What happens then?

[jediraverz]

So what happens when everything is an HD digital broadcast? Are media centers gonna be obsolete? I just thought I would see what people think.

[Mitch G]

I don't see the connection.
Media centers are still going to be used for recording HD programs and for serving up DVDs and music, etc.
The only thing that will become obsolete are capture cards connected to antennae. But then they can just be connected to cable feeds and work for another 3 years or whatever the agreement is.


Mitch

[Kirby]

HD is the only thing on my media center. Not sure I see the connection either.

[alan92rttt]

While you can record over the air HD signals as far as I know their is no solution for recording HD signals from cable or satellite.

I know ATI has a device that works with CableCard but I believe that it is only available to approved system builders.

[sleonard]

Take a gander at this thread.

By April there will be HD recording from virtually any provider in Sage.

Scott

[Mitch G]

Originally Posted by alan92rttt

While you can record over the air HD signals as far as I know their is no solution for recording HD signals from cable or satellite.

I know ATI has a device that works with CableCard but I believe that it is only available to approved system builders.

Well, I record clear HD channels from my cable company. But, you meant *encrypted* cable (and by definition satellite) signals. And, yes they are a bit of a challenge at this time.


Mitch

[jediraverz]

Well I use 2 analog capture cards that get a direct cable feed, no cable box. These are analog signals, ina while they will be digital signals. Everyone who uses the media center the way I am will have to fork out more money for whatever capture cards are gonna work with these most likley encrypted digital signals. The ATI cable box like device uses cable cards wich from my understanding only come in OEM systems and are not available for aftermarket systems, besides the ATI.

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by jediraverz

Well I use 2 analog capture cards that get a direct cable feed, no cable box. These are analog signals, ina while they will be digital signals.

The 2009 FCC mandate has nothing to do with cable if that's what you're getting at.

Everyone who uses the media center the way I am will have to fork out more money for whatever capture cards are gonna work with these most likley encrypted digital signals.

I've got Dish Network, which is all digital and all encrypted and I use a lowly PVR250 to record still.