Making the switch from Time Warner to a local provider (GVTC) - equipment

[robphelan]

My local cable/internet provider is offering a similar HD cable + 80mbps fiber to the home package for about $10 less than my current time warner subscription.

Since I'm making the jump, I want to do it right and buy the equipment instead of renting.

What I need is: 1 cable box(I don't need a DVR) and also 2 cable cards (they rent these for 8.95/month).

I'm even thinking about cutting HD out of the package - my wife watches TV during the day on the smaller (36") TV and she wouldn't notice if it was SD or HD, honestly. This is where I'd use the cable box.

I have an HTPC hooked up the the main TV, but it's a mini-itx setup and doesn't have room for an internal cable card - is there an external card I can buy?

Also, I want a cable card for my main PC in the home office.

Can you give me your recommendations?

EDIT: I found their equipment page. They use a Explorer 2200 for Digital cable, Explorer 3250HD for HD, and Explorer 8000 for HD DVR.

 

[mvbighead]

http://www.amazon.com/SiliconDust-HD...ds=hd+home+run

I am currently looking into similar units (though just for OTA), but these are highly regarded. One network appliance that can stream to up to 3 different devices. No need for a device per system, just a solid network connection and you are good to go.

 

[robphelan]

thanks for that link.. it looks really interesting. So, I'd just need a cablecard from GVTC?

This device has 3 tuners so I could stream to 3 networked devices? I guess my only problem is that the small TV doesn't have an HTPC/DLNA device connected to it.

 

[mvbighead]

thanks for that link.. it looks really interesting. So, I'd just need a cablecard from GVTC?

This device has 3 tuners so I could stream to 3 networked devices? I guess my only problem is that the small TV doesn't have an HTPC/DLNA device connected to it.

Yeah, you'd still need something for that other TV, but this would take care of any compatible device... and there are a good amount of compatible devices from what I understand.

I am still on contract with DirecTV for a while, but when that is up, I aim to go this route. The reviews are so overwhelmingly positive that it seems like it can't miss. Basically have a Windows or other machine record video, and use my Xbox 360 as an extender. And, if you need more than three active channels, you just buy another device.

 

[robphelan]

sounds like a good fit for my needs. I do have another mini-itx PC built.. just needs an OS.

If I use it for the small TV, I just need to make it as easy as possible for my wife to use it while i'm gone.

Maybe boot it directly up to the Media Center and buy a WMC remote?

Will it stream to anything other than WMC? I'd hate to purchase a whole new install of Windows just for that.

 

[mvbighead]

sounds like a good fit for my needs. I do have another mini-itx PC built.. just needs an OS.

If I use it for the small TV, I just need to make it as easy as possible for my wife to use it while i'm gone.

Maybe boot it directly up to the Media Center and buy a WMC remote?

Will it stream to anything other than WMC? I'd hate to purchase a whole new install of Windows just for that.

From what I understand, the HomeRun device will stream to a lot of things. What you record with can vary, but XBMC, MythTv, and a number of other software packages work with the device. Windows, Mac, and Linux. Just a matter of finding something works best for you, but the HDHomeRun is pretty simple.