You don't have to use the remote to change channels. You can use your mouse/keyboard/touch screen, whatever you prefer but you will still need to have the Media Center Remote's USB receiver with IR blaster connected for Media Center to change channels on your decoder.

I've also been looking into the DVB-S option but it seems that this won't work with DSTV. The whole reason I setup the MC box in the first place was to eliminate having to have a dvd player, decoder, gaming console etc... (not to forget all the diferent remotes to control the "power station").

If there is an available solution for using a DVB-S card which I could then use instead of the decoder, then I would be a very happy man as I'd get rid of another remote and device (decoder). IMO, it's my better to have one machine that does it all.

Why donesn't Multichoice launch these cards themselves? This would generate sales and keep many customers happy, I for one would be more than happy to pay for a card that would work with my DSTV subscription.

Is there anyone out there that maybe knows how this can be achieved?

So I've been searching around and can't find a dvb-s card that's guaranteed to work with dstv, am I reaching a dead-end trying to find a solution?

Franco, I see you guys sell various capture cards but I'll still need to use the decoder and a blaster. Is there any chance at all of supplying me/us with a dvb-s pci card that'll eliminate the need to still use the decoder?


If anyone else knows of a card that will work with a valid smart card (old smartcard), please let us know.



Thanks..

Unfortunately we do not sell any DVB-S cards.

I found a lot of very helpful information in this thread - thanks guys (Franco).

Can you maybe help with the following:
1. As far as I can gather the HVR2200 is a dual tuner card. Then you talk about the optional RCA-in bracket. Does it mean the card does not come standard with the bracket and that only one decoder can be connected to the card and that the bracket is required to connect the second decoder?
2. How exactly is the IR Blaster connected to the PC en where is it placed in relation to the decoder/PC?
3. In a dual view setup how does MC know which decoder to use?
4. With an extender (XBox) connected how does MC know to send different channels to the PC and XBox?
5. Can I hook up my SD PVR to the PC (via HVR2200) and watch two different channels similtaneously? Can I record another channel (different of the 2 being watched) at the same time? If so how many?

Thks
Pine

Hi Pine,

1. The HVR2200 does not come standard with any RCA-in ports, so you will need to buy the optional RCA-in bracket in order to connect your decoder to the tuner via RCA. Now I'm not 100% sure on this one but I think for dual view, you will need to connect two RCA-in brackets. Bozzy can perhaps comment on this as he has more experience on this card.

2. The IR blaster is connected to the USB receiver that comes with the remote control and you will need to attach the IR blaster to the front of your decoder where it receives its IR signals.

3. MC knows which decoder is currently in use (if any) and will simply use the next available one for the second channel.

4. Same as above. If one tuner is currently in use for the PC, then MC will use the second available tuner for the XBOX and vice versa. If both tuners are in use for the PC, then MC will inform you about that on the XBOX.

5. You can only watch 2 channels at the same time or record 1 and watch another one.

Hi Franco

Thanks again for the help and your prompt reply.

I see on the Hauppage site that they have the HVR-2250 (http://www.hauppauge.com/site/products/ ... r2250.html) which seems to include everything (ie card, remote control, IR Blaster and 2 x RCA brackets). Do you know if this card replaced the HVR-2200? Do you have any experience with this card? Is it available from the MCE shop?

When watching 2 different channels on 2 devices can a third (etc) device watch one of the channels already watched by one of the other 2 (first) devices or the channel being recorded?

Also you do not mention anything about the SD PVR. Do you know wether it will work? Any experience with this? Do you perhaps know about somebody that has a setup with MC and the SD PVR?

Rgds
Adriaan

And this is where your MCE setup could come grinding to a halt. For the sake of others out there, as far as I am aware MCE cannot change the chanels on the HD and SD PVR. Unless someone can prove me wrong - Come on, I dare you, PLEASE

Your option here is to get the older dual view (non SD PVR) or two single view decoders and set them up in Xtraview.

1. The local distributor of Hauppauge seems to be very selective regarding which configurations are brought to the local market – a real pain in terms of system integration. You can always consider purchasing directly from the Hauppauge web store – they do seem to be rather pricey though.
2. Careful about the use of “devices” – it’s rather more specific. You can watch one channel on the MC box and a second channel on an EXTENDER but NOT on a second MC box – well actually you can but it’s very clunky. However once a recording on MC has commenced, depending on system and network resources any (?!) number of devices can access that recording. Always remember though that you’re limited by the number of DVBS receivers which is normally 2 over here for concurrent activity – activity being either watching or recording. I have seen a rig in Germany where the chap was running 3 DVB-T and 4 DVB-S2 receivers on his MC – very impressive. Mind you – he was also running dual link GB Ethernet to his network... In this instance the total receiver resource is 7 concurrent tuners.
3. I agree with getafix re the SD PVR – horrible thing – after considerable effort I have never been able to get acceptable reliability with channel changing. I don’t agree however re the HD PVR – borrowed one a couple of months ago and did not find any particular problems with channel changing – one of the standard MC code sets works. It’s a bit of a waste though – you apparently can’t easily and reliably get HD into MC at this stage.

Greetings. My first post.

I'm really hoping the experts on MCEC can help me get the right solution for the recently renovated house after moving to the Little Karoo from Joburg.

What complicates the issue for me is
(a) there are 5 rooms with TVs (co-ax only).
(b) all AV sources (decoders, players, PC, etc) are in the "Media Devices Cupboard" in the Book Room, and all need to be operated by remote blasters; I have the latest Ellies D12 blasters. (Wife doesn't want to see machinery/equipment and cables, only the TV with a remote control in the living room ).
(c) provision is made for a ceiling-mounted projector and screen on the stoep: 2 x Cat5 cables run from the lounge to stoep ceiling. Regrettably there is no unbroken cable run from the Media Devices Cupboard to the stoep ceiling.

Here's the scenario (see drawing).


Questions:

1) What do I install in the Media Centre PC to take input from the three sat decoders, DVD/VCR player, and the 3 x media players (ie allow them to play through the MPC)?

2) How do I distribute the MPC's output to the TVs in the other rooms -- all via co-ax? Currently the DStv and K-band sat a/v quality is acceptable in every room - we're not into HDTV (yet) so RF seems fine for now.

3) How do I get the MPC to send video to the projector on the stoep, and audio to the AV amp?

4) What do I need for the MPC to play stereo audio through the lounge's music system - I want to easily browse the digitised CDs and easily play playlists (wife must be able to operate with ease).

I'd really appreciate expert opinion on how to skin this cat. Thanks!