Help with New Build

[hedger04]

I think I might of messed up.  First some background.  I would like turn an older computer into a media center/PVR.  I would like to record from comcast cable in HD (if possible) and playback on HD tv or record for travel use. 
What I have so Far:
XP on an Intel P4 2.8ghz 1gig Memory
Radeon All in one 9000

I just purchased a a hauppauge WinTV-HVR 1600.  I installed it and had some problems getting the included software to scan for channels.  I downloaded GBPVR and I think its working ok.  I just noticed in the instructions with the card that it cannot receive digital cable.  Did I just F*** myself? 

Any suggestions on what I should do?  return the card for something else?

Thanks
Jason

[prouton]

The original model of the HVR-1600 didn't support QAM, which is how cable multiplexes channels onto the one physical carrier.  Post your part number so that it can be checked.

What the HVR-1600 (or any other currently available tuner card) can't do is tune in encrypted digital channels.  These would include any premium channels and typically anything sitting above channel 100.  It will also include channels below 100 if they aren't local feeds.

[hedger04]

Model #1199...

[Miller]

According to the Hauppauge site you should be able to get QAM with that card.

http://www.hauppauge.com/site/products/data_hvr1600.html

So that card will work fine, but I don't think you bought the right card for what you want. Since you said you want to record HD there are a couple of ways to do this. You can use an antenna (and the 1600) and get broadcast HD channels. See this site to see what's available in your area:
www.antennaweb.org

You can get QAM HD channels. These are the HD channels that are left unencrypted by your cable provider. You shouldn't need a box for these, just plug the coax straight from the wall into the tuner card. These channels are usually the local channels and a few others. You can get an idea of what's available for you here:
http://www.silicondust.com/wiki/hdhomerun/channels

The third kind of HD is encrypted HD. These you can only watch or view with a cablebox (and usually some sort of HD package). The only way to record these channels is with the new HD-PVR and a component cable hookup.

Hope that helps clear things up for you!