DSTV MCE Interface Card Options

[raidenoctavio]

Hi all
I've spent some time reading this and a number of other forums around the world in an attempt to understand the PVR options.
The general consensus appears to be that TiVo is the way to go even in South Africa, followed by MCE and then the open source players like MythTv, etc. I still like the idea of a more open platform and since I have a home computer and Vista with Media Center, MCE appears to be the way to go. I just hope the EPG saga is resolved in the near future.

Anyway, my requirements are quite simple just expecting similar functionality to the current Multichoice PVR:
• Except that only having 2 available channels and not the 3rd is quite acceptable
o Recoding only 1 channel at a time is quite acceptable
• Except that I would like to distribute the media via the XBox 360 and other Vista computers with Media Center to other rooms in the household

In my reading I have been lead to believe that the following options exist (listed in order of preference)
1. USB 2.0 Interface Card without the need for a Multichoice Dual View or PVR decoder
a. This is my preferred choice due to my computer restrictions
b. I’ve also been led to believe that you can attain a USB smartcard reader that with software can complete the smartcard authentication thus removing the need for a Multichoice Dual View or PVR decoder
2. PCI Interface Card without the need for a Multichoice Dual View or PVR decoder
a. I’ve also been led to believe that you can attain a USB smartcard reader that with software can complete the smartcard authentication thus removing the need for a Multichoice Dual View or PVR decoder
b. Another option is to install a CAM module on an appropriate card to complete the smartcard authentication thus removing the need for a Multichoice Dual View or PVR decoder
3. USB 2.0 Interface Card with the need for a Multichoice Dual View or PVR decoder
a. This being a pure AV interface card
4. PCI Interface Card with the need for a Multichoice Dual View or PVR decoder
a. This being a pure AV interface card

I would appreciate if you can clarify the following:
1. Can a Vista computer with Media Center utilise other Vista computers with Media Center to distribute media?
2. Am I correct in my assessment of the available options?
3. Can an HDTv interface card be utilised currently, thus being ready for HDTv DSTV hopefully for the end of next year?
4. For either option 1 or 3 above, which are the recommended USB 2.0 interface cards and smartcard reader?
a. The interface card will need to have a satellite connection or at least 2 input interfaces, and at least 1 output interface for the screen
b. This must give at least the same picture and sound quality as the Multichoice Dual View or PVR decoder
5. For either option 2 or 4 above, which are the recommended PCI interface cards and smartcard reader/CAM module?
a. The interface card will need to have a satellite connection or at least 2 input interfaces, and at least 1 output interface for the screen
b. This must give at least the same picture and sound quality as the Multichoice Dual View or PVR decoder

Many thanks for your assistance
Raiden

 

[Skeptik]

What about a dual tuner Dreambox?

or maybe a Skystar DVR Card.