HTPC connectivity question

[Maiyr]

Hi all,

Just a couple of questions that I don't seem to be able to get an answer for by looking myself.

I want to build a simple HTPC to start with (will expand later).

My main goal with this HTPC is to be able to record HD while watching another HD station. If I understand correctly I think this will do the trick.
http://www.hauppauge.com/site/products/data_hvr2250.html

My FIOS DVR works great, but just not enough storage. I am constantly having to delete things I don't necessarily want to delete.

I am usually pretty good at this type of stuff, but I just don't see how I am going to connect my FIOS (cable box) to the hauppauge card. Currently my FIOS box goes HDMI to DVI and directly to my TV (my TV is old school and has no HDMI). I presume I'll need to connect my FIOS box to the hauppauge card. Then connect my Video card using DVI to my TV. Do I have that correct ?

I don't see an HDMI in on the hauppauge card. How do I connect the FIOS box to teh hauppauge card ?

Second connection question (audio card connection)...
But that's for another post as from what I have read there are many options/considerations..

Thanks all,

Maiyr

 

[sdifox]

your dvr doesn't have a usb port where you can plug in an external hdd?

 

[f4phantom2500]

your dvr doesn't have a usb port where you can plug in an external hdd?

the fios boxes have usb ports but do not support external storage devices...thank you verizon...they also don't have a dvr option larger than i believe 120gb.

 

[sdifox]

the fios boxes have usb ports but do not support external storage devices...thank you verizon...they also don't have a dvr option larger than i believe 120gb.

so what is the USB port for???

 

[f4phantom2500]

so what is the USB port for???

no idea, the techs might have some diagnostic tool that uses it. dunno if they ever intend on enabling it but iirc it's been there since fios was launched and has been disabled the whole time.

 

[sdifox]

no idea, the techs might have some diagnostic tool that uses it. dunno if they ever intend on enabling it but iirc it's been there since fios was launched and has been disabled the whole time.

And here I thought Bell is retarded with regard to the unplugging of USB hdd and resetting the box.

 

[electroju]

You will need the following if you want to capture from HDMI.

Blackmagic Design Intensity
http://www.blackmagic-design.com/products/intensity/

For your video capture card, you will need to use S-Video or composite. The quality of the shows that you recorded will suffer because it is going through another lossy compression.

 

[vshah]

someone correct me if i'm wrong, but you don't want to plug the fios box to the hauppauge. you want to plug the coax cable in directly...the hauppauge does all the tuning etc.

 

[Maiyr]

So you are saying I don't even need the FIOS box ? I didn't realize that was even an option. That would be great if that was the case.

Thanks,

Maiyr

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

FIOS is encrypted so you aren't going to be able to record HD shows using the Hauppauge tuner. Users of the HVR-2250 have reported that they can't even get Clear QAM channels over FIOS using the Hauppauge tuner. For an HTPC you'd need one of the new CableCard tuners like the Ceton and an M-Card cablecard from Verizon, but the CC tuners keep getting delayed so they aren't available yet.

Your only other option is a Tivo HD and a Verizon cablecard. That's the only currently valid solution for FIOS users to increase DVR recording space.

 

[Maiyr]

Wow! Thank you TastesLikeChicken. You just saved me from a costly mistake. I never considered that I wouldn't be able to record shows if I had an HTPC. I understand the two solutions you provide above, but does this mean that people with FIOS currently have no real option for an HTPC with DVR capabilities ?

Thanks,

Maiyr

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

Wow! Thank you TastesLikeChicken. You just saved me from a costly mistake. I never considered that I wouldn't be able to record shows if I had an HTPC. I understand the two solutions you provide above, but does this mean that people with FIOS currently have no real option for an HTPC with DVR capabilities ?

Thanks,

Maiyr

There is currently one viable option for the HTPC. You could use ATi OCUR CableCard tuners, if you can find them. Each one would require an individual cablecard. Personally, I'd wait for the m-card tuners so you only have to rent a single cablecard from Verizon.

 

[s44]

Your only other option is a Tivo HD and a Verizon cablecard. That's the only currently valid solution for FIOS users to increase DVR recording space.

Moxi should also work.

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

Moxi should also work.

Hadn't heard of Moxi before. Looks like it should work and it certainly has advantages over a Tivo. They are a bit pricy but no matter which way you go with CableCard tuners it's going to ding your wallet.

 

[electroju]

CableCARD are not easy to use. Check what your provider's CableCARD is compatible with or else you will have a lot of problems.