UK Sky Digital Capture using PVR-150

[ArfurAnt]

I am considering adding a PVR-150 to my setup as I have a spare Sky Digibox which I could use as an external tuner. I do however have a few questions that I am sure the forum members will be able to help me with.
1. Will the IR Channel Changer in the Retail PVR-150 pack work with UK Sky Digiboxes from within GBPVR. I had heard that there were problems and was not sure if the newer drivers corrected this?
2. Are there any better options for channel changers and could I then get the cheaper MCE version of the PVR-150?
3. My digibox does not have a S-Video output. Is the composite input satisfactory or should I consider getting a Scart RGB to S-Video converter to improve quality. Maplin produce one for about £35. Are there any interlace problems going down this route?
4. What is the best EPG source for UK Sky Digital channels?
5. When configuring the card should I map the analog TV channels on the PVR-150 or am I better off just using it as a dedicated external tuner card as the channels are all available on Sky anyway?
Many Thanks,
ArfurAnt

[b00sfuk]

I have done this exact setup recently

1. Will the IR Channel Changer in the Retail PVR-150 pack work with UK Sky Digiboxes from within GBPVR. I had heard that there were problems and was not sure if the newer drivers corrected this?

No, lots of discussion on the Hauppauge forums about this.

2. Are there any better options for channel changers and could I then get the cheaper MCE version of the PVR-150?

I use Redrat but it is not sold anymore. I think there you can get a USBIRT in UK though.

3. My digibox does not have a S-Video output. Is the composite input satisfactory or should I consider getting a Scart RGB to S-Video converter to improve quality. Maplin produce one for about £35. Are there any interlace problems going down this route?

I went the converter route for a time but in the end I went and bought a 2nd hand Grundig 3000(or 2000) box off ebay that has s-video out. You can get one for £20-30 and the picture quality is better and the solution simpler.

4. What is the best EPG source for UK Sky Digital channels?

Use the Alan Birtles grabber with the Radio times source.

5. When configuring the card should I map the analog TV channels on the PVR-150 or am I better off just using it as a dedicated external tuner card as the channels are all available on Sky anyway?

I just use the dedicated tuner - no benefit I can think of.

[ArfurAnt]

Many thanks - a most comprehensive set of answers, I shall look into the suggestions you have made
Cheers,
ArfurAnt

[stefan]

I think there you can get a USBIRT in UK though.

Sorry if I'm writing obvious things here, but just so you don't go banging your head trying to find an USBIRT: it's actually called USB-UIRT =)
http://www.usbuirt.com/

[stefan]

5. When configuring the card should I map the analog TV channels on the PVR-150 or am I better off just using it as a dedicated external tuner card as the channels are all available on Sky anyway?

That would depend on exactly how you use the box. If there is any chance someone else (or you) will use the box for watching tv, not through gbpvr that is, then you might benefit from adding the analogue channels too. That way you could make gbpvr record BBC1 or whatever, while you are watching channel X on the box directly connected to the tv.

[onestar]

Re redrat - which I also use. I know it was going to be not sold, but then demand kept it open, and I think its still being sold. http://redrat.co.uk/start.htm