dvb / mvp overview

[paperchaser]

I am currently using Hauppage pvr150 and mvp with gbpvr, I am considering adding FTA satellite via a pci or usb tuner.

Could someone give me a thumbnail sketch of how I will ultimately view satellite via the mvp (mpg2 player)? If I understand correctly, DVB is an mpg2 stream, but not directly viewable by the MVP, much like a DVD VOB. Are there sat tuner cards that produce an .mpg file the MVP can use? Or do I need to transcode DVB to an .mpg container, and/or is the transcoding done on the fly during recording? Also I see reference to dvb-s and dvb-t...what is the difference and should I care?

thanks

[sub]

You can use any DVB to record directly to a regular .mpg file by using either the Cyberlink or ATI mux. These files are thesn directly playable on the MVP, just like those files produced by your PVR150.

DVB-T is received through an antenna from a nearby transmitter. DVB-S is received through a satellite dish from a satellite.

[pBS]

what about ac-3? i assume we just shouldn't select channels with ac3 audio?

[sub]

AC3 isnt actually that common with DVB. Usually it's just a regular MPEG1 Layer 2 audio stream. I think with DVB there is always a regular audio channel available, with AC3 just being an optional extra audio stream that can be carried.

Ok, to be sure I've covered all bases... you wont be able to playback recordings with AC3 audio, or H.264 video, or high def MPEG2 video on an MVP. These are not that common though.

[paperchaser]

when you say "using either the Cyberlink or ATI mux", what do you mean by "using"? is this a transcoding or de/re-multiplexing process on the PC that "converts" to .mpg...or is it done on the dvb card itself? is it done in realtime such that livetv will work? would it be better to find a dvb card (if one exists) that saves to mpv-compatible .mpg?

feel free to direct me to any site that better explains dvb.

thanks!

[sub]

There is a setting in the config app which specifies which mux you want to use when recording with your digital devices.

The raw MPEG2 data is broken up by the broadcaster into small 188 byte transport stream chunks prior to transmission.

The mux is responsible for reassembling those chunks after GB-PVR receives them from the capture device, then saves that data to disk. This is done in (near) real time, and consumes barely any CPU. Its not having to do any reencoding or anything like that - just rejoining chunks, and a some bit formatting for storing on disk.

would it be better to find a dvb card (if one exists) that saves to mpv-compatible .mpg?

They all work this same way.

[mvallevand]

feel free to direct me to any site that better explains dvb.

This is my favourite general explication.

http://www.coolstf.com/mpeg/index.htm

If this isn't enough you can alway enter the abyss that ACTCMS found by searching ISO 13818

Martin

[ACTCMS]

If this isn't enough you can alway enter the abyss that ACTCMS found by searching ISO 13818

Martin

lol

However I'm still here - proof indeed that you can enter the abyss and return undamaged (apart from a few scratches here and there). The secret is to have a long enough bit of string

Alex

[paperchaser]

are local broadcast hdtv channels also dvb as we've discussed? i realize that a different capture card is probably required....

[sub]

Where are you? Given you initially mentioned DVB, I assumed UK, but the UK doesnt transmit "local broadcast hdtv channels", so now I'm wondering where in the world you are. That last question sounded like you're in the US, which doesnt use DVB, and instead uses ATSC digital.

DVB is typically standard definition, which will work on the MVP. ATSC is typically high definition, with AC3 audio, which will not work with the MVP.