you need to lock the output resolution at the STB, AND disable native resolution switching on clients and extenders? (no problem, never saw the benefit of using it anyway)


Well, since I already own a HDPVR2 (using it to pipe 1080p security DVR into EPG) and I've already ordered several of those splitters, I guess I need to do some testing on the HDPVR2 to see if its even going to be an option for me.

Some of the TV's in my viewing areas are connected to digital audio decoders, and some just have the extenders connected directly to the TV. Isn't AC3 the one audio format that the TV's without a decoder will be able to decode and adjust the volume? If true, isn't it only the HDPVR2 and Colossus that output AC3 1:1? (what you put in you get out)

On original HD-PVR and Colossus with the STB output resolution is where you need to disable native output resolution by locking it down to 720P or 1080i only when come those two unlike the newer HD-PVR 2 it can deal with true native output resolution so can keep 480i/480p/720p/1080i and even 1080p enable.

The clients and extenders have nothing to do with that

Yes more like thus original HD-PVR, Colossus and latest HD-PVR 2 all output AC3 both 2.0 or 5.1 if you use it.

Depend on TV I believe most will see AC3 but as DD2.0 only some it LPCM only so unless you pass it back out thur the TV audio output it may not code the audio but I'm not 100% sure how HDMI deal with AC3.

[SHS]

Bob just though I give you head up there some report that DirecTV is adding HDCP to the H21 and HR21

[BobPhoenix]

Originally Posted by SHS

Bob just though I give you head up there some report that DirecTV is adding HDCP to the H21 and HR21

OK will need the splitter anyway then. So far doesn't appear to have happened to me because I wouldn't think I would be able to see a picture on a recording from a protected channel. But I will go ahead and order it. Was waiting on my bank to get replacement for my debit card but I will just charge it.

[SWKerr]

I have 2x DirecTV H20 with Component\Optical to 2x Colossus

I am not using HDMI right now because there is one HBO channel that is blocked via HDCP. I expect that DirecTV could block them all if they wanted so I would not plan on HDMI working out of the box. I really could not tell a difference with the Colossus Component input vs HDMI anyway.

I am using one USB-UIRT to control both receivers. I would love to go with Ethernet tuning but that is not an option on the H20. (Still the USB-UIRT has been flawless.

I have two HD-PVRs in the closet now. It took about a year for them to get the Colossus drivers right but they are working flawlessly now.

Also: I would love to know if someone has purchased one of the splitters lately and it is working as intended. I don't need it now but with Component inputs becoming less common I think some future proofing might be a good idea in case I need to make a change. I get the feeling they may be hit or miss depending on the batch.

[bigo93bronco]

Originally Posted by SWKerr

I have 2x DirecTV H20 with Component\Optical to 2x Colossus

I I really could not tell a difference with the Colossus Component input vs HDMI anyway.

.

With the HDPVR2 there is at least the possibility of getting 1080P from any channel that's using it (currently only PPV, on demand, etc). Its also less cabling, and *might* be a method that doesn't have all the audio issues.

I'll definitely let you guys know the results once I get the splitters. My biggest problem is going to be trying to find a HDCP source for testing lol