SageTV and FiOS

[Agarax]

Can SageTV be used with the encrypted channels on FiOS? I haven't purchased hardware yet and I can use either Windows or Linux as the base install.

I did a lot of googling about this but I seem to get more confused the more I look.

[ke6guj]

yes it can. You will need to use the FiOS set-top box (STB) to decrypt the channel and then output its signal to a tuner in your SageTV computer. The tuner will save it as a video file that Sage can then play back. YOu will also need to set up Sage so that it can change the channel on the STB. Ways that that can be done are by firewire, serial, or infrared. I don't know what methods can be used with a FiOS STB but will assume that IR will work (if the STB uses an RF remote, then it won't). If using IR, then look into the USB-UIRT to control the STB.

[aflat]

You can use firewire to change channels as well. There are also quite a few unencrypted channels, locals only of course, but they are in HD.

[mayamaniac]

For HD channels, you'll need an Hauppage HD-PVR tuner to capture the video and audio.

[darcilicious]

Originally Posted by mayamaniac

For HD channels, you'll need an Hauppage HD-PVR tuner to capture the video and audio.

Well... yes and no. If you want to record the HD channels in full resolution (720p or 1080i) then yes, you'll need the HD-PVR.

Otherwise, there are other (analog, no HD resolution) outputs on the Vz STBs that will work with analog tuners to record HD channels but they'll display in pillarbox. (My husband does this when he just wants something on in the background via his computer. Personally, it would drive me bonkers )

[mayamaniac]

Originally Posted by darcilicious

Well... yes and no. If you want to record the HD channels in full resolution (720p or 1080i) then yes, you'll need the HD-PVR.

Otherwise, there are other (analog, no HD resolution) outputs on the Vz STBs that will work with analog tuners to record HD channels but they'll display in pillarbox. (My husband does this when he just wants something on in the background via his computer. Personally, it would drive me bonkers )

Of course I meant for recording HD in HD.