cablecard pvrs coming??

[Miller]

I saw this announcement on gizmodo this morning and am hoping this means good things for the rest of us. I've been reading about Vista and the promise of CableCards and the ability to record premium content without a set-top box (especially HD) and I'm wondering if this is the first box to do so. More importantly, how long will it be before I can build my won box to do the same thing.

http://www.vidabox.com/news.htm#070123
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/the-everything-box-vidabox-adds-cablecard-to-its-media-center-pc--lineup-230668.php

[rampy]

Although i'm hopefull, be wary as a DIY'er... it doesn't look like you'll be able to just buy a cablecard tuner slot thingie and throw it in your Vista Premium Home machine.  Only certified OEM builders n' stuff, supposedly

We shall see though!  I've got to post that to the front page btw... thanks!
 

rampy

[Miller]

That's what I've been reading too (about not being able to purchase those items), however that's what they said about MCE and places sell it so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

[LoganSix]

I was thinking about this.

If you tv comes with a CableCard already part of it (Digital Cable Ready), wouldn't it just be possible to just use the Output from the t.v. to go back to the PVR for recording?  I guess you would only be able to record one cable channel tho'.

Of course, then I just read this http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-8900_7-5581176-1.html

[timrob]

Only certified OEM builders n' stuff, supposedly

Sign me up!  Hopefully the class is available at my local community college

[Miller]

Here's one from Niveus with HDMI output at 1080p - cablecard support as well.
http://www.niveusmedia.com/collateral/PR011307_Vista-Harvey_Launch.htm
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/pcs/niveus-media-center-monoliths-bring-hd-dvd-and-cablecard-support-to-the-table-232829.php

[timrob]

What would be the difference between a Tivo 3 and one of these units, besides the initial cost vs subscribtion fee and HD DVD player?  Tivo 3 is about $800 + monthly fee and the Rainer was $3500.

[Miller]

The ability to archive and save your shows. Also you could use this as a regular computer, for mp3s, etc. It also plays HD (or blu-ray, I forget) and has HDMI output. Still a big jump in price though. The good news is that the technology is coming for the rest of us.