Recording HDTV - are there commercial solutions?

Pat the Cat

Is there any consumer hardware codes for recording video signals at HDTV quality?

I appreciate I'm going to need a card that can do at least 720 lines, and sources that match or better that spec - just wondered if the recording market had kept up with the players or lags a little (my understanding, could be dead wrong on that).

HanShot1st · 12-27-2005, 21:03 | posts: 1,153

Can you re-phrase your post? I don't think I understand what your asking...

Yes, there are a few ways to record HDTV in its native format, the problem becomes storage and playback.

The absolute easiest way to record HD programming is to subscribe to cable or satellite that offers an HD DVR. But even then, it's very hard to permanently store it besides on the DVR.

Another popular and more hardcore way to record HD is to use your computer. There are a handful of PCI cards that recieve "ATSC" signals, some of the cards allow your to record, pause, rewind, take caps, etc. Again, you have to somehow store all these files, and you can't playback these HD files using a simple media player. Many use proprietary formats that you must "export" to other formats.

You can also hook up your cable box to your computer via Firewire, and use software to watch or record those HD programs. Again, I hope you have a few very large HDDs.

In general, recording HDTV remains difficult because of the sheer size of the files and a lack of proper media to store those files, not to mention encyrption on some channels and the industry's stance against recording this stuff.

nm+ · 12-27-2005, 21:09 | posts: 10,250 | Location: Not Minneapolis

Try to get a card with as much on-board ecoding/decoding as possible and a huge HD. Best of the card does not support the broadcast flag, but those are quite rare.

HanShot1st · 12-27-2005, 21:28 | posts: 1,153

The broadcast flag does not exist yet in the U.S. No HD PCI card has ever been made with the broadcast flag technology. In fact, the U.S. courts threw out the broadcast flag idea (for now).

The issue of HDCP, that is worth being concerned over...anyone buying a new digital TV should be looking for HDCP compliance.

lw3d · 12-30-2005, 02:53 | posts: 172

Quote:

Originally Posted by HanShot1st

Can you re-phrase your post? I don't think I understand what your asking...

Yes, there are a few ways to record HDTV in its native format, the problem becomes storage and playback.

The absolute easiest way to record HD programming is to subscribe to cable or satellite that offers an HD DVR. But even then, it's very hard to permanently store it besides on the DVR.

Another popular and more hardcore way to record HD is to use your computer. There are a handful of PCI cards that recieve "ATSC" signals, some of the cards allow your to record, pause, rewind, take caps, etc. Again, you have to somehow store all these files, and you can't playback these HD files using a simple media player. Many use proprietary formats that you must "export" to other formats.

You can also hook up your cable box to your computer via Firewire, and use software to watch or record those HD programs. Again, I hope you have a few very large HDDs.

In general, recording HDTV remains difficult because of the sheer size of the files and a lack of proper media to store those files, not to mention encyrption on some channels and the industry's stance against recording this stuff.

I know it will take time but it will be great to get a HD guide going explaining all this

HanShot1st · 12-31-2005, 06:26 | posts: 1,153

Quote:

Originally Posted by lw3d

I know it will take time but it will be great to get a HD guide going explaining all this

Sure I can put something together. I wrote a little HD primer @ XS awhile back, I'll take some stuff from it, and add updates. Gimme some time, I'm anal and I want it to be as useful as possible, while still easy to understand.

lw3d · 12-31-2005, 10:46 | posts: 172

Quote:

Originally Posted by HanShot1st

Sure I can put something together. I wrote a little HD primer @ XS awhile back, I'll take some stuff from it, and add updates. Gimme some time, I'm anal and I want it to be as useful as possible, while still easy to understand.

nunchucka · 01-01-2006, 08:47 | posts: 253 | Location: canada

There are several types of recording equipment, discussed below:

A. Integrated STBs: These STBs are “integrated” devices that contain Hard Disk Drives (HDD) and a Tuner (Cable or Satellite). The most common are HD DVRs available from Cable or Satellite companies. These include devices like the Scientific Atlanta SA8X00HD, Motorola 6208 and the Dish 921. These devices will record all programming except the “record never” type onto their HDDs.

B. D-VHS Tape Recorders: There are a couple of D-VHS HD Recorders – by JVC and Mitsubishi. The JVC recorder can “receive” signals from a firewire-equipped STB or TV and record allowable programming. The Mits HD recorder must be connected to an appropriate Mitsubishi integrated HDTV, with firewire out. I’m not sure if the Mits D-VHS works on any other equipment.

C. External HDD STBs: These “stand-alone” devices do not contain a tuner and obtain signals from firewire-equipped STBs recording HD onto their HDDs. A couple of STBs have been recently announced that have CableCard. They are slated for release "soon", but not many cable companies yet have CableCard ability. None in Canada do.

D. TiVo HDD Recorder: This unit is similar to the SD recorder, but it records HD in addition to SD. At this time, I believe it only works with DirecTV.

E. PCs: You can record “Record Freely” flagged programmes via a firewire connection from a STB. You cannot legally record any other HD programming to your PC.

F. Recording From A DVR If the DVR has active firewire ports, like the Motorola ones, you can copy to a computer or a D-VHS, honouring the flags indicated above..