HTPC & DSTV

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ChocolateBadger

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Ok I'v got my HP microserver set up running Windows Home Server 2011. The problem is there is no Windows Media Center on WHS 2011, so I can't stream that thru to my Xbox 360. So I'v decided to 1 up that and build a HTPC to stream content off my home server. Now i'v been doing a lot of googling and youtubing the fact of using the TV feature on Windows media center but how would I be able to watch and record DSTV with it? Is their a specific TV card I need? I currently have the HD PVR dstv decoder, the old big square one (if thats of any use).

So any help? Anyone got a similar set up to me?
 
In terms of an HTPC I use a Hauppauge WinTV-hVR 2200 MCE TV tuner card, the Hauppauge Remote Control For MCE, and for the DSTV guide I use MCESA.tv
However DSTV uses CGMS-A copy protection so windows media center protects the recording from being converted or opened by non-playready devices, so your x-box should have no problem at all since its an extender but don't expect to edit out the ads like I wanted to do, however if you buy winTV with extend for $10. or so you can record without the copy protection rubbish and stream live TV to pretty much anything BUT you wont be able to access the EPG. If you want to get rid of the copy protection with windows media center you will have to buy a device called Grex which filters out the CGMS-A flag but its very expensive.
http://www.ikonicit.co.za/electroni...uppauge-remote-control-for-mce-oem-pack-.html
http://www.ikonicit.co.za/hot-deals/hauppauge-wintv-hvr-2200-mce-special.html
http://www.mcesa.tv/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=1&Itemid=66
http://www.xdimax.com/grex/grex.html
 
Extra note: if you want to use the HD function of your PVR you are better off buying the Hauppauge Colossus and a HDCP thingy (sorry don't know the correct term :cry:)
 
Segg said:
In terms of an HTPC I use a Hauppauge WinTV-hVR 2200 MCE TV tuner card, the Hauppauge Remote Control For MCE, and for the DSTV guide I use MCESA.tv
However DSTV uses CGMS-A copy protection so windows media center protects the recording from being converted or opened by non-playready devices, so your x-box should have no problem at all since its an extender but don't expect to edit out the ads like I wanted to do, however if you buy winTV with extend for $10. or so you can record without the copy protection rubbish and stream live TV to pretty much anything BUT you wont be able to access the EPG. If you want to get rid of the copy protection with windows media center you will have to buy a device called Grex which filters out the CGMS-A flag but its very expensive.
http://www.ikonicit.co.za/electroni...uppauge-remote-control-for-mce-oem-pack-.html
http://www.ikonicit.co.za/hot-deals/hauppauge-wintv-hvr-2200-mce-special.html
http://www.mcesa.tv/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=1&Itemid=66
http://www.xdimax.com/grex/grex.html
Click to expand...

I basicly just want to use my HTPC like a DSTV PVR, I'm not bothered about the Copyright protection, I just want to fast forward, rewind, and record to watch later.
 
ChocolateBadger said:
I basicly just want to use my HTPC like a DSTV PVR, I'm not bothered about the Copyright protection, I just want to fast forward, rewind, and record to watch later.
Click to expand...

Do you want HD?

If so, see above about Collosus, otherwise get any Hauppauge card that takes RCA (yellow, red, white) inputs (eg: this with this).

Once you go HTPC, you'll never want to go back to PVR, trust me, it's the wins :D
 
Last edited:
MongooseMan said:
Do you want HD?

If so, see above about Collosus, otherwise get any Hauppauge card that takes RCA (yellow, red, white) inputs (eg: this with this).

Once you go HTPC, you'll never want to go back to PVR, trust me, it's the wins :D
Click to expand...

This is what confuses me. Is there a way to not use the decoder at all? Like my HTPC being the decoder and everything.
 
Google about those guys in the dream box business that were arrested earlier this year (or last). Granted they were also selling subscriptions to get DSTV for almost nothing but I think the T&Cs are now quite specific about only using MC approved hardware.
 
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