Choice of HDHumerun Prime (3 Tuner) or Hauppauge 1212 HD-PVR

[GaryJ73167]

Something I have noticed since switching from the Happauge device to the HD Homerun Prime:

1st, I had to play with the codecs and the settings again to get everything operating as it should (In NPVR). Didnt take long, I just tried a number of options until (both) the Audio & Video were working properly

The thing I noticed is with my VideoREDO software ( I LOVE this software. I know it was pricey but it is worth every penny to me) it tends to take a bit longer to remove commercials. Nothing really bad. For example, instead of taking about 3 minutes to do a 45 minute show, it might take about 5 minutes/30 seconds. This is NOT a complaint. Just an observation. Could it be more work for VideoREDO because I am using different codecs?

The 2nd thing is, when I would record a 1 hour TV show with the Happauge, the TS file size would be about 2.8GB to 3.1GB. NOW when I record a 1 hour show with the HDHomerun Prime, the file size is about 1.2GB. Without sacrificing ANY quality (that I am able to notice) whatsoever.

I am thrilled that it DRASTICALLY cut down the file size. This was a VERY welcomed surprise.

Can this be because of the codecs? Or is it the HDHomerun Prime box that is allowing the smaller file seize ?

Below is the current codec settings I am using. I literally just started changing things until the audio and video worked, so, I am not claiming that these settings are ideal. I am always open for suggestions if someone sees something wrong with this. But, as I stated, it is working, so maybe I wont mess with it (unless I can get better quality if I do)

[mvallevand]

Recording has nothing to do with codecs.

The cablecard output bitrate seems to be SD vs 720p for the HDPVR, perhaps you aren't comparing the same channel or have been upscaling you STB output. Also if you still have any channels with 1080i MPEG2 video they should be much bigger. If you really are getting 1.2 GB HD recordings in one hour your cable company is giving you a pretty crappy quality even if you don't notice it.

For VideoRedo processing the HDPVR streams are basic, one audio one video streams and should not have any stream errors because of the reencoding. The raw feeds could have more packet types to process and might have small stream errors to correct but I don't see that making a big difference. Perhaps you are just doing more recording now that you have 3 tuners and the CPU is busier.

Martin

[GaryJ73167]

Recording has nothing to do with codecs.

The cablecard output bitrate seems to be SD vs 720p for the HDPVR, perhaps you aren't comparing the same channel or have been upscaling you STB output. Also if you still have any channels with 1080i MPEG2 video they should be much bigger. If you really are getting 1.2 GB HD recordings in one hour your cable company is giving you a pretty crappy quality even if you don't notice it.

For VideoRedo processing the HDPVR streams are basic, one audio one video streams and should not have any stream errors because of the reencoding. The raw feeds could have more packet types to process and might have small stream errors to correct but I don't see that making a big difference. Perhaps you are just doing more recording now that you have 3 tuners and the CPU is busier.

Martin

Thank you for your detailed reply

Stupid Question: how can I tell what quality my output files are? (to see if they are 720p or 1080i). Unless I am misunderstanding what you're telling me

[mvallevand]

When you play a file or live tv in NextPVR hit ctrl-i to get the resolution and encoding type.

Martin

[GaryJ73167]

When you play a file or live tv in NextPVR hit ctrl-i to get the resolution and encoding type.

Martin

Thank you.

I will check as soon as I get home from work.

Now I am all worried (not your fault though. These forums are very informative.)

[GaryJ73167]

Not meaning to hi-jack my own thread here, but, I am going to add channels to the Cable Card I have . I want to get a better pkg.

So, once the channels are added to my account, I know how to upgrade my access card

As far as NPVR, do I only have to do the "Update EPG" to add them ? I dont think that NPVR will see the channels automatically

Or should I clear EPG and then update EPG?

[BrettB]

As far as NPVR, do I only have to do the "Update EPG" to add them ? I dont think that NPVR will see the channels automatically

You will need to go into the device setup and do another scan which will list the new channels (as well as the old ones). Also, since there are 3 tuners, the easiest way is to: add the new channels to the 1st tuner, delete all of the channels from the 2nd and 3rd tuners, then NextPVR will give you the option to copy the channels from tuner 1 to tuner 2 (and then to tuner 3).

[sub]

Also, since there are 3 tuners, the easiest way is to: add the new channels to the 1st tuner, delete all of the channels from the 2nd and 3rd tuners, then NextPVR will give you the option to copy the channels from tuner 1 to tuner 2 (and then to tuner 3).

Yep, that's the best way to do it. Delete the channels from the 2nd and 3rd tuner, then scan on the first tuner to add the new channels, then when you go to setup tuner 2/3, it'll give you the option to copy the channel config from the first tuner.

[jcole998]

It's been my experience that scanning each to each tuner is far faster than scanning 1 then copying to 2 then 3.

[sub]

It's been my experience that scanning each to each tuner is far faster than scanning 1 then copying to 2 then 3.

The problem with scanning separately on each tuner is that you end up with separate channels associated with each tuner, rather than a single channel available from all 3 tuners. (so...then you'd have to do another step of merging the channels to get them treated as the same channel...much more straight forward to scan on the one tuner and copy to the others)