Jim Thompson wrote:
DTV (like HDTV without the H) has to be supported by any new TeeVee >
13" and all other receivers (such as VCRs, DV
Ds, etc.) by 2007.
HDTV (by which I mean at least 720p) is a different animal, of
course. The first two solutions below will decode > 480p, but
getting a broadcaster to *send* 720p, 1080i or 1080p is a different
kettle of fish. (But hey, I'm over here on the rainy/windward side,
and DTV is hard to come by anyway.)
DTV on linux can be had for $170 per card (with up to 4 cards in a
system, for those of you who want to build a MythTV box.)
http://www.pchdtv.com/hd_3000.html
If you're way itno "just do it in software" (and damn the Broadcast
Flag, for when they eventually get it passed), then you could spend
about $650 on a USSR + TVRX from ETTUS Research:
http://www.ettus.com/ These run GNU Radio
http://www.gnu.org/software/gnuradio/
I may end up with one for some "experimentation". When I do, I'll
see about bringing it to some meeting or other.
Of course, you'll learn more watching the *other* screen. :-)
Since I sorta mentioned Software Defined Radio (GNU Radio implements a
SDR) I should also mention a plethora of SDR-based information here:
http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/sdr.html
And of course, what every geek HAM wants for Christmas:
http://www.flex-radio.com/ (Also has a full GPLed SDR stack.)
Good info, but I am afraid you might have strayed a little in the
opposite direction, Jim(my the Geek). :-) Tim & I were not talking
about (H)DTV, but how to find a cheap way to stream video signals
received from Oceanic Cable, at reduced resolution if necessary, so we
can watch our favorite programs when out of town.
As I mentioned, currently there are two commercial solutions: slingbox
and orb. The former is a standalone unit but requires a static IP;
whereas, the latter requires a PC but does not appear to require a
static IP. Both require a proprietary program to be installed at the
client as well the server sites. I believe this program involves
compression, making it possible to transmit TV signals via home-based
broadbands. Wayne
