HD recording via firewire

[iHoudini]

I was a little bit dissappointed when I found out I wouldn't be able to get HD channels such as Discovery or ESPN on my HTPC. I know that ATI is coming out with the OCUR some time next year which I believe will solve all of my problems, but I really don't want to wait that long. Then I read a few things about hooking the HTPC up to the cable box via firewire to get HD content and I see that my cable box is supported. I was wondering if anyone has tried this before and what kind of results they have had. I am using MCE 2005. Will I be able to pause and rewind like I am now with analog cable? Will I be able to get shows like DiscoveryHD and ESPNHD if I am paying for them? Will I be able to get channels I'm not paying for??

 

[CrimandEvil]

If they use 5C encryption then the answer is no.

Will I be able to get channels I'm not paying for??

Thats piracy and would be proving the MPAA and the RIAA right when they say all of us are pirates.

 

[iHoudini]

So what I'm getting from your post is that I get any channel regardless if I'm paying for it, unless it is 5C encrypted, right? And is there anyway that I can tell if a channel is 5C encrypted before trying all of this? Just a note, I am actually paying for these channels, but I would like to get them going through my HTPC.

 

[CrimandEvil]

5C encryption is what is used for premium channels like HBO and probably ESPN HD as well (infact I'm pretty sure it is cause it's also a premium channel) so you can't get them.

What you'll need is CableCard which will be released with Vista, this will let you watch all the channels you have.

Firewire recording is used to get around from going from your STB (digital) passed through the Svideo out ports (analog) to connect it too your HTPC. Basicially it's being able to get around the digital to analog conversion which lowers the quality of your source. It's possible to get the same OTA HD feeds over firewire but you're not going to get anything beyond the network stations in HD.