recording comcast HD tv

[T2urtle]

The more i search/google the more mixed up info i get.

I have comcast HD box and channels via what is known as a "set top box." I dont have a DVR with comcast and i dont want to pay the extra fees for something stuck into that DVR. Even if there is a way i just dont want a DVR.

Is there a tuner card that will allow me to record a feed from my comcast HD box.



so far from what i read and understand, TV tuner cards can record "QAM" to do so, i take cable wire for outlet and plug directly into TV card, anything UNSCRAMBLED i can record. I can record anything via over the air. But I want to record stuff on SPIKE, MTV and other channels that are HD. I would assume i need to wire up the HDMI out cable from my comcast box INTO my TV tuner to record the feed since most likely comcast channel is scrambled and only the comcast box can decode this.... Is there a TV tuner that can do this and what is the channel/setting i need to look for when shopping for one.

 

[queequeg99]

You have a few options for the encrypted channels. First, there is the Black Magic Intensity coupled with an HDCP stripper (like the HD Fury). This solution will be pretty pricey with a high kludge factor because, to the best of my knowledge, the Black Magic software does not integrate into any DVR software (it is intended to be used with camcorders). Also, I believe it records two channel sound only. I would read up on the problems with this solution over at avsforum.com before proceeding along these lines.

Another option is the Hauppauge HD PVR. This solution is 5.1 capable from an audio perspective and integrates nicely with SageTV (and perhaps some other DVR software solutions) making it much more user friendly from that perspective. However, there are some things to be aware of. Many users have had difficulties with this hardware (although there are many who have had no troubles and love it). Check out the more up-to-date threads on this device at the sagetv forums as well as the avsforum site. Also, this device inputs component signals (not HDMI). If cable companies ever decide to close the analog hole (and disable component outputs on their set top boxes), you will need to get some more hardware to convert the signal from HDMI to component and strip the HDCP protection (another $200-300).

Finally, AverMedia has the AverTV HD DVR, which has HDMI inputs. But it will not accept signals that are HDCP encrypted so you will need to get an HDCP stripper. Also, you will have to use the AverMedia software with the card (i.e. I do not believe that it will integrate with any other solution). Again, check out the avsforum site for a thread on this device.

This is definitely an area that needs more attention from manufacturers.