ntl TV on a Media Center PC - How?

[r3loaded]

Hi there, I am currently building my own Windows XP Media Center PC. The only thing that now remains is to hook up my PC to my ntl cable connection. Ideally, I would like to bypass the STB (its the new Samsung one) but if this is not possible, I would like information on what hardware is needed to link my PC to the STB (which tv card + cables i need)

Thx 4 any advice in advance

hi to Cable Forum

if you bypass the STB, you will not get any of the encrypted channels, only terrestrial & 'free to air' (not the same as Freeview) ones.

as for TV cards - there are a lot to choose from - try this link

http://computing.kelkoo.co.uk/b/a/c_..._tv_cards.html

- for stand alone cards, I'm assuming you are not looking for a combined graphics/TV card

[gooner4life]

You could pick up the analogue FTA channels if you split the connection into the premises, the only downside is it can cause signal degradation and NTL would be likely to charge you should you split the connection and then need a service tech out to tweak levels etc, any technician would most likely also remove the splitter should you use one.

Best bet would be to use the normal TV for NTL digital, and get a TV Card with Freeview tuner for the mediacentre providing you have an external aerial.

[spike7451]

You pay for the services thru the STB you have supplied & fitted by NTL.Recieving encrypted channels by any other means is THEFT & if caught,you may be prosecuted.Thats the official line as in the T & C. You are entitled to the channels thru the supplied STB & no other way,besides,the way i look at it is that IF you recieve encrypted channels thru any other way than a legal STB,you are not just stealing from NTL,but me & any other cable employee.
You might also bugger up your B.B connection as well as other peoples by unauthorised tampering of NTL equipment (everything in your house,from the phone Master socket,to the STB,Modem & cabling,remains the property of the Cable provider,also in the T & C>)
If you do bugger up the connections & a tech call is neede to fix it,you will be charged £50 for the call.
Sorry,
Spike

[r3loaded]

Ok, so i shudnt really bypass the STB. I dont really want to use the RF out on the STB as this wud degrade the signal. Any other options? or am i stuck with having an analogue tv card to receive the cable signal from the STB via RF?

Originally Posted by r3loaded

Ok, so i shudnt really bypass the STB. I dont really want to use the RF out on the STB as this wud degrade the signal. Any other options? or am i stuck with having an analogue tv card to receive the cable signal from the STB via RF?

you will need an analogue card for any output from the stb - one possibility is to use a scart to composite/stereo phono converter if you don't want to use the rf connector. The 'digital' tv cards are only for Freeview, not cable.

One point to make here is make sure whatever tv card you buy is media centre compatable,XP media centre is fussy on what graphics and tv cards it will work with,overclockers has the 9800 pro all in wonder for under £90

[r3loaded]

ok, i've decided to get a hauppauge PVR-250 tv card as this seems to have good MCE support. i cnt use the 9800 all in wonder coz I already have a 6600GT and anyway my new system only has PCI Express. still, it may come in handy for my other system....

[JediMaster]

Originally Posted by r3loaded

Hi there, I am currently building my own Windows XP Media Center PC. The only thing that now remains is to hook up my PC to my ntl cable connection. Ideally, I would like to bypass the STB (its the new Samsung one) but if this is not possible, I would like information on what hardware is needed to link my PC to the STB (which tv card + cables i need)

Thx 4 any advice in advance

You CANT build your Own... Windows MCE is NOT sold for the Public to make their OWN system.....

Originally Posted by r3loaded

ok, i've decided to get a hauppauge PVR-250 tv card as this seems to have good MCE support. i cnt use the 9800 all in wonder coz I already have a 6600GT and anyway my new system only has PCI Express. still, it may come in handy for my other system....

I use the Hauppauge PVR-250 I use it with my 80GB Humax DVBT Box (like Sky+ for Free View)

If you go to Argos, spect £29.99 & buy a DigiSender (HERE) Or enter 5344273 into Search box on www.argos.co.uk/ you can send a Signal to anywhere in your House. I set this up on my brothers Sky TV. Its very EASY... 1 Scart into Sky/NTL & then 1 Scart into TV (anywhere in house) But on Hauppauge PVR-250 I would buy a Red/Yellow/White wire off EBay (cheaper than Dixons or shops like that) & instead of using the Scart to Red/Yellow/White in the kit. Use your OWN wire to the Hauppauge PVR-250

Think that will work like a dream, I record of TV with my Hauppauge PVR-250 I then use Nero 6 & extra pack to Burn to DVD & add Chapters & Credits... Very EASY

[r3loaded]

Originally Posted by JediMaster

You CANT build your Own... Windows MCE is NOT sold for the Public to make their OWN system.....

Well actually, check overclockers.co.uk and scan.co.uk - they sell XP MCE and MCE remotes (or these can be obtained off ebay)

[Dave Stones]

Originally Posted by JediMaster

You CANT build your Own... Windows MCE is NOT sold for the Public to make their OWN system.....

you can however purchase an OEM licence, however as scan states:

Originally Posted by Scan

PLEASE NOTE : To qualify for this licensing you need to purchase either a system, or a non-peripheral computer hardware component (which will be an integral part of the computer system which the OEM software will be installed) such as a motherboard, graphics card, hard disk, processor, keyboard, mouse. At the SAME time as the Operating System.

[r3loaded]

well, it dusnt say that on overclockers so shhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :p

anyway, if M$ ever complain, i DID buy most of my comp's stuff with the software

[Lord Nikon]

always worth having a spare mouse