PVR150 A/V Cable Header for additional inputs

[jksmurf]

How many of you have the A/V Cable Header on a PVR150? Work OK?

http://www.pcalchemy.com/product_info.ph...stv-tuners

Are the inputs discrete, i.e. you won't get any signal crossover between inputs (I tried to use a splitter for audio, using S-Video and RCA-Video a separate signals from two sources, but got sound from the other source)

I also ask as I cannot get one here ..blank stare .."call the agent"... is there anyone close by (or even coming through HK) that could send me one if I sent some $$ (first) by paypal?

k.

[krypton_john]

I think it is only useful on PVR500 to allow use of the second tuner.

[jksmurf]

I think it is only useful on PVR500 to allow use of the second tuner.

Well, not really. If you have 3 independent sources, say (i) Free to air (FTA), (ii) CABLE and (iii) DSL and want the ability for GBPVR to record either source on either card simultaneously then it is very useful.

Each card has 1xS-Video, 1xRCA Video and 2xAudio, 1 x FTA

e.g. Currently my config is

• FTA => PVRCard#1 via FTA Antenna Cable (Old Type)
  
• CABLETV=>PVRCard#1 via 3xRCA jacks (Yellow Red White)
  
• DSLTV=>PVRCard#2 via Svideo + 2xRCA Audio jacks

Say one card (PVRCARD#1) was recording FTA and I wanted to record CableTV simultaneosuly. I can't because the input is on the same card, i.e. it is "in use". (DSLTV would be OK as that is Card#2)

But if I have a second independent input on PVRCARD#2 which I ALSO plug CABLETV into, and use the SAME EPG as I use for Card#1, then it WILL work as it will choose the free card Card #2 and change the input source to e.g. S-Video#2.

In the same way a 2nd AV Header on Card#1 will allow me to do the reverse for DSLTV.

FTA is no problem as I have 1 FTA feed and two FTA jacks, one on each card.

k.

[krypton_john]

But why not just connect your CABLETV into the composite video input on Card #2?

[jksmurf]

But why not just connect your CABLETV into the composite video input on Card #2?

LOL. I had already tried that ....BUT (there's always a but) .... that's fine if you want:
(a) Video but no Audio ... The Audio RCA jacks are occupied by the DSL Box.
(b) Video with Audio that comes from both sources. What do I mean by this? Well I tried a splitter and put BOTH DSL+Cable Audio into card#2. I have to leave both boxes on, so what happens is a I get Video OK, but Audio from Both sources. Video one film with a soundtrack from another is bizarre...

So why don't I turn off one of the boxes? I leave both them on so they can record stuff. I COULD try and set up event ghost to turn them on and off, but TBH, an A/V header is really the easiest option ...

Does your local shop sell these :-)

Cheers,

k.

[prouton]

You're right, the way to do it is to use the adapter card connected to the header on the PVR-150. I haven't used one yet (with my PVR-500's), but the quality should be fine if the wires are shielded (as they are in the unit from Hauppauge). There are no active components (and the only passive components are jacks) on the adapter card.

[krypton_john]

Dang.

The good news is the Cable Set adapters are now readily available all over the place - even New Zealand! Stupid price though.

[jksmurf]

Dang.

The good news is the Cable Set adapters are now readily available all over the place - even New Zealand! Stupid price though.

Well I could buy one in NZ next time I go down to see my folks..... but it IS a crazy price for a few wires and a couple of adapters isn't it. Still, if they HAD one here I'd buy one (or even two). But Hauppauge Singapore (who are the closest agent to HK) didn't even answer my email!

k.

[krypton_john]

Given the size of the HK market, I would have thought at least one retailer of Hauppauge cards would also stock the cable adapters. Usueally it's us down ehre who have to look your way to find hard to get widgets!