DirecTV HD Capturing?

[KelteN]

How would I be able to capture an HDTV steam with my DirecTV? I know they have such a device called the DVRHD. Which is pretty much their own version of and hdtv tivo.

Would this be ideal? Or would it be better to use an HDTV attenna connected to an HD TV tuner?

[Blue_MiSfit]

Last I checked, this device is basically an external hard drive. It will record the HD MPEG-2 transport streams, but they are encrypted. So if you are planning on archiving them on your PC think again...

[KelteN]

Then what would be the best way for me to archive them onto my PC and have them be playable.

[Eeknay]

You need the R5000 mod. More info here (http://www.nextcomwireless.com/r5000/products.htm). It'll let you output from the STB via USB2/Firewire to your computer. Doesn't come cheap.

[KelteN]

Yeah, I dont want to capture it that bad. Would capturing the signal from an hdtv compatible attenna be a better choice?

[Turtleggjp]

Yeah, it would, except you're never going to get DirecTV programming with a regular antenna. You could only get your free unencrypted OTA local channels.

[KelteN]

Well ya... I really only care about the basic 2-13 channels.

[Turtleggjp]

Then yes, an antenna with an HDTV tuner will be just fine, provided you can get good reception in your area. That will be the cheapest way to archive shows on your PC, it's how I do it.

Matt

[KelteN]

Which capture card is best for my needs? I'm not looking for something too expensive, but enough to capture the full quality of the HDTV reception.

[KelteN]

Any takers?