[mythtv-users] pcHDTV 3000 available Now
Michael T. Dean
mtdean at thirdcontact.com
Tue Oct 19 17:56:14 UTC 2004
Cory Papenfuss wrote:
> AFAIK, it's primarily an incremental improvement to remove
> dependence on legacy parts. I looked at it a bit this morning, and it
> uses the CX23883 chip, which is a higher-quality pin-compatible
> replacement for the BT879. It also uses a new Oren ATSC demod chip
> and supports 3.3V PCI (as opposed to only 5V PCI).
>
> "Cable HDTV" support is supposedly possible (on the HD2000 as
> well), but requires some more work to enable it. Remember, though,
> that it will never support encrypted streams... just unencrypted MPEG
> data sent via QAM (as opposed to OTA 8-VSB modulation).
>
> I'd be interested to know:
I wish someone--hint, hint, Michael Powell/FCC--would make this
information available. We, as consumers, have a right to know before we
buy that the cable companies have us right where they want us (and have
complete power over their customers).
> 1. How many cable providers encrypt their HDTV streams now.
I don't have numbers, but I've heard that a very large percentage of
providers encrypt nearly all channels--even those that are available for
free OTA. However, some are kind enough to transmit their "What's On
TV" channel and their "How to Enjoy Your (provider's name) Cable TV"
channel unencrypted. Therefore, you find out all about movies on demand
and using your remote control to watch your local TV schedule so you
know what you're missing...
> 2. How many will chose to once HD is more popular.
I think it's only a matter of time until they all do as above.
Unfortunately, since providers have to pay for retransmitting the free
OTA broadcasts, most providers consider making them available
unencrypted to be "giving it away"--even if you need to pay their $60/mo
(or whatever they charge for the HD package) to have it piped in to your
house--because you could watch it on more than one TV at once.
Mike
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