HTPC/TV Tuner hookup questions

[MichaelD]

I've built a HTPC/DVR based around WinXP MCE2005 and a Hauppauge PVR-150 MCE edition card.

ATM, the output of my satellite STB is not hooked up to the Hauppauge b/c I'm not sure how to go about hooking it all up.

Currently, the output of the STB (Composite Video/L/R) is going into my AVR and from there to the TV via Component (monitor out). Works great.

Obviously, in order to record anything, the output of the STB needs to go to the DVR card. But then, HOW do I watch TV?

Being that I only have one STB and one DVR card, I know that I can only watch whatever I'm recording (if I'm recording). But I'd prefer to not watch TV thru the HTPC if i don't have to.

Aside from splitting the STB outputs with a bunch of "Y" cables, is there any way to do this?

How do you guys have your setup hooked up?

Thanks!

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: MichaelD
I've built a HTPC/DVR based around WinXP MCE2005 and a Hauppauge PVR-150 MCE edition card.

ATM, the output of my satellite STB is not hooked up to the Hauppauge b/c I'm not sure how to go about hooking it all up.

Currently, the output of the STB (Composite Video/L/R) is going into my AVR and from there to the TV via Component (monitor out). Works great.

Obviously, in order to record anything, the output of the STB needs to go to the DVR card. But then, HOW do I watch TV?

Being that I only have one STB and one DVR card, I know that I can only watch whatever I'm recording (if I'm recording). But I'd prefer to not watch TV thru the HTPC if i don't have to.

Aside from splitting the STB outputs with a bunch of "Y" cables, is there any way to do this?

How do you guys have your setup hooked up?

Thanks!

I've personally never used MCE with a set-top box, but if the tuner has inputs, it should be able to display it. MCE outright asks you if you're using a set-top box, so I'm assuming if you check yes, it tries to access it through the video input and not the internal tuner.

That being said, I tried set-top box DVRing years ago with an HTPC and a cable box, and found it to be more trouble than it was worth, because the IR blaster and the box don't always place nice. Hell, I'm personally finding DVRing in general on an HTPC to be more trouble than its worth, even OTA. Have you considered a standalone DVR instead?

 

[MichaelD]

It most certainly is a PITA to set up, but so many folks have had great success with it; I want to give it a shot too.

I guess I could rent a DVR from the sat company, but that defeats the purpose of the HTPC, which I've already invested a nice chunk of change to build. I've got all my music on there and that aspect is working great. I just want to get the video/DVR part working.

So, BUMP, TTT.

OK everyone; how is your HTPC/capture card hooked up?