Is there any card that can tune digital cable native?

[bhays]

I think I know the answer to this, but I have not really been paying that close of attention to new hardware these days. I have Comcast digital cable and have been using my pvr150 for a couple of years to record the analog channels. Is the only option to use gbpvr with the digital channels still to use a cable box and ir blaster?

[sub]

You can tune unencrypted US digital cable channels using the HDHomeRun or OnAir GT devices. You will not be able to tune the channels your broadcaster is encrypted.

[bhays]

So, in layman's terms, I would not be able to tune any channels in the 'plus package' that require a cable box and them to activate the channels via communication with the box? These are not movie channels or ppv, just things like Science Channel, Military Channel, etc?

http://www.comcast.com/customers/clu/channelLineup.ashx

What about this ATI TV Wonder Digital Cable Tuner I am hearing about?
http://ati.amd.com/products/tvwonderdigital/index.html

[sub]

So, in layman's terms, I would not be able to tune any channels in the 'plus package' that require a cable box and them to activate the channels via communication with the box? These are not movie channels or ppv, just things like Science Channel, Military Channel, etc?

http://www.comcast.com/customers/clu/channelLineup.ashx

Sorry, I cant answer that one for you. The list of unencrypted channels varies from company to company, and even by location for some companies. It can vary from all channels available unencrypted, to only your locals. Some places only block box office movie channels.

[bhays]

I am thinking of buying one of these to see what channels it will get. My only real use for the device will be with gbpvr to hopefully integrate the digital channels into my epg and watch them on sets where I do have a mvp, but not a cable box and also record the unencrypted channels.

Price seems to be the same with both of them, would you recommend the OnairGT or HDHomerun?

[sub]

They both seem decent from what I've read. There seems to be a larger number of users with the HDHomerun, and pretty active support forum at http://www.hdhomerun.com. The HDHomerun also has dual tuners.

[flyswatta]

Do you have SVideo or composite out on your STB? You can run the output from there into your PVR150. You'd just have to get an IR Blaster to change the channels on your STB.

[kayak4ever]

I have a PVR150 and just recently signed up for the digital cable instead of analog cable which means I have an external box (all of the digital stations are encrypted by our cable company). I was thinking that I could leave capture card #1 as is, tuning the non-digital stations with the internal tuner and that I could use the config program to add a second capture card that uses a fixed external source (the cable decryption box) as its source. What I haven't researched or figured out is whether I actually need a second capture card inside the computer in order to select "capture card #2" in the config panel.

My son says that it is more complicated than I think and likely won't be feasible, but if it isn't possible, I am confused as to when you would select an external source in the config panel.

btw, having experimented with the cable box and its limitations and the 1 second blackout between changing stations, I am even more impressed with the options and features of gbpvr! The cable box that I am required to use doesn't even come with a manual to explain how to use the remote, is cumbersome to use, etc. I find I would rather watch non-digital on the gbpvr than the digital stations on the cable box!

[sub]

I was thinking that I could leave capture card #1 as is, tuning the non-digital stations with the internal tuner and that I could use the config program to add a second capture card that uses a fixed external source (the cable decryption box) as its source. What I haven't researched or figured out is whether I actually need a second capture card inside the computer in order to select "capture card #2" in the config panel.

If you want to be able to record from both at the same time, then you'd need an extra card.

If you're happy with only one recording or live tv at the same time, then you can create two capture sources for the same card, both set as device #1, and GB-PVR will take of making sure only one at a time is used etc.

[UncleJohnsBand]

So, in layman's terms, I would not be able to tune any channels in the 'plus package' that require a cable box and them to activate the channels via communication with the box? These are not movie channels or ppv, just things like Science Channel, Military Channel, etc?

http://www.comcast.com/customers/clu/channelLineup.ashx

What about this ATI TV Wonder Digital Cable Tuner I am hearing about?
http://ati.amd.com/products/tvwonderdigital/index.html

It appears the ATI has Cablecard compatability.....however....Comcast appears to only support cards they install/configure....you should probably call and ask if they will support this unit.....

Post what you find out....this seems to be a nice offering from ATI...

As a side note....I belive Verizon supports 3rd party cablecards with their FIOS TV offering (if it is available to you......I can only get the FIOS internet at this time...which is great).