Noob question re: digital and analog

[kaizen]

I feel stupid asking this, but don't ask, ya don't learn so here goes...

I need to find a new cap card (long story) and wanted to go with a USB to free up space in my 3 slot box. I was looking at the Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-950 Hybrid TV Stick because I'm tight on funds but was looking at threads where sub said that the "digital side was supported but not the analog side" and I have to admit I really don't understand what he meant.

I have digital cable and require a convertor to see premium channels and PPV but I can also see most of the basic cable channels using my old VCR. I have a PVR150MCE currently (which worked and tuned in the basics) that is listed on the wiki as being "analog" but again, I'm not sure how this is meant.

Can anyone explain this to me in very simple terms? I'd be really grateful!

[sub]

I need to find a new cap card (long story) and wanted to go with a USB to free up space in my 3 slot box. I was looking at the Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-950 Hybrid TV Stick because I'm tight on funds but was looking at threads where sub said that the "digital side was supported but not the analog side" and I have to admit I really don't understand what he meant.

It means with a HVR-950 you'll be able to tune in 'over the air' digital channels (ATSC) through the antenna connected to the HVR950. You wont be able to use the HVR-950 for regular old NTSC cable channels.

The reason the analog side of this device is not compatible with GB-PVR is because it lacks the required hardware MPEG2 encoder.

[kaizen]

I can't tell you how much I appreciate the quick reply; the sale on the 950 ends today and I was going to buy it...saved me a lot of headaches!

Can the above explanation be added to the WIKI section on capture cards? I think it would help others as much as it did me. If you want to grant me access, I'd be glad to do a write up myself as I realize you are busy.

Can anyone suggest a moderately priced USB device that *is* capable of receiving the cable NTSC signal?

[sub]

I dont think there is a device that is USB connected, does ATSC, and has the required hardware MPEG2 encoder for analog.

[kaizen]

Looks like I'm going to need to go USB on the sound card then. The closeness of the cards is causing a thermal issue/interference with the video card so I need to free up some 'breathing room'.

Thanks again for the help, sub!