Media Center and "Digital Cable Advisor" in MC "Extras"

[BonzaiDuck]

I apologize if I could have posted this on my other "thread of inquiry" about SilconDust HomeRun, Media Center and cable-providers.

I have had one complete success in getting the HomeRun multi-tuner device to provide my entire cable-TV subscription of both SD and HD broadcast channels.

I attempted the same procedure on mom's computer upstairs (which only gets basic cable and SD premium channels with a few unrestricted HD channels like PBS.

The "Digital Cable Advisor" process ended at the test Windows performs to "certify your computer as digital-cable-ready." Of the three basic tests, the first two passed, and the third -- graphics -- failed. This would be due either to the fact that the computer up there uses an old conventional tube-type monitor with insufficient resolution capability, or the built-in nVidia graphics on her motherboard is insufficient. But I wouldn't think the onboard graphics would be insufficient for HD, and the unrestricted HD channels appear normally to view in Media Center.

My question is as follows. If the computer fails one of the tests, is it impossible to "Activate Digital Cable" within Windows Media Center? I think it is. I'm guessing that I should next try a monitor on her computer that can provide 1080p resolution.

If I can get through the DCA in the same way as with my computer down here, then I should be able to get all the subscription channels upstairs . . . .

If anyone can think of a reason why I won't -- please let me know . . . .

 

[bearxor]

Details...

What is your inboard gfx? Processor type/speed? Display? How are you connecting your machine to your display?

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Details...

What is your inboard gfx? Processor type/speed? Display? How are you connecting your machine to your display?

Onboard graphics is nVidia GeForce 7050 / nForce 610i.

This should be sufficient - more than sufficient -- for an HTPC, display of HD, etc.

Processor is a Wolfdale "Pentium" E6700 3.2Ghz @ 3.6Ghz. And that, too, should be sufficient.

The computer is connected from its DVI port through a VGA "D-sub 15" converter-plug to a VGA monitor -- a Viewsonic pre-LCD or CRT-type monitor.

I really suspect that I can connect a Hanns-G "1080p" monitor to the machine with a DVI-to-HDMI cable, and it won't fail the test. Only way to find out, other than a sharing of experiences through this thread, is to try it, I suppose .. . The Hanns-G is supposed to be HDCP compliant . . .

 

[notposting]

I think you nailed it at the end...I think it is the HDCP most likely getting you there.

Not sure myself as we just use the free clear-QAM channels with the original HDHR but since the whole mess is basically a DRM-fest for the content industry, it is the most likely.

Actually...the video card may not be HDCP compliant etc though as well....try the Hanns-G and progress from there...

 

[bearxor]

That's what I was leaning towards when I asked for the details so that's why I definitely wanted to know how the monitor was hooked up. You're definitely failing HDCP with a VGA connector. It's possible it might not even work with a DVI to HDMI cable.

HDCP is almost certainly your problem though.

 

[notposting]

If the onboard video can't do it, any number of ~$20 video cards should be compliant and handle video duties with ease.

 

[bearxor]

If the onboard video can't do it, any number of ~$20 video cards should be compliant and handle video duties with ease.

The problem isn't the video card. The onboard 7050 is HDCP compliant. He could buy a $500 video card and hook it up with VGA and still fail the test all day long.