[mythtv-users] Want to get started

[Lan Barnes]

On Tue, May 8, 2007 1:44 pm, Elanor wrote:
> Hi all-
> I'm very new to this but excited to get started.
> Currently, I have Digital Cable (NOT HD) from Brighthouse Networks in
> Central Florida. I'd like to avoid, if possible messing with the
> set-top box at all, and possibly even setting it aside. I get standard
> cable through all the other cable lines in the house.
>
> Here's my question:
>
> 1) Are there any capture cards out there that do not require me to use
> the set top box and can get digital cable from the lines it is enabled
> on?
> 2) If not, how do I connect 2 or more capture cards to my digital
> cable box to record more than one show at once?
> 3) If this isn't possible, what do I connect the other capture card to
> (there's only one cable jack in the living room)?
>

I have Cox non-Dig (1 - 99) w/o a set top box. From what you say (if I
understand you), I'm not sure why you need a set top box. If your other
TVs are feeding directly off the coax, then it's not encrypted and capture
cards like the PVR-150 should work straight off splitters.

This is indeed how my set up works.

If I were to get digital channels, I would need a dig capture card
expressly for those (I believe -- don't have it right now), and would have
to drape the IR flasher from that card over the set top box's reader eye.
One dedicated card for those channels, the PVR-150s for the lower 99 would
be how I would go.

I have read that the analog capture cards will not be supported after
2009. This may be true ... what do I know? I have 2 and don't plan to buy
any more until the future becomes clearer.

Anyway, I find that a good 3-way splitter and good coax cables give good
signals to a TV and two capture cards. Cheap stuff is a waste of money --
lines on the screen, etc.

-- 
Lan Barnes

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