Directv Receivers without HDCP?

[Evil_Attorney]

I currently have two very old H21-100 Directv receivers that allow me to use Hauppauge HDPVR2 capture devices with Sage over HDMI. However, one has started to die, rebooting every 45 minutes or so.

Is anyone using HDMI capture on newer Directv receivers? Any suggestions?

Sadly, this might be the final nail in the coffin that causes me to retire my Sage setup.

[peternm22]

There used to be a great number of HDMI splitters that would also conveniently strip off HDCP (I picked one up on Amazon years ago).

It looks like these devices still exist, but they may or may not work depending on the version of HDCP being used.

[TGsell]

This splitter worked for me - you might have to play around with the order of power-up and connecting but it works.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Evil_Attorney]

Thanks, I'll consider using splitters. Not crazy about adding more boxes with more electrical plugs.

[peternm22]

I'm using an BM3000 for HDMI capture (it streams it over ethernet, there is a thread on the forum about it). It completely ignores HDCP and is the most reliable encoder/tuner I've ever used.

The only downside is you are limited to stereo audio.

[TGsell]

I was going to mention that I am using the network encoder from Uray (actually two of them) and the output from WMC computers does not require stripping. Excellent performance besides that.

[Evil_Attorney]

I can't seem to find any of the BM3000 models in stock anywhere anymore. Perhaps they stopped manufacturing them? I am currently using two HDPVR2s, which have a bug that sometimes prevents playback of audio when watching live TV on the HD300.

Directv is sending me out a replacement receiver but did not know exactly what model it is. They said it could be the exact same model I currently have, without the HDCP, so I guess I will wait to see what I get and then explore from there. To upgrade to a Genie, it was going to be $300 plus $20+ a month, which seems like a total ripoff to me. I would have canceled Directv long ago, but it is "baked in" to my condo building's HOA fees, so I don't have a choice in the matter.

[wayner]

BM3000 is just one manufacturer. Search for Uray. There are some options on Amazon, and even more on AliExpress.

[KryptoNyte]

Single unit that can accept and encode (4) simultaneous HDMI inputs (4 tuners for Sage if you have 4 cable boxes):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TKMPCZH/

Single unit with (1) HDMI input (1 tuner for Sage with a cable box):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CBMZ24P/

Users report that both of the units work well with SageTV.

[Evil_Attorney]

Thanks, these network encoders are interesting. Looks like there is a two input model that would be a good fit for me. Let me see what Directv sends me, but I am leaning towards picking one up, as it would simplify my setup and eliminate the HDPVR2 issues I have.

https://www.amazon.com/URayCoder-Str...s%2C115&sr=1-3

[KryptoNyte]

Oh yeah, that's nice! We had to give up 5.1 channel surround sound (for stereo audio only) with these devices, but it turns out to be much less of an issue than originally thought.

EDIT: Oh wait, that's not a 2-input model. Sorry. Probably wouldn't buy that one for this application.

[emveepee]

Originally Posted by Evil_Attorney

Thanks, these network encoders are interesting. Looks like there is a two input model that would be a good fit for me. Let me see what Directv sends me, but I am leaning towards picking one up, as it would simplify my setup and eliminate the HDPVR2 issues I have.

https://www.amazon.com/URayCoder-Str...s%2C115&sr=1-3

I have that device and as noted one HDMI port is pass through out not in. I actually don't use h265 as much as I originally thought and at $20 a TB it is impossible to justify disk saving vs web browser playback compatibility. The defacto standard could become AV1 anyway so I'd suggest saving money and going with h264.

Martin

[Evil_Attorney]

Thanks for catching that input/output issue. I will probably go with two of the single units. Do they handle setting the receiver to native resolution mode well? I already have a 7 second delay to wait on tuning with my HDPVRs.

My new receiver came today and, as expected, it is a new model with HDCP (h24-200). For now, I will use component with my HDPVR2, but will order up two of the single URayCoder H.264 models.

[emveepee]

Yes with my URay, I can tune while the STB pops up the OSD and changes channels, something I cannot do with my HDPVR without the driver hanging in Windows or Linux. I do turn off Dolby on that STB which is I think is part of the problem.

However I still prefer the colour from component to my HDPVR over the HDMI to my URay, especially the blacks, so this plus AC-3 make it my principle tuner. Component is still HD and I am not sure the HDMI input chain is pure digital anyway so do you really need to change?

Martin

[Evil_Attorney]

Something interesting...I set up my h24 Directv receiver yesterday and, as expected, the HDMI did not work with my HDPVR2, so I used the component.

Shortly after the setup, the receiver decided it wanted to perform a firmware upgrade. After the upgrade, I decided to try HDMI again, just to be sure. And it worked. Apparently the Directv firmware update turned off the HDCP on the HDMI, which I did not think was the case based on other comments on the internet. Not only that, but I was able to watch HBO via HDMI too. I definitely remember seeing posts/articles years ago that Directv was turning on HDCP for at least premium channels like HBO.

I ordered a URayCoder encoder already, but for now, the HDPVR2 is working again.