Comcast Motorola Box and SageTV

[MillerTime]

I have been using SageTV for OTA Digital Signal for over a year now. I am moving and will be getting Comcast Cable. I would like to connect 2 HD STB's and 1 or 2 OTA feeds to my SageTV Server and get all the channels that I subscribe to. What is the best way to accomplish this? I plan on building a new server thinking about using the antec skeleton open air case! Suggestions for parts would be welcome also.

Thanks!!

[tahoetim]

I would build a WHS server, stack all the HD boxes up and control them with a USB-UIRT. Use HD200's at each tv.

[MillerTime]

How do I connect comcast boxes to the server? I would like to keep it HDMI is that possible?

[Fuzzy]

no, hdmi is not possible (not practically, at least). There is no practical way to capture HDMI on the computer. Best quality option for you is to either use an R-5000HD modification on the boxes (which adds USB to compatible STB's), or use an HD-PVR to capture from each box with component, and use a USB-UIRT for controlling the STBs. The cheaper wayto go is to just use S-Video, into a much cheaper SD capture card, but that, obviously, won't get you HD into sage.

Basically, CableLabs is what's hurting you here, as they do not allow the use of CableCard decoders with anything on a computer (Except a few special built, and locked down, Vista Media Center pc's).

[razrsharpe]

i agree with fuzzy except when using the HD-PVR i would set up firewire channel changing. It is much more reliable than IR blasters. This is what i do with a motorola HD STB from comcast and the HD-PVR

[Fuzzy]

Originally Posted by razrsharpe

i agree with fuzzy except when using the HD-PVR i would set up firewire channel changing. It is much more reliable than IR blasters. This is what i do with a motorola HD STB from comcast and the HD-PVR

Forgot about firewire even being an option.. been a while since i've had cable. It is definitely better than IR.

[MillerTime]

Ok, thanks for the help I have some good ideas on how I am going to set it up now.

Think I am Going with 1 HD Box since the HDPVR is pricey. I am also going to use my existing HVR-1800 for OTA HD or QAM depending on how many QAM channels I can get and 1 Analog Cable Feed. That should work right?

So I would have 3 Sources. Also Interested in maybe a touch panel for the kitchen. I would love for an inwall any suggestions?

[cenwesi]

Can someone elaborate more on this. I am planning on moving my Comcast box this summer and would like to either Hook it up to my HDHomerun / Happuage WinTV 500mce card. I am also planning on buying one more HDHomerun card since i suspect the WinTV 500mce card is SD...

[JPMNICK]

firewire is my project for this week, I will try to post here will my updates. I have the same motorola box with comcast