HDTV and Computers

[Ron]

Archived from groups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.video (More info?)

I've been interested in viewing HDTV directly from a set-top cable-box
on a computer screen for some time and I seem to get a variety of
different statements of facts about whether this is possible? I
wonder if someone could set us all straight on the important aspects
of this issue?

I've read that it is not possible for video input cards to receive
HDTV composite input from a cable box because the bandwidth
requirements are too high for the video card. Is this true or are the
reasons more technical, legal, or political?

Can someone clearly and concisely state the reasons why ATI and/or
other video card manufacturers have not offered a video input card for
sale that will receive high resolution HDTV from an HD cable box?

thanks,
Ron
ps. sorry about the cross post

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.video (More info?)

Ron wrote:

> I've been interested in viewing HDTV directly from a set-top cable-box
> on a computer screen for some time and I seem to get a variety of
> different statements of facts about whether this is possible? I
> wonder if someone could set us all straight on the important aspects
> of this issue?
>
> I've read that it is not possible for video input cards to receive
> HDTV composite input from a cable box because the bandwidth
> requirements are too high for the video card. Is this true or are the
> reasons more technical, legal, or political?
>
> Can someone clearly and concisely state the reasons why ATI and/or
> other video card manufacturers have not offered a video input card for
> sale that will receive high resolution HDTV from an HD cable box?
>
> thanks,
> Ron
> ps. sorry about the cross post

Has nothing to do with bandwidth or legalities. HD cable uses a different
encoding from HD broadcast and until recently there were no PC interfaces
on the market that supported that encoding. If your cable provider is
using QAM (which most if not all in the US do I understand) then look for
the "Dvico Fusion III QAM". One source is Digital Connection
<http://www.digitalconnection.com/products/video/fusion3qam.asp>. This
will allow you to view and record unencrypted HD content--encrypted you'll
still have to get through your cable box and won't be able to record in HD
until someone comes up with an inexpensive way to record component or DVI
signals, which will be a while--component is multiple high-bandwidth analog
channels and DVI has intentionally been "fixed" to make recording
difficult. Eventually inexpensive recording devices for component will
probably become available--just a matter of waiting for the cost/perfomance
ration to drop low enough.

--
--John
Reply to jclarke at ae tee tee global dot net
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)