[Discuss] OT: HD TV capture and bittorrent

[Andrew Willard]

Michael Foltinek wrote:
> I forgot to specify that the over-the-air cards don't get you the
> ability to watch any and all HD content.

The card I posted is not just an ATSC card...

> For instance, if I get HD
> from Shaw, I have to get their PVR to record content because the HD
> content (from what I understand) is encrypted and the only analogue
> hole to exploit is when it's downgraded to regular TV resolution.

You answered your own question. Breaking the encryption is the only
way to get around this in Canada. Cable companies here encrypt all
the digital channels preventing anything (PC, Myth, etc) and anyone
from recording the shows other than their own PVR's.

> Unless I'm wrong, you can't just get a capture card for encrypted HD
> because the "TVCard" authentication/decryption part is missing.
> That's what's tripping me up; I want to be able to hook up my Myth box
> and record stuff that's on the HD channels.
> Am I wrong here?

You're not wrong. The set-top-box has other ports on the back... firewire
would be the best one, but alas Shaw has encrypted the HD signals over
firewire... everything else non-digital is unencrypted.

> On 3/27/07, Andrew Willard <linux1 at shaw.ca> wrote:
>> Michael Foltinek wrote:
>>
>> > Is anyone aware of some hardware or software that would enable someone
>> > to capture HD content digitally?
>>
>> http://www.pchdtv.com/

p.s. If your willing to get away from Shaw there "are" alternative providers
which would allow you to achieve the task set out by your initial email ;) ;)