Experience with DVB-C anybody?

[fb_de]

Hi there,

I'm currently trying to find out whether it would make sense to make myself a christmas present with a fresh DVB-C contract

It would be particularly great if somebody could share his experience with Germany-based Unitymedia (former Ish), and how he went about making his HTPC/GB-PVR/DVB-C Tuner/Smartcard combination work. You don't have to have Unitymedia as a provider, I'm interested in anything that will help me make a decision.

I actually use GB-PVR more for recording than viewing live tv, so I sense I need a digital tv settop box for my TV, and an additional smart card to feed the card slot on the PC tuner card. Is that correct?

But then: do I really have to record digital? Maybe the settop box has an analog out, and I can use that to feed my existing PVR150 analog card, right? I believe Unitymedia ships Humax (Model UM-FOX C) or TechniSat (Model DIGIT UM-K1)....

But in case I need a dvb-c card? Which one, and why?
What are the common issues I should be aware of when trying to view and record digital tv via a PC?

All sorts of newbie questions, I know... I wish I knew more about that stuff already, but maybe you guys can share a bit of your experience with me

Cheers,
Frank

[sub]

I use DVB-C here, but our network is encrypted so I have to use multidec plugins (softcams) and a smartcard reader and my smartcard to be able to record/watch those channels. Whether the same thing was possible there would depend on whether multidec plugins are available for the encryption system your cable operator uses.

I have used FireDTV DVB-C, Twinhan Mantis and Technotrend budge DVB-C devices.

[fb_de]

Thanks Sub - now that you mentioned it, I think our network seems do be encrypted as well: with Nagravision.

So I'm getting that I need a FireDTV DVB-C (or similar), find the right multidec plugin that supports nagravision. Then I need a smartcard reader ... I need to find one that I can ingrate inside the PC, otherwise I'll have another external component, which I'll rather not have.

However, I always thought that the FireDTV has a (?)CIM to accomodate a card, so what would I need the card reader for? Is my assumption wrong?

Thanks,
Frank

[sub]

Thanks Sub - now that you mentioned it, I think our network seems do be encrypted as well: with Nagravision.

So I'm getting that I need a FireDTV DVB-C (or similar), find the right multidec plugin that supports nagravision. Then I need a smartcard reader

Yes, pretty much.

I need to find one that I can ingrate inside the PC, otherwise I'll have another external component, which I'll rather not have.

I have an external one. The ones that tend to be compatible with multidec plugins tend to be connected via serial port, so are usually external. I'm not sure if any internal models exist.

However, I always thought that the FireDTV has a (?)CIM to accomodate a card, so what would I need the card reader for? Is my assumption wrong?

Sorry, there is no built in support for hardware CAM modules, which is what would be plugged into the FireDTV CI slot.