Using computer as a PVR

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Using computer as a PVR

Anonymous

Hello,

I remember one of the great things about Windows Media Center was the ability to record programs from TV, like a Tivo.

I'm having problems figuring out just which kind of hardware I need to do so. I have Windows Vista 32bit.

The biggest problem is I'm using HDMI to connect my PC to my HDTV, and my DirecTV to my HDTV, but I haven't been able to find any products that allow for HDMI input/outputs, and on top of that, they only record SD programming. I would like to be able to record both HD (up to 1080i as that's all the higher my DirecTV receiver can receive)and SD.

My questions are: A. What products do Microsoft recommend for accomplishing this task and,

B. After I get the products installed, how to I go about setting it all up?

Thank you so much!

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Answer accepted by question author

Anonymous

Hello,

I remember one of the great things about Windows Media Center was the ability to record programs from TV, like a Tivo.

I'm having problems figuring out just which kind of hardware I need to do so. I have Windows Vista 32bit.

The biggest problem is I'm using HDMI to connect my PC to my HDTV, and my DirecTV to my HDTV, but I haven't been able to find any products that allow for HDMI input/outputs, and on top of that, they only record SD programming. I would like to be able to record both HD (up to 1080i as that's all the higher my DirecTV receiver can receive)and SD.

My questions are: A. What products do Microsoft recommend for accomplishing this task and,

B. After I get the products installed, how to I go about setting it all up?

Thank you so much!

HDMI is copyright protected. It can't be recorded.

Use the following to record HD content : Haupauge HD PVR 1212. It uses the copyright hole and uses component input to record HD.

When is Microsoft planning to add this HD-PVR to it's list of capture cards for MCE (in Vista). When is MS planning to add H.264 HD support to MCE?

Other discussions on this topic:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14607706&highlight=gbpvr#post14607706

http://forums.gbpvr.com/showthread.php?t=41503

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Answer accepted by question author

Anonymous

Eric Z. It should not matter that you have a satellite set top box or a cable box, what matters is that the signals you are inputting are supported by Media Center.

As for recommendation I do not have any experience with HDMI capable tuners, I will refer you to the Windows Compatibility Center to check if a card your looking at is officially supported, however you can always check with the Manufacturer to see their stance on compatibility, and any A/V related forums might be of more help in this manner.

TV on your computer: Understanding TV signals and TV tuners

TV signals that are supported by Windows Media Center

Windows Vista Hardware Compatibility List

What should I know before adding TV tuners to use with Windows Media Center?

Get help for your TV tuner card

Let me know if you have any more questions, thanks.

Rami

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

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3 additional answers

Answer 1

Anonymous

Thanks so much for the replies!

It's too bad that HDMI is protected, since it would make things so much easier for everybody. I didn't know that until you told me though, so thanks! As well as for the link(s).

You've all been very helpful.

Eric

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Answer 2

Thank you so much for responding! However, I still have a few questions. I looked up the ATI premium tuner recommended on the link and they didn't say anything about HDMI inputs. I will be contacting ATI about that, but I was wondering if Microsoft (or yourself) recommends a tuner that has HDMI inputs? And everywhere I look descriptions say that they're digital "cable tuners". I take it that implies that I will never be able to record DirecTV programming, even though you can get stand-alone PVRs that record DirecTV, just not onto one's PC? I ask because I am unable to get cable where I live, and I just bought a new DirecTV receiver thinking I would be able to record shows onto my 250Gig hard drive instead of the tiny ones that come with current stand alone PVR's.

Thanks again!

Eric Z.

Answer 3

Hi Eric,

See if this link helps:

Watch, Pause, and Record Live TV

If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to ask. We look forward to hearing back from you.

Brian

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

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Using computer as a PVR

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