How to configure 2nd capture source

[sub]

recording source - direct recording plugin(fixed channel, cable,3)

recording source - direct recording plugin(fixed channel, cable,3)

When you're recording from a set top box, you can only record the channel its currently tuned to. If you've only got one stop box, connected to two capture cards, then they'll only be able to record that one channel.

You'd need an additional set top box for them to both be able to record different channels.

[cybrob]

Even if you split the cable coming out of the stb with a splitter, you can only record one show? I thought as long as I had the tuner cards that I would be able to record 2 shows at a time?
Is that the only way with two stb's? If that is the case how does tivo get around it with two tuner cards? Thanks again, sub
CybRob

[cybrob]

Sub,
What is the purpose of having multiple tuner cards? If you only have one stb? Also if you had multiple stbs, then wouldnt you have to have multiple blaster to change the channels on both stbs?
Thanks
CybRob

[sub]

Even if you split the cable coming out of the stb with a splitter, you can only record one show?

Correct.

I thought as long as I had the tuner cards that I would be able to record 2 shows at a time?

Correct, but the tuner cards arent the limitation here, its the signal you're passing into it. The coax coming from a set top box only carries one channel, there are no other channels that the capture card can tune in.

US based users of cable set top boxes often have one tuner device plugged into the set top box, and one plugged directly into the cable feed (ie, split before the cable box), and can use this to record the analog channels that are often also available in the cable - giving them one card that can record every channel available via the set top box, and one card that can record the analog channels that are avilable. This scheme doesnt apply to all cable networks though (some encrypt all channels, or dont provide any analog channels on the cable). This scheme also does not apply to satellite set top boxes.

[sub]

What is the purpose of having multiple tuner cards? If you only have one stb?

If you only have one set top box, and this is the only way you can receive channels, then there isnt much point to it at all.

Whats the point of multiple cards? Its useful if you have multiple set top boxes, or if you have alternate sources for tv signals (like the analog cable), or channels received via antenna.

Also if you had multiple stbs, then wouldnt you have to have multiple blaster to change the channels on both stbs?

Correct, though if you have different set top boxes, you can often get away with one blaster. Some blasters also have support for multiple zones, allowing you to control several boxes from the one blaster.

[cybrob]

First how do I set up the above? and then I will be able to record two show at the same time? correct....one analog and one cable(digital)? If that is true then I reckin I can give that a gander and see how it comes out... Do or would I still use zap2it for the epg for the analog card and what kind of source would that be considered(external, internal.....) thanks again
Cybrob

[sub]

Just add a splitter before you cable box, one feed going to the cable box which is connected to one card, the other feed going to the second card.

You can then check if any channels will be available by running the Tuning Assistant utility.

[cybrob]

Sub,
Once you split your cable feed, one to the card and one to the stb, how do you get all of your digital channels?
Thanks
CybRob

[sub]

The stb has to be connected to one of the cards. That card will then be able to receive whatever channel the stb is tuner to (use blaster to automatically changer channels as required).

The other card will only receive the analog channels.

[cybrob]

right now though I have it configured like that and I am not getting the digital channels. All of them appear to be analog. How do you set the cards up to get all of the channels? I reckin I need to know how to configure each card...Thanks
CybRob