Sorry if it has been asked, going digital cable, need tuner advice.

[daveid]

Comcast just called and told me they were going to upgrade me to the digital cable package at no cost to me. So, I need to upgrade my tuner to record my new digital channels. I currently have an ATI 550Pro in there. Which I may leave to have additional recording capabilities, or install it in my other machine. Either way, what would you suggest? I was looking at the Hauppauge 2250, which should do the job, right? Any thing else I should look at?

I am a bit out of the loop when it comes to digital recording formats here in the US of A, how would my streams be saved (what compression, container, etc.)?

Thanks,
Dave

[sub]

Yes, the HVR2250 would do the job.

The files will either be a .ts or .dvr-ms file depending on the multiplexer you use. The files will have MPEG2 video, and either AC3 or MPEG1 audio, and will have the bitrate and resolution that the broadcaster uses.

You'll only be able to watch/record the channels that your broadcaster transmits unencrypted, which at the absolute minimum will be the local channels. Some people get luck and have most of their channels unencrypted. Premium channels are rarely unencrypted, and if you need to record this, you'd need to connect an analog input on the 2250 to the output of the cable set top box.

[daveid]

Alright, sounds good to me, I am most interested in getting the local channels digitally, anything else I will stick to the basic/analog cable, which they assured me will still be available. I am not too interested in trying to connect the set top box to my PC. I think I will go ahead and get the HVR2250 and see how it goes.
Thanks.

[daveid]

Actually, how would I do with the HVR1600, as it is much cheaper and more accessible?

[sub]

It'll also work. The HVR-2250 is dual tuner though, so if recording multiple things at the same time is important to you, it maybe more useful in the long run.

[daveid]

Only reason I looked at the 1600 was that I wasn't sure of the 'analog' capabilities of the 2250, would I still get all 125 basic analog channels with it?

Sorry, I have been out of the loop for a while now, and not too clear on the new tech.

[sub]

The 2250 also does analog, and will give you the 125 basic analog channels.

[superflysocal]

Yes, the HVR2250 would do the job.

The files will either be a .ts or .dvr-ms file depending on the multiplexer you use. The files will have MPEG2 video, and either AC3 or MPEG1 audio, and will have the bitrate and resolution that the broadcaster uses.

You'll only be able to watch/record the channels that your broadcaster transmits unencrypted, which at the absolute minimum will be the local channels. Some people get luck and have most of their channels unencrypted. Premium channels are rarely unencrypted, and if you need to record this, you'd need to connect an analog input on the 2250 to the output of the cable set top box.

can you choose which multiplexer to use to get desired output? ie dvrms? please explain how.

[sub]

Yes, there is a setting in the config app for choosing the multiplexer.

[daveid]

You rock, Sub.. Thanks again. I think I know what to get myself now..
Do you secretly work for Hauppauge? You'd make a good salesman!
Guess it is about time I updated my GBPVR, and started looking into multiplexer choices, and editing options. I could (I hope) still be able to use ProjectX to cut my commercials/demux my video/audio, that'd be nice.
Edit - made my purchase, I am sure I will be back when I get it asking for some assistance setting this up properly (this being new water for me to get my feet wet in).