The Move from Analog to Digital

[spidey24]

So, I am gearing up for next years cut over to digital. I currently receive only over the air channels, no cable or satellite. I am wanting to get a digital to analog converter for my antenna, but no see that this converter comes with its own remote. So my understanding is that the converter will only send the digital signal of one channel at a time to my capture card. This of course causes a problem since GBPVR needs to be able to adjust what channel it is recording. Also, I use an MVP where my TV is actually located and need a way to change the channel still using my MVP. I have read about an IR Blaster being needed, but want to know if this solution will work with a MVP configuration. TIA! I love GBPVR!

[sub]

I have read about an IR Blaster being needed, but want to know if this solution will work with a MVP configuration.

Yes, adding an IR Blaster to this setup would be required when you add on of these converter boxes. Its really just an ATSC set top box. With the addition of an IR Blaster, GB-PVR would be able to tell the set top box to change channel when it needs to. Its applicable to both the PC and MVPs.

[spidey24]

Thank you Sub, Your always so quick and helpful with your responses. I just looked at my hauppauge 150 and it is a version that isnt capable of using a IR Blaster. Do you have a recommendation for say a USB IR blaster that GBPVR is already set to use? TIA

[sub]

The USB-UIRT and MCE Remote/Blaster combo are probably the two most popular add-on IR Blasters.

The other option worth looking at is buying an ATSC capture device so you can record the digital streams directly. This gives you the highdef streams, but admittedly these are not compatible as is with the MVP. A pretty good option is the HVR1600 (http://www.pcalchemy.com/product_info.ph...etail-1178), its only about $35 more than a USB-UIRT, has an analog tuner with IR Blaster, and a digital ATSC/QAM tuner for future-proofing (when you move away from the standard-def MVP).

[spidey24]

Thanks again Sub, one last question...
I will likely get the HVR1600, but I was wondering, if I have my current 150 card w/o a blaster, should I just Ebay it? Or can I still utilize it using the 1600 blaster. Sorry, I will probably answer my own question once the 1600 arrives. Thanks again!

[sub]

You should be fine having them in the same machine. If you dont need the extra tuner, you can always sell the 150.

[Kevina]

Spidey,
I currently have a Hauppauge 350 in my system along side and new HVR1600. I'm able to record both analog and digital programs and watch them on my MVP. The only catch was that in order to watch the digital recordings on the MVP I had to install the ATI Mux and set Gbpvr to use that for the BDA Multiplexer. This allows you to convert the digital broadcast signal to an mpg file directly at recording time so that you don't have to go through a post process conversion later.

It works great for me, although I did have to increase the delay setting in order to be able to reliably watch live TV from a digital channel.

Good luck!!

[paperchaser]

I am leaning towards the IR route instead of the digital card...I am perfectly happy with the 150, which has an IR blaster.

But...finding a converter box that the hauppage 150 IR blaster can control has eluded me thus far...no go on the Magnavox. I have one more converter box coupon to use by May, anybody find a combination that works yet?

[spidey24]

I purchased an insignia box at Best Buy and it works fine so far.

[ww4397]

...The only catch was that in order to watch the digital recordings on the MVP I had to install the ATI Mux and set Gbpvr to use that for the BDA Multiplexer.

Hi Kevina,

Just found this thread. Where can I find the ATI Mux?

Thanks.