Question about Mux/Muxer/Multiplexer/Multiplex Filter

[megacoupe]

(I think I covered all of the variations in the title, but correct me if I'm wrong.)

I recently got back into the PVR game (having built my PVR back in '05). I had problems the last time around and let it sit without use for many months, so I figured I would go very slowly and carefully research each step before doing it this time around. I've formatted and installed MCE 2005, I've disabled MCE services, installed PureVideo Decoder 1.02-196, Nvidia Forceware 93.71 and I'm using the latest drivers I could find for the PVR 150 retail.

So far, Live TV works, with some minor color splotching/dimness issues, but I think these might be fixed once I apply the PureVideo Registry Patch I saw on these forums.

The main issue for me back when I first built my PVR was the ghosting/skipping in LiveTV, and I have to say that the problem seems to have been greatly reduced, even though I'm using exactly the same hardware. I can only guess that the more recent versions of Forceware, PureVideo and GBPVR have helped the issue.

One thing that confuses me is the "mux" thing. The way my setup works is that I have an s-video cable going from my set top box (digital cable from Time Warner) to my PVR 150, and another s-video cable going from a GeForce 6600 to my television (old-fashioned cathode ray tube). I'm not sure if I need a "muxer" or not.

If I do, which software package comes with a muxer? I recently purchased a DVD-writer that was packed with Cyberlink PowerDVD; will a muxer be included? What muxer have people had the most success with?

MuxChecker comes up blank for me, so I'm guessing a proper muxer will fix the occasional stutter I still get in LiveTV.

Any insight into the muxer issue, as well as the splotchy color/dimness issue, would be appreciated.

[sub]

One thing that confuses me is the "mux" thing. The way my setup works is that I have an s-video cable going from my set top box (digital cable from Time Warner) to my PVR 150, and another s-video cable going from a GeForce 6600 to my television (old-fashioned cathode ray tube). I'm not sure if I need a "muxer" or not.

If I do, which software package comes with a muxer? I recently purchased a DVD-writer that was packed with Cyberlink PowerDVD; will a muxer be included? What muxer have people had the most success with?

MuxChecker comes up blank for me, so I'm guessing a proper muxer will fix the occasional stutter I still get in LiveTV.

You dont need to worry about a mux. They're only used with digital cards. Analog cards like the PVR150 do it all in hardware.

Any splotchy color/dimness issue would have to relate to your video decoder and/or video renderer. You may find your PV produces better colour rendition using the Overlay renderer.