Re: [H] Satellite PC Card needed
I don't think you should bother with a DVB-S card for unless you like to tinker, cuss, and holler. As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago the signal is encrypted so you would have to get 3rd party stuff to decode it. This is something that you could possibly get working one day after much effort and then the next day it would be non-functional for an indefinite period of time. Doing a web search with appropriate keywords, i.e. dish fta dvb-s forum should yield many results for various forums that discuss FTA satellite reception. This is a topic that doesn't usually have much hand holding available. Expect some people to be rude if you go about asking a question that has been answered in previous threads or worse a FAQ sticky. So are you going to subscribe to a package with HD channels?? I think you will only be able to get standard def programming with todays dvb-s cards since dish network requires a an 8PSK demodulator for HD. My recommended method would be by using an actual sat receivers S-Video output and a good PVR card. It wouldn't be very practical to try and capture a component (YPbPr) or HDMI signal. You could get a PVR/DVR receiver and let the receiver do the recording. There are devices called IR blasters that can be used by your PC to control the satellite receiver. -Tharin O. K Humrich [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: First of all, thank you very much for your replies, Tharin Olsen and Brian Weeden. snip BUT, I really really wanna get a PC card that will let me use DISH TV on my PC with is. Any ideas anyone? On list of off? A, not specifically asking for something that would break any list rules, but if what you have to suggest is against rules here in any way, just email me or call me please? I need to finalize my purchases quite soon..
Re: [H] Satellite PC Card needed
But not Dish or Direct TV, you can only view unencrypted satellite broadcasts. While there is a lot of good stuff on those, he's a new Dish subscriber so I'm betting he's under contract for at least the next year. On Dec 8, 2007 1:09 PM, Sam Franc [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: http://www.abadss.com/forum/4-forum-announcements-changes-upgrades/34175-free-visionsat-iv200.html Here is a web site where you can get all your answers to satellite TV. There are thousands of stations around the world you can view. Have fun. Sam Tharin Olsen wrote: I don't think you should bother with a DVB-S card for unless you like to tinker, cuss, and holler. As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago the signal is encrypted so you would have to get 3rd party stuff to decode it. This is something that you could possibly get working one day after much effort and then the next day it would be non-functional for an indefinite period of time. Doing a web search with appropriate keywords, i.e. dish fta dvb-s forum should yield many results for various forums that discuss FTA satellite reception. This is a topic that doesn't usually have much hand holding available. Expect some people to be rude if you go about asking a question that has been answered in previous threads or worse a FAQ sticky. So are you going to subscribe to a package with HD channels?? I think you will only be able to get standard def programming with todays dvb-s cards since dish network requires a an 8PSK demodulator for HD. My recommended method would be by using an actual sat receivers S-Video output and a good PVR card. It wouldn't be very practical to try and capture a component (YPbPr) or HDMI signal. You could get a PVR/DVR receiver and let the receiver do the recording. There are devices called IR blasters that can be used by your PC to control the satellite receiver. -Tharin O. K Humrich [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: First of all, thank you very much for your replies, Tharin Olsen and Brian Weeden. snip BUT, I really really wanna get a PC card that will let me use DISH TV on my PC with is. Any ideas anyone? On list of off? A, not specifically asking for something that would break any list rules, but if what you have to suggest is against rules here in any way, just email me or call me please? I need to finalize my purchases quite soon.. -- Brian Weeden
Re: [H] Satellite PC Card needed
I think it's a great idea but the part with the satellite may be a bit tricky. Again it goes back to our old friend DRM - I don't know of any satellite tuner cards for the PC that will work with Dish or Direct TV. If you were willing to switch to cable there are some tuners that will work for that but it is far from perfect. Supposedly there was this new standard called CableCard which would fix the problem but as usual the cable companies are screwing it up. Even when it does work you cannot build your own CableCard system - you must buy it pre-installed in a Media PC of some sort. However, getting HD OTA (Over-The-Air) worked for me and the PC tuner cards for that are relatively cheap and well-supported. If local networks broadcast in HD in your area that is a pretty good way to get HD sports to your PC. If you really need satellite or cable I think you only option is to use a separate tuner box and run the video out either through a slingbox or some other method to your PC. If you aren't using a Slingbox then you will not be able to control the TV channel from your PC and will need another remote or some sort of IR blaster setup. For home theater components I would take a serious look at a home theater in a box (HTIAB) solution. I know they have had bad rap in the past but they have really come a long ways recently and if your room isn't huge they should be able to fill it perfectly. And they are usually pretty easy on the wallet. Check out some of the reviews: http://www.hometheatermag.com/buyersguides/htibs/ Oh, and he's right about the speaker wire. Good generics are great but Blue Jeans are awesome and at a reasonable price. If you are looking to make your own component video cables and stuff check out this episode of systm: http://revision3.com/systm/avcabling -- Brian Weeden
Re: [H] Satellite PC Card needed
First of all, thank you very much for your replies, Tharin Olsen and Brian Weeden. I will look into getting a better quality speaker wire somehow.. I will give that link to my friend and see if he wants to tackle making it, and then get to keep all the tools afterwards perhaps, for doing it for me (remember I can't do it, due to beign stuck in bed with arthritis).. Will have to add it all up and see if it ends up cheaper when just making cables for one system,. I looked at some of the better cables and ouch they sure get you on price don't they? As for the all in one type system, I think with what I need, I need to pick and choose, to make sure I get everything I want, that is the best possible (within reason of course, hehe). The PC card one, for Dish TV I thought was possible. I have DISH now, I had DirecTV last week, no anymore though. I do not want Cable though, I've had it before and I just prefer to go with DISH, so I will! Ha ha. BUT, I really really wanna get a PC card that will let me use DISH TV on my PC with is. Any ideas anyone? On list of off? A, not specifically asking for something that would break any list rules, but if what you have to suggest is against rules here in any way, just email me or call me please? I need to finalize my purchases quite soon.. My friend came back and said to get this.. So, for my receiver, I will have. Http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/accessories/538999633 jsessionid=4F94EBABC9344B6166B99A9D6D34579F Unless one of you tells me otherwise on it, before tonight is over or early early morning.. It looks nice, and well I don't know a ton about stereo's and such.. That's why I am so lost. Thank you again everyone! Ken ---Original Message--- From: K Humrich Date: 12/03/07 20:43:29 To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com Subject: Re: [H] Satellite PC Card needed More info, or ideas so far, from my friend (in his words) Re: Budget Here's what I think you're going to want to go with: $ 950 1 SVS SCS-01 7.0 setup $ 799 1 SVS PB12-Plus subwoofer $ 160 1 5 disk DVD player $1,145 1 Denon 3808ci A/V Receiver --- $3,054 SubTotal $ 200 Wires/Cable --- $3,254 Total before tax/shipping So a few notes on the above setup: - I chose the 7.0 setup over the 5.0 setup because I think it might be A good idea to use the extra two speakers when you're going to want to Play on the computer only. We'll connect them to the speaker b outputs On the Denon. With this scenario, you can hopefully get some decent Stereo imaging while on the computer. - I chose a relatively cheap DVD player because we're in the middle of A format war for the next generation DVD format. I wouldn't spend much On anything right now since the ultimate winner can't be determined yet (think Beta vs. VHS). Add an extra ~$100 and you'll get a 100+ DVD Player. Those sometime have issue with reliability though (from what I Hear at least). - I chose the Denon 3808ci because it has 4 HDMI inputs which I think You'll need for inputs from the HD Dish receiver, DVD Player and your Computer. The 2808ci only has two -- however, it can be had for $814. You might get something similar from Yamaha that may or may not be less. I just chose Denon because that's what I have and have had good luck With it. I'll be honest in that I don't know how well the DVD player in A computer will do when you want to watch it on your regular TV -- you Should check with your tech buddies on that one. - Going with a deluxe surround on the SCS package ($1,225) would be An alternative that I think might be something to consider. The reason I Didn't go this way was because of the size of the surrounds. - You should get a break on the two SVS products if you buy them Together. Don't know how much, but something; however, shipping can be ~$100-$150 As I mentioned, I think keeping the speakers pretty much where they are Is going to be just as good as anything else in all likely hood. Your Imaging isn't going to be all that good, but maybe we can play around a Little bit when you actually get the stuff and find a happy medium. ---Original Message--- From: K Humrich Date: 11/22/2007 6:47:46 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [H] Satellite PC Card needed Hello everyone! I am working on changing my room with all new speakers, tuner/DVD, and a PC Card for Satellite TV.. Well everything needed to allow me to run the line in from the Satellite dish, and be able to play TV/Music/DvD on my PC OR on my TV, and use a PC card so I can store everything on my PC's harddrive, write things I like to DvD's and so on.. I don't really have more than maybe $2k or so, but am allocating a budget of at least $4k possibly more, if the need exists. This is a system for my bedroom. I am confined to my bed, Rheumatoid Arthritis, have
Re: [H] Satellite PC Card needed
AFAIK the only option you have for Dish over the PC is to run the component out from your existing Dish satellite receiver into the PC. If you run it to a HD PC capture card. That will allow to record stuff to your PC for playback later but you will still need to control the channels from your satellite receiver. If you wanted to record and watch two different things then you will need a satellite box with 2 tuners and run cables from each tuner into a separate capture card in your PC. Easiest solution would be to just get a Slingbox: http://www.slingmedia.com/go/slingbox-pro Extrememtech has some good recommendations for HTPC parts as welll as guides for both Linux and Windows installs: http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,1910025,00.asp http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,1955071,00.asp http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,2069437,00.asp Good forums sources are the HTPCforums and as always the AVSforum on HTPC: http://www.htpcforums.com/ http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?sforumid=26 On Dec 4, 2007 6:04 PM, K Humrich [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: First of all, thank you very much for your replies, Tharin Olsen and Brian Weeden. I will look into getting a better quality speaker wire somehow.. I will give that link to my friend and see if he wants to tackle making it, and then get to keep all the tools afterwards perhaps, for doing it for me (remember I can't do it, due to beign stuck in bed with arthritis).. Will have to add it all up and see if it ends up cheaper when just making cables for one system,. I looked at some of the better cables and ouch they sure get you on price don't they? As for the all in one type system, I think with what I need, I need to pick and choose, to make sure I get everything I want, that is the best possible (within reason of course, hehe). The PC card one, for Dish TV I thought was possible. I have DISH now, I had DirecTV last week, no anymore though. I do not want Cable though, I've had it before and I just prefer to go with DISH, so I will! Ha ha. BUT, I really really wanna get a PC card that will let me use DISH TV on my PC with is. Any ideas anyone? On list of off? A, not specifically asking for something that would break any list rules, but if what you have to suggest is against rules here in any way, just email me or call me please? I need to finalize my purchases quite soon.. My friend came back and said to get this.. So, for my receiver, I will have. Http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/accessories/538999633 jsessionid=4F94EBABC9344B6166B99A9D6D34579F Unless one of you tells me otherwise on it, before tonight is over or early early morning.. It looks nice, and well I don't know a ton about stereo's and such.. That's why I am so lost. Thank you again everyone! Ken ---Original Message--- From: K Humrich Date: 12/03/07 20:43:29 To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com Subject: Re: [H] Satellite PC Card needed More info, or ideas so far, from my friend (in his words) Re: Budget Here's what I think you're going to want to go with: $ 950 1 SVS SCS-01 7.0 setup $ 799 1 SVS PB12-Plus subwoofer $ 160 1 5 disk DVD player $1,145 1 Denon 3808ci A/V Receiver --- $3,054 SubTotal $ 200 Wires/Cable --- $3,254 Total before tax/shipping So a few notes on the above setup: - I chose the 7.0 setup over the 5.0 setup because I think it might be A good idea to use the extra two speakers when you're going to want to Play on the computer only. We'll connect them to the speaker b outputs On the Denon. With this scenario, you can hopefully get some decent Stereo imaging while on the computer. - I chose a relatively cheap DVD player because we're in the middle of A format war for the next generation DVD format. I wouldn't spend much On anything right now since the ultimate winner can't be determined yet (think Beta vs. VHS). Add an extra ~$100 and you'll get a 100+ DVD Player. Those sometime have issue with reliability though (from what I Hear at least). - I chose the Denon 3808ci because it has 4 HDMI inputs which I think You'll need for inputs from the HD Dish receiver, DVD Player and your Computer. The 2808ci only has two -- however, it can be had for $814. You might get something similar from Yamaha that may or may not be less. I just chose Denon because that's what I have and have had good luck With it. I'll be honest in that I don't know how well the DVD player in A computer will do when you want to watch it on your regular TV -- you Should check with your tech buddies on that one. - Going with a deluxe surround on the SCS package ($1,225) would be An alternative that I think might be something to consider. The reason I Didn't go this way was because of the size of the surrounds. - You
Re: [H] Satellite PC Card needed (please help)
Can someone contact me possibly off list even. To talk about PC cards and which is best for me? I want the absolute best possible one for Dish Satellite TV, needs to suppose 2 channels at once, and be able to record to my harddrive, copy to DvD and all that fun stuff.. FM Tuner is a plus but not really important I suppose... I heard that Hauppauge was pretty good.. One I forget which, had poor support, and well I forget now it WAS months ago I was looking.. Well I finally made the switch to Dish TV and am working on buying a new stereo system to link my TV and PC together.. To let me do PC stuff and TV stuff via my PC.. OR play on my TV! I really want this to be super fantastic, so, please, someone has to have a ton of high end ideas and especially, since it is my part I need to find out, I need a Card idea! My friend is researching most of the stereo speakers and receiver and all that, although is leaving the final decision up to me.. That is why I came here. I know this list has some incredibly smart people on it, and I want to tap into everyone and get several opinions, perhaps even start people talking about this for a few days, that would help so much . Ken (I know this is stupid, but, what the heck here we go! Email me at Hardwaregroup at Nwonknu Hq dot-here net! OR now here's the part that scares me.. CALL ME at 650-368-5364, and I mean literally any time day or night, I am often awake until after 7am PST, and since I have to take my pain medicines every 6 hours anyway, I am usually awake whenever, so.. CALL?) ---Original Message--- From: Tharin Olsen Date: 11/23/2007 12:38:08 AM To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com Subject: Re: [H] Satellite PC Card needed Well playback, ripping, and recording of dvds can be done easily on a PC as long as you have a DVD-ReWritable drive and the necessary software. Now days these drives start at $30. Music can be handled by software like Itunes, Windows Media Player, Media Monkey, Winamp, etc. If you are going to use a nice receiver for audio you might look for a motherboard or soundcard with an optical or coaxial SPDIF output. You didn't mention which satellite dish system you are using?? Technically a feed from something like DirectTV and Dish Network can't be decoded by anything other than their own receivers because the streams use a proprietary encryption. Since you must use their receiver to decode the signal, you could get by using any method that would allow input from an analog video (s-video, composite, or coaxial) + audio source into the PC. This could be a PCI, USB, or Firewire capture/tuner card from the likes of Hauppauge, ATI, Avermedia, etc. Check this link on newegg.com for some ideas http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=47 In order to decode the signal straight from a satellite dish you would need a DVB-S card. These DVB-S cards are mostly intended for use with FTA (Free-to-Air) broadcasts. TwinHan is probably the most popular manufacturer of this type of product at the moment. (http://www.twinhan com/product_satellite.asp) - - I know some people have had some success in getting DVB-S cards to decode streams from DTV and Bev/Dish but I don't think you'll get any help with this on the list. Not publicly at least :) Since I'm not doing any recording from my Dish Network sat receiver in my home, I just use a Slingbox so I can watch and control my sat receiver from any PC in the house. The three problems with a Slingbox is that only one computer at a time is allowed to log in, the picture quality is not stellar since it is being transcoded and streamed, and the slingbox software doesn't let you capture the stream. I think the latter problem can solved with 3rd party software though. If I had not already built my own HTPC or felt I needed something that was wife proof, I would be much more likely to go with something like an AppleTV ($200 on fleebay), modded Xbox, or one of the other UPNP media devices available from D-link, Linksys, Netgear, etc. With something like this you can stream media (music, video, online radio) stored on your PC to a set-top box that is made to just play media files and nothing else. On the other hand these devices are meant for playback on a TV which may not fit what you are looking for... Uh hrmm... Ever consider replacing your existing monitor with a LCD TV and a Tivo??? :) -Tharin O. K Humrich [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hello everyone! I am working on changing my room with all new speakers, tuner/DVD, and a PC Card for Satellite TV.. Well everything needed to allow me to run the line in from the Satellite dish, and be able to play TV/Music/DvD on my PC OR on my TV, and use a PC card so I can store everything on my PC's harddrive, write things I like to DvD's and so on.. snip
Re: [H] Satellite PC Card needed
More info, or ideas so far, from my friend (in his words) Re: Budget Here's what I think you're going to want to go with: $ 950 1 SVS SCS-01 7.0 setup $ 799 1 SVS PB12-Plus subwoofer $ 160 1 5 disk DVD player $1,145 1 Denon 3808ci A/V Receiver --- $3,054 SubTotal $ 200 Wires/Cable --- $3,254 Total before tax/shipping So a few notes on the above setup: - I chose the 7.0 setup over the 5.0 setup because I think it might be A good idea to use the extra two speakers when you're going to want to Play on the computer only. We'll connect them to the speaker b outputs On the Denon. With this scenario, you can hopefully get some decent Stereo imaging while on the computer. - I chose a relatively cheap DVD player because we're in the middle of A format war for the next generation DVD format. I wouldn't spend much On anything right now since the ultimate winner can't be determined yet (think Beta vs. VHS). Add an extra ~$100 and you'll get a 100+ DVD Player. Those sometime have issue with reliability though (from what I Hear at least). - I chose the Denon 3808ci because it has 4 HDMI inputs which I think You'll need for inputs from the HD Dish receiver, DVD Player and your Computer. The 2808ci only has two -- however, it can be had for $814. You might get something similar from Yamaha that may or may not be less. I just chose Denon because that's what I have and have had good luck With it. I'll be honest in that I don't know how well the DVD player in A computer will do when you want to watch it on your regular TV -- you Should check with your tech buddies on that one. - Going with a deluxe surround on the SCS package ($1,225) would be An alternative that I think might be something to consider. The reason I Didn't go this way was because of the size of the surrounds. - You should get a break on the two SVS products if you buy them Together. Don't know how much, but something; however, shipping can be ~$100-$150 As I mentioned, I think keeping the speakers pretty much where they are Is going to be just as good as anything else in all likely hood. Your Imaging isn't going to be all that good, but maybe we can play around a Little bit when you actually get the stuff and find a happy medium. ---Original Message--- From: K Humrich Date: 11/22/2007 6:47:46 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [H] Satellite PC Card needed Hello everyone! I am working on changing my room with all new speakers, tuner/DVD, and a PC Card for Satellite TV.. Well everything needed to allow me to run the line in from the Satellite dish, and be able to play TV/Music/DvD on my PC OR on my TV, and use a PC card so I can store everything on my PC's harddrive, write things I like to DvD's and so on.. I don't really have more than maybe $2k or so, but am allocating a budget of at least $4k possibly more, if the need exists. This is a system for my bedroom. I am confined to my bed, Rheumatoid Arthritis, have had hips, shoulders, and elbows all replaced but after fall, my feet now are not longer able to work well enough to let me walk. Ankles are fused and big toes wont let me walk anyway even if ankles bent, plus any weigh ton the bottom of my feet hurts too much. But anyway, I would love to be able to watch TV on my PC monitor which is on a swivel arm out over my bed, and listen to music and so on.. I have an existing system, nice tc screen but it isn't linked to my PC, and its been having some trouble lately with the TIVO box, and my PC's sount system is having problems with it's amp, so I figured now is a good time to get something more suited to my needs. Any suggestions would be appreciated! A friend is also helping me, although he knows knowing about the PC Card part, only the speakers. Hes given me several links, here is some of the info given recently.. Ok, now to the speakers. You should give me a budget for the speakers. That ll give me a better idea of what to look for. That being said, I'd recommend researching the following: SVS SBS-01 $225/pair -- http://www.svsound.com/products-spks-sbs01.cfm SVS SCS-01 $350/pair -- http://www.svsound.com/products-spks-scs01.cfm Paradigm Studio 20 $850/pair (?) -- http://www.paradigm com/en/reference/fronts-studio-studio20-model-2-13-1-26.paradigm Usher S-520 $400/pair -- http://www.usheraudiousa com/products/loudspeakers/usher-series/s-520-shielded You can also look at the offerings from Klipsch -- http://www.klipsch com/products/lists/bookshelf-systems.aspx, although I've heard their a little bright. However, they're much more sensitive (I.e., loud) than most speakers out there. The SVS offerings are probably the best value The Paradigm is probably the best of the bunch. If we went that route, you could save a little $$ by going with one of their Mini-Monitors for the surrounds. The Usher is
Re: [H] Satellite PC Card needed
Well playback, ripping, and recording of dvds can be done easily on a PC as long as you have a DVD-ReWritable drive and the necessary software. Now days these drives start at $30. Music can be handled by software like Itunes, Windows Media Player, Media Monkey, Winamp, etc. If you are going to use a nice receiver for audio you might look for a motherboard or soundcard with an optical or coaxial SPDIF output. You didn't mention which satellite dish system you are using?? Technically a feed from something like DirectTV and Dish Network can't be decoded by anything other than their own receivers because the streams use a proprietary encryption. Since you must use their receiver to decode the signal, you could get by using any method that would allow input from an analog video (s-video, composite, or coaxial) + audio source into the PC. This could be a PCI, USB, or Firewire capture/tuner card from the likes of Hauppauge, ATI, Avermedia, etc. Check this link on newegg.com for some ideas http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=47 In order to decode the signal straight from a satellite dish you would need a DVB-S card. These DVB-S cards are mostly intended for use with FTA (Free-to-Air) broadcasts. TwinHan is probably the most popular manufacturer of this type of product at the moment. (http://www.twinhan.com/product_satellite.asp) - - I know some people have had some success in getting DVB-S cards to decode streams from DTV and Bev/Dish but I dont think you'll get any help with this on the list. Not publicly at least :) Since I'm not doing any recording from my Dish Network sat receiver in my home, I just use a Slingbox so I can watch and control my sat receiver from any PC in the house. The three problems with a Slingbox is that only one computer at a time is allowed to log in, the picture quality is not stellar since it is being transcoded and streamed, and the slingbox software doesn't let you capture the stream. I think the latter problem can solved with 3rd party software though. If I had not already built my own HTPC or felt I needed something that was wife proof, I would be much more likely to go with something like an AppleTV ($200 on fleebay), modded Xbox, or one of the other UPNP media devices available from D-link, Linksys, Netgear, etc. With something like this you can stream media (music, video, online radio) stored on your pc to a set-top box that is made to just play media files and nothing else. On the other hand these devices are meant for playback on a TV which may not fit what you are looking for... uh hrmm... ever consider replacing your existing monitor with a LCD TV and a Tivo??? :) -Tharin O. K Humrich [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hello everyone! I am working on changing my room with all new speakers, tuner/DVD, and a PC Card for Satellite TV.. Well everything needed to allow me to run the line in from the Satellite dish, and be able to play TV/Music/DvD on my PC OR on my TV, and use a PC card so I can store everything on my PC's harddrive, write things I like to DvD's and so on.. snip
