DVRs: what features should be present on the receiver box?
Hi guys :).
I'd like to stop using cable tv (that sucks big time here in PTG) and start using digital Satelite. In that case I wouldn't mind recording some events such as the Rock in Rio '06 which will be aired in late May or the Soccer World Cup. The next step would be choosing the hardware and software to use. I don't know anything about Sat receivers/dishes but I know someone that does. What I need some help with, is getting to know what features should be present on the receiver box as well as I/O connections. Then I think I have to buy myself a fanless mini PC (HTPC?) to put in the living room. What specs should this PC meet - mini EPIA? What addon cards do I need to buy - one to connect the Sat receiver to the storage - PVR250/350? And what software should I install - XP, Linux, MythTV, GBPVR, etc? Thanks guys. Cheers |
Re: Noob question alert!
Quote:
Good decision :D Quote:
If so, you need a FTA (Free-to-Air) DVB receiver, capable of using smart cards, so you can subscribe to a service. I suggest you look here: http://www.fortecstar.com/estore/sto...p?categoryid=4 and take a look at the models that do have the card options. As you are in Europe, I don't know what pay satellite services are available there. But there are HUNDREDS of FTA channels available in your area. Just visit this site and have a look :) http://www.lyngsat.com/europe.html There, you'll be able to see what listings are available on each satellite. Also check here: http://www.satcodx.com Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
MythTV is great, but it's usually a hassle to configure and maintain. I haven't used it in a while. -kwag |
Re: Noob question alert!
Quote:
Portuguese/Spanish Digital Satellite providers do encrypt the signal. Does it mean that it is pay-per-view? Is FTA a set top box that we usually call Sat receiver? Quote:
I'd like this baby to be my DVD player too. Is there a way to put a SCART on a PC? Otherwise I can't see how I'd connect the HTPC to my TV... Quote:
The EPIA mobos only have a single PCI slot. That means that I can either add a PVR-250 or a Hauppaige Nova-S. The PVR-250 is an encoder/decoder addon-card right? But what if I don't buy a set top box receiver and instead I buy a Hauppaige Nova-S with remote control? Can I use a Nova-S as a Sat receiver as well as a MPEG2 encoder/decoder? Quote:
That can be a plus and it can also be a minus. The plus can be the PC setup being easier. The minus can be less system stability/uptime. That way it would be faster booting up :roll:. Also there are tools on the net such as nLite that can strip XP almost to it's barebones. In such sense, can GBPVR boot from a CFcard? Thanks :) |
Re: Noob question alert!
Quote:
Quote:
For example, a 4DTV is a subscription only, and once you subscribe to some services, then you get some FTA digital channels. DirectTV and DishNetwork are full subscription and "Pay-per-View" only systems. But there are many receivers that will accept scrambled digital formats and FTA, and that's what you should look into :) Quote:
But I believe the WinTV PVR-250, the European model, does have SCART. Please someone correct me if I'm wrong :!: Or maybe an adapter :?: Quote:
Quote:
So I'm sure that would be a hassle trying to put it on a CF card. You might want to look at "KnoppMyth" distribution :idea: http://www.mysettopbox.tv/knoppmyth.html Cheers, -kwag |
Rui,
I forgot to add this: http://www.satforums.com I visit that site every once in a while, because there a LOT of satellite information there ;) Click on the "MPEG-2 / DVD Forum" image. -kwag |
Re: Noob question alert!
Quote:
|
Thanks for the correction Boulder :)
-kwag |
Site design, images and content © 2002-2024 The Digital FAQ, www.digitalFAQ.com
Forum Software by vBulletin · Copyright © 2024 Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.