Follow up on the HD tuner/DVR for PC/laptop

Started by Rodolfo Dec 5, 2006 4 posts
Read-only archive
#1
----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----

Thomas (and Richard),

I spoke with this PC HDTV tuner co. today, I will get a demo at CES, I have
the press releases, there are 5 cards, one is even as small as a USB stick
with an ATSC tuner on it (I believe he said for about $50+ in Feb 07).

The cards quoted as "QAM supported" actually mean they have an on-the-clear
QAM digital tuner on it (as I thought), no premium channels, just plug the
75 ohm RF coax, same with the ATSC tuner, and the analog tuner.

The digital tuner input could be used for either/or ATSC/QAM, not both.

The analog coax input could be tuned simultaneously to the digital tuner,
for DVR, POP, PIP, purposes.

There is no HD input other than the coax for ATSC/QAM.

I requested that they consider a future upgrade to incorporate the recently
introduced HDMI 1.3 mini-plug, which would allow for what we were looking
for, feeding another HD input than coax.

There are Svideo and composite inputs, used to receive an SD version of the
HD premium channels tuned by an external STB, which is better than no
channel at all, although not appealing to my taste.

I was hoping not to watch HBO HD but to connect a Hidef player (or PS3) via
the mini HDMI plug thru the card when the PC does not have any facility of
DVI/HDMI/player on it.

Maybe I was asking for too much.

Best Regards,

Rodolfo La Maestra

-----Original Message-----
From: HDTV Magazine On Behalf Of
Rodolfo La Maestra
Sent: Monday, December 04, 2006 11:49 PM
To: HDTV Magazine
Subject: Re: Additional questions/correction

----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----

Richard,

An on-the-clear tuner would allow the PC card to switch non-premium channels
for DVR and viewing purposes, however, as you know, premium content would
require the use of external STBs and switching channels could be restricted
to the burden of manual operation, or, if the HW/SW allows it, handled the
way some VCRs (like JVC) did for years, changing channels on DirecTV STBs
when its saved program needed to change channels. Although not ideal, the
option was and still is an alternative; again if the paired pieces can talk
to each other.

As far as I am concern, unidirectional CableCARD was and still is the
outcome of a failed decision that did not have much chance to succeed, nor
to be postponed without some people going to firing squad, so as we say many
times, choose your poison gentlemen.

We should have OCAP, and/or all the other bi-directional sw/hw solutions I
summarized on my last annual report; we are in a world of bi-directional
cable services, for years already, but as with many things in this industry,
when several bodies with various interests need to be in harmony to move
fast and forward (CableLabs, FCC, cable companies, copyrights, MPAA, and the
three little pigs) everything freezes in panic, look at Hi-def DVD,
blu-laser was already working in prototypes 5 years ago, the MPAA was still
shaking until recently, and still are with the infamous Token of dead.

So what do we have? We have the fabulous UNIDIRECTIONAL CableCARD. We
consumers were forced down the throat to pay for the temp CableCARD decision
without having much choice, and we will pay for all of its trial an error
transformations with various TVs, again, and again, what an upgrade path.

The day when CableCARD came out as an idea and as a prototype idea, several
years ago, the same companies agreed to start working in the real
bi-directional solution, and the FCC clapped and sat back, and sat back, and
sat back. They still playing poker in front of the FCC with our funds, do
not get me rolling on this.

I have written a lot about the history of this flop, with the push of the
FCC, ironically the same cable companies do not support the product, why
would they? no impulse PPV, no VOD, no cable supplied EPG, bye bye revenue.
Plan B, stick to the STBs, they still work, they can keep full control, and
their projected revenue cannot be compromised under the risk of loosing the
income from those services. In addition, although the FCC issued
instructions, show me one cable STB that has a CableCARD slot to permit
programming control and security using that method.

Many TV companies have come back to just install on-the-clear QAM tuners on
ATSC integrated sets, and removed the CableCARD on their following models
already in 2006, some did not even put ANY QAM tuners until a bi-directional
solution is available, one was Brillian, smart move, Vincent knew very well
where to put the coins, the only 120Hz 1080p LCoS with 1080p inputs in
2005/6, look at my 1080p article, they did not bet on the dead-upon-arrival
unidirectional CableCARD.

Sorry, you touched a tired nerve with this CableCARD game the FCC promoted,
they motivated everyone to do something right away, whatever but do
something added to the already expensive tuners into TVs (they mandated as
well), even when they all knew CableCARD was dead upon arrival, and even
when they knew consumers would spend millions and millions on CableCARD TVs
that cannot be upgraded to bi-directional capabilities, but without telling
them at the stores: "get a STB for impulse VOD/PPV/cable EPG" , how
convenient.

Of course, TV manufacturers would have to sell you the next model to get the
magical bi-directional solution sometime in the future, such a difficult
decision from their part, a government supported revenue path, hey, that was
not us.

Look at my calculations and projections over the last 3 annual reports of
the millions of people that would be affected (the CEA never mentions that)
by another miscalculation of the FCC and their poor industry organizational
skills; not to mention the forever mess of HD content protection, while in
bed with the MPAA. All my projections I did for this decade of HDVT are
happening, one by one, look at how hot 1080p displays is now, look at 24fps,
1080p inputs, etc.


Best Regards,

Rodolfo La Maestra

-----Original Message-----
From: HDTV Magazine On Behalf Of
Richard Fisher
Sent: Monday, December 04, 2006 10:11 PM
To: HDTV Magazine
Subject: Re: Additional questions/correction

----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----

> No specification of digital line connectivity (HDMI, DVI, component) was
> made,

better yet, how about a cable card instead... how would the PC card
change the channels on the box for recording purposes? The cable card
will also make it far easier to find the channels since that is the only
way you will get the correct channel map for the QAM stations.

Richard Fisher
HD Library is provided by Techservicesusa.com
Publisher http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/forum/index.php

Rodolfo La Maestra wrote:
> ----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----
>
> Good eye Richard.
>
> But if you look at the specs of each card it says "Clear QAM Support"
>
> Which might 99% mean "on-the-clear cable QAM" tuner, the standard term
used
> for non-premium cable service obtained from just connecting the coax from
> the wall, no STB, no CableCARD.
>
> In other words, even if the PC card has a QAM on-the-clear cable tuner
into
> it, if the viewer wants premium channels (or PPV, or VOD) then the
question
> would be how to connect the required Cable QAM HD-STB that tunes the
premium
> channels to input to the PC card.
>
> No specification of digital line connectivity (HDMI, DVI, component) was
> made, reason by which I am meeting them at CES, to let them know that if
> that is the case they are loosing a good market by not having digital line
> connectivity (to STBs, and any other device that sends a non-RF HD
signal).
>
> Best Regards,
>
> Rodolfo
> -----Original Message-----
> From: HDTV Magazine On Behalf Of
> Richard Fisher
> Sent: Monday, December 04, 2006 2:45 PM
> To: HDTV Magazine
> Subject: Re: Additional questions/correction
>
> ----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----
>
> Rodolfo,
>
> noted that while the card specs claim QAM not one mention of a cable
> card slot...
>
> ?
>
> Richard Fisher
> HD Library is provided by Techservicesusa.com
> Publisher http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/forum/index.php
>
> Rodolfo La Maestra wrote:
>
>>----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----
>>
>>Thomas,
>>
>>It might/not work for your purpose but I just received an invitation to
>>attend a CES demo of a card that seems to do what you need, with a coax
>>connection, QAM support, and watch two programs simultaneously, here is
>
> the
>
>>press release:
>>
>>---------------------------------------
>> Schedule your appointment TODAY to meet with AVerMedia at CES to
>
> experience
>
>>the latest in Hi-Definition TV Tuners for your laptop or desktop PC! New
>>analog / HD hybrid and combo TV Tuner solutions for Windows XP, MCE 2005
>
> and
>
>>the highly anticipated Vista operating systems. The ability to watch
>>standard and Hi-Definition TV on virtually any desktop or laptop PC is
>
> here
>
>>with new PCI Express, USB and Express Card TV Tuners is here! Both
>
> standard
>
>>and Hi-definition TV can be viewed either through over-the-air signals, or
>>through a co-ax connection with the now available QAM support!
>>
>>Full PVR capabilities are easy to use though either the MCE 2005 or Vista
>>operating system, or through the all new AVer MediaCenter PVR software!
>>Watch, Pause, Rewind, Replay, Pre-schedule Recording of both HD and analog
>>TV on your desktop or laptop!
>>
>>AVerMedia will have live demonstrations set up in a comfortable Hilton
>>Suite, Central Tower HC 1910! Schedule your appointment today to see the
>>unmatched clarity and easy-to-use AVerMedia Hi-Definition TV Tuner
>>solutions!
>>
>>Featured products will include:
>>
>>AVerTVHD Hybrid USB:
>>* Portable Hybrid analog/HD TV Tuner for Laptop or Desktop
>>* Certified for Windows XP & MCE 2005 and VISTA READY!
>>* Clear QAM Support
>>* Watch standard and HD programs simultaneously
>>* Full PVR Features
>>
>>AVerTVHD ExpressCard:
>>* Easy & portable Express Card analog/HD TV Tuner solution for laptops
>>* Certified for Windows XP & MCE 2005 and VISTA READY!
>>* Clear QAM Support
>>* Watch standard and HD programs simultaneously
>>* Full PVR Features
>>
>>AVerTVHD Combo PCI-e
>>* Combination analog and HD TV Tuners on one PCI Express Card for Desktops
>>* Certified for Windows XP & MCE 2005 and VISTA READY!
>>* Clear QAM Support
>>* Watch standard and HD programs simultaneously
>>* Full PVR Features
>>
>>Also featured in the suite will be AVerMedia's AVerDigi SA6416 2007
>>Innovations Award Winning surveillance solution! See this exceptional 16
>>channel standalone surveillance product in action. Perfect for virtually
>>any home or business surveillance, the SA6416 is a complete system
>
> including
>
>>embedded Windows XP with included comprehensive AVerMedia Surveillance
>>Software, able to connect up to 16 analog or IP cameras!
>>
>>Call me, or reply directly to this email to schedule a meeting time to
>>experience these exciting new products!
>>-------------------------------------------
>>
>>If you are interested, I will try to visit them to verify the specs and
>
> get
>
>>a demo.
>>
>>Best Regards,
>>
>>Rodolfo La Maestra
>>
>>-----Original Message-----
>>From: HDTV Magazine On Behalf Of
>>Jason Burroughs
>>Sent: Tuesday, November 28, 2006 11:18 AM
>>To: HDTV Magazine
>>Subject: Re: Additional questions/correction
>>
>>----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----
>>
>>Thomas - the HDTV card is designed to pull in an ATSC signal from an
>>antenna, and is not a 'video capture card'. It sounds like that's what
>>you're looking for - something to take a signal that is normally
>>destined for a monitor and receiver, then save to hard drive. I know of
>>nothing that would do this.
>>
>>jason
>>
>>Thomas B Kemp wrote:
>>
>>
>>>----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----
>>>
>>>Shane/Jason/et al:
>>>
>>>The PS3 is proving elusive to say the least. I avoid eBay like the
>>>plague. Most stores like WalMart (where I did get a Nintendo Wii
>>>bundle for $700+), Gamestop, etc. require you to buy a bundle of games
>>>for the PS3 anywhere from four to twelve plus typically extra
>>>controllers and stuff IF you are lucky enough to find them available.
>>>Those bundles range in price from about $900 to over $1,400 for the
>>>WalMart bundle. I can handle that if necessary but I really don't
>>>want to pay too high a price over list for just the base 60 GIG PS3.
>>>IF it's necessary I would probably pay $1,000 for a 60 GIG PS3.
>>>
>>>Jason - regarding the tuner card for the PC... very shortly I hope I
>>>will have Verizon FiOS video available. I've had their FiOS Internet
>>>at 15 Mb for over a year and it is rock solid and fast as hell.
>>>Couldn't have been better. As far as the video goes, I would like the
>>>ability to broadcast HD from their server throughout my house BUT I
>>>don't think that they will be offering HD wireless broadcast
>>>capability from your home video server at least not initially. I know
>>>that they can do non-HD wireless. So, IF I can't do it wireless I am
>>>going to have to go with multiple STBs with hard wiring throughout the
>>>house. I think that I would be surprised if they had RF/coax output
>>
>>>from their STB. Do you happen to know?
>>
>>>Once last question to everyone... has anyone actually demoed the new
>>>Sony VPL-VW500 from Sony? I demoed the $10K version about a year ago
>>>in a totally dark room but was left unimpressed by its brightness levels.
>>>If you have what are your general impressions? There are very
>>>favorable reviews in the latest issues of The Perfect Vision and
>>>Widescreen Review.
>>>
>>>Thanks,
>>>Tom
>>>
>>>Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the
>>>moments that take our breath away.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>To unsubscribe please click: [email protected]
>>>
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>>>same day) send an email to:
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>>>
>>
>>
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>>
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>>day) send an email to:
>>[email protected]
>>
>>
>>
>>To unsubscribe please click: [email protected]
>>
>>To receive the digest mode (one email a day made from all posted that same
>
> day) send an email to:
>
>>[email protected]
>>
>>
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe please click: [email protected]
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> To receive the digest mode (one email a day made from all posted that same
> day) send an email to:
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>
>
>
> To unsubscribe please click: [email protected]
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day) send an email to:
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>


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#2
----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----

Rodolfo,

Are you speaking of the Pinnacle PCTV HD Pro Stick? It is a USB
device with a QAM / ATSC tuner. I just bought one yesterday at the
local Best Buy ($129) after reading a review in Sound and Vision
magazine. So far, it seems to work well. My laptop is a little under
powered (CPU) so I get some pixelation / stuttering but my new laptop,
scheduled to arrive next week, should solve that problem.

I will post a more thorough review once I have had a chance to play
with it a little more.

Jeff

On 12/5/06, Rodolfo La Maestra <[email protected]> wrote:
> ----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----
>
> Thomas (and Richard),
>
> I spoke with this PC HDTV tuner co. today, I will get a demo at CES, I have
> the press releases, there are 5 cards, one is even as small as a USB stick
> with an ATSC tuner on it (I believe he said for about $50+ in Feb 07).
>
> The cards quoted as "QAM supported" actually mean they have an on-the-clear
> QAM digital tuner on it (as I thought), no premium channels, just plug the
> 75 ohm RF coax, same with the ATSC tuner, and the analog tuner.
>
> The digital tuner input could be used for either/or ATSC/QAM, not both.
>
> The analog coax input could be tuned simultaneously to the digital tuner,
> for DVR, POP, PIP, purposes.
>
> There is no HD input other than the coax for ATSC/QAM.
>
> I requested that they consider a future upgrade to incorporate the recently
> introduced HDMI 1.3 mini-plug, which would allow for what we were looking
> for, feeding another HD input than coax.
>
> There are Svideo and composite inputs, used to receive an SD version of the
> HD premium channels tuned by an external STB, which is better than no
> channel at all, although not appealing to my taste.
>
> I was hoping not to watch HBO HD but to connect a Hidef player (or PS3) via
> the mini HDMI plug thru the card when the PC does not have any facility of
> DVI/HDMI/player on it.
>
> Maybe I was asking for too much.
>
> Best Regards,
>
> Rodolfo La Maestra
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: HDTV Magazine On Behalf Of
> Rodolfo La Maestra
> Sent: Monday, December 04, 2006 11:49 PM
> To: HDTV Magazine
> Subject: Re: Additional questions/correction
>
> ----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----
>
> Richard,
>
> An on-the-clear tuner would allow the PC card to switch non-premium channels
> for DVR and viewing purposes, however, as you know, premium content would
> require the use of external STBs and switching channels could be restricted
> to the burden of manual operation, or, if the HW/SW allows it, handled the
> way some VCRs (like JVC) did for years, changing channels on DirecTV STBs
> when its saved program needed to change channels. Although not ideal, the
> option was and still is an alternative; again if the paired pieces can talk
> to each other.
>
> As far as I am concern, unidirectional CableCARD was and still is the
> outcome of a failed decision that did not have much chance to succeed, nor
> to be postponed without some people going to firing squad, so as we say many
> times, choose your poison gentlemen.
>
> We should have OCAP, and/or all the other bi-directional sw/hw solutions I
> summarized on my last annual report; we are in a world of bi-directional
> cable services, for years already, but as with many things in this industry,
> when several bodies with various interests need to be in harmony to move
> fast and forward (CableLabs, FCC, cable companies, copyrights, MPAA, and the
> three little pigs) everything freezes in panic, look at Hi-def DVD,
> blu-laser was already working in prototypes 5 years ago, the MPAA was still
> shaking until recently, and still are with the infamous Token of dead.
>
> So what do we have? We have the fabulous UNIDIRECTIONAL CableCARD. We
> consumers were forced down the throat to pay for the temp CableCARD decision
> without having much choice, and we will pay for all of its trial an error
> transformations with various TVs, again, and again, what an upgrade path.
>
> The day when CableCARD came out as an idea and as a prototype idea, several
> years ago, the same companies agreed to start working in the real
> bi-directional solution, and the FCC clapped and sat back, and sat back, and
> sat back. They still playing poker in front of the FCC with our funds, do
> not get me rolling on this.
>
> I have written a lot about the history of this flop, with the push of the
> FCC, ironically the same cable companies do not support the product, why
> would they? no impulse PPV, no VOD, no cable supplied EPG, bye bye revenue.
> Plan B, stick to the STBs, they still work, they can keep full control, and
> their projected revenue cannot be compromised under the risk of loosing the
> income from those services. In addition, although the FCC issued
> instructions, show me one cable STB that has a CableCARD slot to permit
> programming control and security using that method.
>
> Many TV companies have come back to just install on-the-clear QAM tuners on
> ATSC integrated sets, and removed the CableCARD on their following models
> already in 2006, some did not even put ANY QAM tuners until a bi-directional
> solution is available, one was Brillian, smart move, Vincent knew very well
> where to put the coins, the only 120Hz 1080p LCoS with 1080p inputs in
> 2005/6, look at my 1080p article, they did not bet on the dead-upon-arrival
> unidirectional CableCARD.
>
> Sorry, you touched a tired nerve with this CableCARD game the FCC promoted,
> they motivated everyone to do something right away, whatever but do
> something added to the already expensive tuners into TVs (they mandated as
> well), even when they all knew CableCARD was dead upon arrival, and even
> when they knew consumers would spend millions and millions on CableCARD TVs
> that cannot be upgraded to bi-directional capabilities, but without telling
> them at the stores: "get a STB for impulse VOD/PPV/cable EPG" , how
> convenient.
>
> Of course, TV manufacturers would have to sell you the next model to get the
> magical bi-directional solution sometime in the future, such a difficult
> decision from their part, a government supported revenue path, hey, that was
> not us.
>
> Look at my calculations and projections over the last 3 annual reports of
> the millions of people that would be affected (the CEA never mentions that)
> by another miscalculation of the FCC and their poor industry organizational
> skills; not to mention the forever mess of HD content protection, while in
> bed with the MPAA. All my projections I did for this decade of HDVT are
> happening, one by one, look at how hot 1080p displays is now, look at 24fps,
> 1080p inputs, etc.
>
>
> Best Regards,
>
> Rodolfo La Maestra
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: HDTV Magazine On Behalf Of
> Richard Fisher
> Sent: Monday, December 04, 2006 10:11 PM
> To: HDTV Magazine
> Subject: Re: Additional questions/correction
>
> ----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----
>
> > No specification of digital line connectivity (HDMI, DVI, component) was
> > made,
>
> better yet, how about a cable card instead... how would the PC card
> change the channels on the box for recording purposes? The cable card
> will also make it far easier to find the channels since that is the only
> way you will get the correct channel map for the QAM stations.
>
> Richard Fisher
> HD Library is provided by Techservicesusa.com
> Publisher http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/forum/index.php
>
> Rodolfo La Maestra wrote:
> > ----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----
> >
> > Good eye Richard.
> >
> > But if you look at the specs of each card it says "Clear QAM Support"
> >
> > Which might 99% mean "on-the-clear cable QAM" tuner, the standard term
> used
> > for non-premium cable service obtained from just connecting the coax from
> > the wall, no STB, no CableCARD.
> >
> > In other words, even if the PC card has a QAM on-the-clear cable tuner
> into
> > it, if the viewer wants premium channels (or PPV, or VOD) then the
> question
> > would be how to connect the required Cable QAM HD-STB that tunes the
> premium
> > channels to input to the PC card.
> >
> > No specification of digital line connectivity (HDMI, DVI, component) was
> > made, reason by which I am meeting them at CES, to let them know that if
> > that is the case they are loosing a good market by not having digital line
> > connectivity (to STBs, and any other device that sends a non-RF HD
> signal).
> >
> > Best Regards,
> >
> > Rodolfo
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: HDTV Magazine On Behalf Of
> > Richard Fisher
> > Sent: Monday, December 04, 2006 2:45 PM
> > To: HDTV Magazine
> > Subject: Re: Additional questions/correction
> >
> > ----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----
> >
> > Rodolfo,
> >
> > noted that while the card specs claim QAM not one mention of a cable
> > card slot...
> >
> > ?
> >
> > Richard Fisher
> > HD Library is provided by Techservicesusa.com
> > Publisher http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/forum/index.php
> >
> > Rodolfo La Maestra wrote:
> >
> >>----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----
> >>
> >>Thomas,
> >>
> >>It might/not work for your purpose but I just received an invitation to
> >>attend a CES demo of a card that seems to do what you need, with a coax
> >>connection, QAM support, and watch two programs simultaneously, here is
> >
> > the
> >
> >>press release:
> >>
> >>---------------------------------------
> >> Schedule your appointment TODAY to meet with AVerMedia at CES to
> >
> > experience
> >
> >>the latest in Hi-Definition TV Tuners for your laptop or desktop PC! New
> >>analog / HD hybrid and combo TV Tuner solutions for Windows XP, MCE 2005
> >
> > and
> >
> >>the highly anticipated Vista operating systems. The ability to watch
> >>standard and Hi-Definition TV on virtually any desktop or laptop PC is
> >
> > here
> >
> >>with new PCI Express, USB and Express Card TV Tuners is here! Both
> >
> > standard
> >
> >>and Hi-definition TV can be viewed either through over-the-air signals, or
> >>through a co-ax connection with the now available QAM support!
> >>
> >>Full PVR capabilities are easy to use though either the MCE 2005 or Vista
> >>operating system, or through the all new AVer MediaCenter PVR software!
> >>Watch, Pause, Rewind, Replay, Pre-schedule Recording of both HD and analog
> >>TV on your desktop or laptop!
> >>
> >>AVerMedia will have live demonstrations set up in a comfortable Hilton
> >>Suite, Central Tower HC 1910! Schedule your appointment today to see the
> >>unmatched clarity and easy-to-use AVerMedia Hi-Definition TV Tuner
> >>solutions!
> >>
> >>Featured products will include:
> >>
> >>AVerTVHD Hybrid USB:
> >>* Portable Hybrid analog/HD TV Tuner for Laptop or Desktop
> >>* Certified for Windows XP & MCE 2005 and VISTA READY!
> >>* Clear QAM Support
> >>* Watch standard and HD programs simultaneously
> >>* Full PVR Features
> >>
> >>AVerTVHD ExpressCard:
> >>* Easy & portable Express Card analog/HD TV Tuner solution for laptops
> >>* Certified for Windows XP & MCE 2005 and VISTA READY!
> >>* Clear QAM Support
> >>* Watch standard and HD programs simultaneously
> >>* Full PVR Features
> >>
> >>AVerTVHD Combo PCI-e
> >>* Combination analog and HD TV Tuners on one PCI Express Card for Desktops
> >>* Certified for Windows XP & MCE 2005 and VISTA READY!
> >>* Clear QAM Support
> >>* Watch standard and HD programs simultaneously
> >>* Full PVR Features
> >>
> >>Also featured in the suite will be AVerMedia's AVerDigi SA6416 2007
> >>Innovations Award Winning surveillance solution! See this exceptional 16
> >>channel standalone surveillance product in action. Perfect for virtually
> >>any home or business surveillance, the SA6416 is a complete system
> >
> > including
> >
> >>embedded Windows XP with included comprehensive AVerMedia Surveillance
> >>Software, able to connect up to 16 analog or IP cameras!
> >>
> >>Call me, or reply directly to this email to schedule a meeting time to
> >>experience these exciting new products!
> >>-------------------------------------------
> >>
> >>If you are interested, I will try to visit them to verify the specs and
> >
> > get
> >
> >>a demo.
> >>
> >>Best Regards,
> >>
> >>Rodolfo La Maestra
> >>
> >>-----Original Message-----
> >>From: HDTV Magazine On Behalf Of
> >>Jason Burroughs
> >>Sent: Tuesday, November 28, 2006 11:18 AM
> >>To: HDTV Magazine
> >>Subject: Re: Additional questions/correction
> >>
> >>----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----
> >>
> >>Thomas - the HDTV card is designed to pull in an ATSC signal from an
> >>antenna, and is not a 'video capture card'. It sounds like that's what
> >>you're looking for - something to take a signal that is normally
> >>destined for a monitor and receiver, then save to hard drive. I know of
> >>nothing that would do this.
> >>
> >>jason
> >>
> >>Thomas B Kemp wrote:
> >>
> >>
> >>>----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----
> >>>
> >>>Shane/Jason/et al:
> >>>
> >>>The PS3 is proving elusive to say the least. I avoid eBay like the
> >>>plague. Most stores like WalMart (where I did get a Nintendo Wii
> >>>bundle for $700+), Gamestop, etc. require you to buy a bundle of games
> >>>for the PS3 anywhere from four to twelve plus typically extra
> >>>controllers and stuff IF you are lucky enough to find them available.
> >>>Those bundles range in price from about $900 to over $1,400 for the
> >>>WalMart bundle. I can handle that if necessary but I really don't
> >>>want to pay too high a price over list for just the base 60 GIG PS3.
> >>>IF it's necessary I would probably pay $1,000 for a 60 GIG PS3.
> >>>
> >>>Jason - regarding the tuner card for the PC... very shortly I hope I
> >>>will have Verizon FiOS video available. I've had their FiOS Internet
> >>>at 15 Mb for over a year and it is rock solid and fast as hell.
> >>>Couldn't have been better. As far as the video goes, I would like the
> >>>ability to broadcast HD from their server throughout my house BUT I
> >>>don't think that they will be offering HD wireless broadcast
> >>>capability from your home video server at least not initially. I know
> >>>that they can do non-HD wireless. So, IF I can't do it wireless I am
> >>>going to have to go with multiple STBs with hard wiring throughout the
> >>>house. I think that I would be surprised if they had RF/coax output
> >>
> >>>from their STB. Do you happen to know?
> >>
> >>>Once last question to everyone... has anyone actually demoed the new
> >>>Sony VPL-VW500 from Sony? I demoed the $10K version about a year ago
> >>>in a totally dark room but was left unimpressed by its brightness levels.
> >>>If you have what are your general impressions? There are very
> >>>favorable reviews in the latest issues of The Perfect Vision and
> >>>Widescreen Review.
> >>>
> >>>Thanks,
> >>>Tom
> >>>
> >>>Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the
> >>>moments that take our breath away.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
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#3
----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----



> -----Original Message-----
> From: HDTV Magazine On Behalf
Of
> Rodolfo La Maestra
> Sent: Tuesday, December 05, 2006 3:28 PM
> To: HDTV Magazine
> Subject: Follow up on the HD tuner/DVR for PC/laptop
>
> ----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----
>
>
> I was hoping not to watch HBO HD but to connect a Hidef player (or
PS3)
> via
> the mini HDMI plug thru the card when the PC does not have any
facility of
> DVI/HDMI/player on it.
>
> Maybe I was asking for too much.
>
> Best Regards,
>
> Rodolfo La Maestra

Current computer OS does not have the robust DRM tools to make this
possible. Any hardware vendor facilitating PS3 input to current PCs via
such a connector would be committing financial suicide, IMO. The MPAA
would sue them out of existence within a year.

MS Vista, just over the horizon, may be the answer here. But how long
before that reaches "critical mass" and the adoption is widespread
enough to justify the R&D for a card with such connectivity is anyone's
guess.

Then it begs the question, how many people really want to sit in front
of their PCs to watch a movie? I realize you're looking at it for a
storage/archive device, but again you're opening up that DRM can of
worms.

Think of how quickly Bit Torrent would be flooded with new PS3 movies if
such a device existed today ;-)

It's an older doc, but one worth a read if you're interested in
Microsoft's approach to DRM in the coming OS:

http://download.microsoft.com/download/ ... B-93DC-7CF
0072878E6/output_protect.do

Bob


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#4
----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----

Rodolfo,

That was the only doc I was able to locate on the site that went
specifically to the topic. I don't believe any of the concepts have
changed significantly since April 2005 when that was written. PVP-OPM is
Mircosoft's internal control that includes HDCP, 5C, etc under one
banner.

There is one other that discusses code implementation for this new
strategy:

download.microsoft.com/download/a/f/7/af7777e5-7dcd-4800-8a0a-b18336565f
5b/PMP-sign.doc

Then there were a few Powerpoint presentations which sort of gloss over
the technicals. One bothersome note in one of the Powerpoints I looked
at was no specific reference to support for 1080P. It only went to
1080i. An oversight or something more? I don't know.

Since this isn't even on the streets yet, and as such, no
interoperability testing can be done, I'm guessing there are many
headaches coming. I didn't completely understand the video card vendor
reluctance to incorporate HDCP earlier, perhaps it was due to the lack
of HDCP compliant monitors. The sad part here is for PC buyers looking
for media center capabilities, especially those incorporating BD or
HD-DVD sources, anything you have bought or might buy right up until
today is probably not going to work once Vista rolls out and hardware
vendors start playing catch up.

It will be a repeat of early HDTV adopters who bought hardware only to
later find out advanced features and connectivity that came later
rendered their hardware useless. Or at the very least the functionality
was severely limited from their original intent. IOW, for anyone looking
to buy a media center PC that is future proof, I think you're really
taking a risk at this stage of the game.

On a sort of related topic, I was reading yesterday about a new wireless
standard that most of the big CE manufacturers seem to be rallying
behind. This is a shift from the stalled efforts behind things like
ultrawideband wireless(UWB is controlled mostly by Intel). The bandwidth
of this new standard would reach into the gigabit range which could make
whole house distribution of HD viable. The CE mfrs. are already saying
they intend to have this in their sets around the end of next year.
Something you might want to keep an eye out for at CES. The company
supporting the technology is called SiBeam.

http://www.wirelesshd.org/

I mention it here because it throws another curve into media center PCs
and DRM management that have to be considered before the consumer will
ever see it in their living rooms.

I strongly believe whole house distribution issues have severely
hampered media center rollouts(a personal interest) and perhaps this
more independent standard is the missing piece of the puzzle that allows
it to happen.

Bob


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Rodolfo La Maestra
> Sent: Tuesday, December 05, 2006 9:05 PM
> To: Bob Mankin
> Subject: RE: Follow up on the HD tuner/DVR for PC/laptop
>
> Bob,
>
> I was just helping Thomas regarding a device that he seemed to need
when I
> developed curiosity to find out the extent of its features, but now
that
> you
> brought the subject that way let me confess that I am not certainly
> interested about using a PC or laptop for HT HD purposes of
entertainment.
> 40 years of IT made me draw the line very clearly where my
entertainment
> should be.
>
> In fact, I am going exactly the opposite direction with a dedicated
> 130-inches 2.35:1 Cinerama screen paired with a 1080p DLP projector
for
> exclusively 2.35:1 movies with anamorphic lenses, HD 16x9 is not wide
> enough. I do not watch TV, I am in HD for what the technology does to
HT,
> but I still respect those that prefer convergence.
>
> Regarding the strength of DRM for the PC environment I agree, the
arrival
> of
> Hi Def DVD players for PCs raised concern to enough people to look for
> PVP-OPM, a content protection method that was to be implemented in the
new
> Hi-def DVDs to prevent pirates from attaching recording devices
directly
> to
> the PC graphics card's DVI or HDMI video outputs to gain access to a
fully
> resolved unprotected image of the content.
>
> A PVP-UAB component has been planned to prevent the installation of
data
> capture cards that would allow accessing the HD movie directly from
the
> PCI
> Express bus; however PVP-UAB activation of HDCP would render many
non-HDCP
> compliant PC monitors unable to display the image as HD, or at all.
>
> For the VGA analog, the near future Vista operating system was said to
> reduce the resolution of the video but the video will be watchable at
the
> level of quality of today's DVDs, but the story of the infamous Token
for
> 1080i over analog component in Hi Def players might change that.
>
> Since neither XP security nor XP drivers support HDCP, a computer user
> would
> need to upgrade to the new Windows Vista operating system, and replace
the
> monitor for an HDCP compliant unit.
>
> In November 2005, to extend the support implemented the previous fall
for
> HD
> OTA reception on PCs, Microsoft made an agreement with the cable
> television
> industry to work with CableLabs to make windows PCs suited with Media
> Center
> able to display cable SD and HD programming, with a signal protection
> mechanism and without using a HD-STB by late 2006. PCs will have a
> CableCARD slot, which, and as with the other CableCARD
implementations, it
> would only offer unidirectional capabilities (OCUR, Open Cable
> Unidirectional Receiver).
>
> Unfortunately, unidirectional is here to stay, we are going backwards
just
> to make fit all the legacy pieces created in vacuum by individual
efforts.
>
> I do not have handy an update of the above, do you?
>
> Best Regards,
>
> Rodolfo La Maestra
>



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