Tuning 2 video sources to computer

[arnabbiswas]

Gbpvr gurus,

I have a very elementary question about tuning multiple video inputs to my PC:

I have a WinTV 150 card and I am currently tuning in my cable TV to my PC using the coaxial input on the WinTV card. This setup works fine and I am able to view and record live TV through GBPVR.

I would now also like to tune in my VCR using this card so that I can watch whatever is playing on the VCR through my computer. The idea is to use the computer as a hub for all AV devices and have only one video output going from the PC to the TV. Another benefit would be that I would be able to convert and backup my analog content from VCR tapes to digital content on the PC.

Since the WinTV card has one coax input and one composite AV input, I would like to have both of these as permanent connections to my PC.

Now my question is, would I be able to watch content from both VCR and cable on my PC through the same card, or would I need another card? The WinTV 150 card that I am using is a single tuner card (but it has 2 seperate forms of AV inputs).

If this is possible, would I be able to use gbpvr to watch from both of these sources and how could I select between the two sources?

Any help greatly appreciated.

[stefan]

What you describe is possible, as long as you don't expect to record anything from cable at the same time as you watch the VCR. As you said, the card is a single tuner card, and hence can only handle one source at a time.

You would need to set up a second capture source in your config. Set it to "direct recording plugin", with settings "board number=1" "source = composite" (1, 2 or 3, I don't know which one you use)"epg" should be set to "none".

I hope that is enough to get you started.

[arnabbiswas]

Hi Stefan,

Thanks for the quick reply. I made the changes you suggested, ie I created another recording source with board no: Capture Device #1, Source: Composite, External tuning.

I then inserted a tape to my vcr and played it. When I tried watching this through GBPVR, I did not find any changes to the main menu that would allow me to watch content from this source. I tried changing all channels on Live TV but all the channels were only my regular TV channels and none from my VCR.

So I am unable to figure out how to actually watch my vcr through GBPVR as of yet. The changes to the config left the GBPVR interface unchanged.

I am attaching my card input connectors image for reference.

I have my cable TV connected to the TV input and the VCR to the composite video input.

[sub]

You would need to set up a second capture source in your config. Set it to "direct recording plugin", with settings "board number=1" "source = composite" (1, 2 or 3, I don't know which one you use)"epg" should be set to "none".

I then inserted a tape to my vcr and played it. When I tried watching this through GBPVR, I did not find any changes to the main menu that would allow me to watch content from this source. I tried changing all channels on Live TV but all the channels were only my regular TV channels and none from my VCR.

Stefan forgot one step in his instructions. You need to manually add a channel called 'AV1' or 'composite' or something similar. After this you'll find there is now a channel with this name when you view live tv.

[arnabbiswas]

Thanks Sub. That fixed it and I am now able to tune in and record from my VCR.

[stefan]

Sorry about that Glad you got it working, though.