Can I watch one cable TV channel and record another?

[OrakelJos]

Sub: is there any supported dvb-c card (pci-e, pci or USB) with softcam for irdeto that is supported in GB-PVR? I want to avoid to purchase 3 expensive CAM's without any guarantee from the cablecompany that it will still be working in the future. With softcam support like the Anysee there is at least less risk because the firmware can be updated (in theory).

[sub]

In theory you should be able use any DVB-C device with multidec (and softcams plugins), but as mentioned earlier there are some issues with dealing with more than one simultaneous recording. Its also worth noting that Multidec plugins typically require an external Phoenix card reader, and wouldnt be able to access the reader on an Anysee device.

[OrakelJos]

Is the issue with more than one simultanious recording also if there is only one recording per card, so for three recording using three cards, or only when you want to make multiple recording with one card?

[sub]

Both. Many multidec plugins dont like there being more than one instance of the plugin in memory in a single process (due to use of global variables etc). Much of this stems from the original application that implemented multidec (ProgDVB) only supported a single card, so multi-use wasnt an issue.

Regardless, I'd start with only a single card to see if you can get it doing what you want before investing in three.

[Reddwarf]

Which CAM are you using? Alphacrypt? If so, I need 3 of them @ 105 euro each :mad: Combined with the cost of the 3 dvb-c cards it makes it an expensive solution. Is a cheaper alternative possible?

I'm using Conax CAM for the Technotrend, and NewCS cardserver and Acamd softcam for the Cinergy C PCI HD capture cards. The windows version of NewCS can support two simultanous users sharing one cardreader (Phoenix). However, it is possible to run more than one cardserver, provided that you have one cardreader (with smartcard of course) for each cardserver.

Edit: I have successfully run 3 instances of Acamd at once, so no limit as far as I can see.

[OrakelJos]

Excellent. That sounds great and is a lot cheaper than AlphaCrypt CAM's.
Will see what I have to purchase and hope to get it running before the end of the year.
Thanks

[OrakelJos]

Both. Many multidec plugins dont like there being more than one instance of the plugin in memory in a single process (due to use of global variables etc). Much of this stems from the original application that implemented multidec (ProgDVB) only supported a single card, so multi-use wasnt an issue.

Regardless, I'd start with only a single card to see if you can get it doing what you want before investing in three.

Are there any advantages/disadvantages in using 3 Technotrend dvb-c cards with CI and AlphaCrypt CAM vs. the same cards with softcam and a Phoenix style cardreader aside from the price?
I want to be able to make three recording at the same time so that is of utmost importance. All shows are encrypted!

[Reddwarf]

The only disadvantage with 3 Technotrend cards w/CAM I can see is the price. Tha advantage is that it is more stable and reliable, so if you consider the recordings important the best would be cards with cam. Softcams work, but as we all know, Murphys law tends to kick in when you least want it

[OrakelJos]

The only disadvantage with 3 Technotrend cards w/CAM I can see is the price. Tha advantage is that it is more stable and reliable, so if you consider the recordings important the best would be cards with cam. Softcams work, but as we all know, Murphys law tends to kick in when you least want it

Sub: is the combination of 3 Technotrend Budget C-1501 dvb-c cards incl. CI interface with AlphaCrypt Classic (hardware) CAM fully supported in GB-PVR? All shows are encrypted in Irdeto2 and I want to make max. 3 recordings at the same time. Total price is about 600 euros so I want to be absolutely sure and what is your opinion on CAM vs. Softcam?

[sub]

Sub: is the combination of 3 Technotrend Budget C-1501 dvb-c cards incl. CI interface with AlphaCrypt Classic (hardware) CAM fully supported in GB-PVR?

I've only got one C-1501 card, and I've only ever used it with genuine Irdeto CAMs, so I cant tell you how we'll it'd work or not. I think Reddwarf is the only person to have ever tested more that one card at a time.

All shows are encrypted in Irdeto2 and I want to make max. 3 recordings at the same time. Total price is about 600 euros so I want to be absolutely sure

I'd probably start with one, and see if you're happy before buying the second or third.

what is your opinion on CAM vs. Softcam?

I personally use softcams with a card server, but only because it is so expensive to get smartcards here in NZ. It works reasonable well, but I do have the occasional problem. I'd expect a C1501, with CAM and smartcard, to most likely work better on day to day basis.