Building a Direct TV TiVo.

[Tesla1886]

I know this has more than likely been discussed before. I would much rather build my own Direct TV Receiver from a PC, then hacking one. It would make burning movies or shows to DVD or taking them with me on the notebook. It would also provide endless storage, (think of the possiblities 2 or more 300+ gig hard drives.) Not to mention a DVD player and TiVo in one. I found this card (link below) and can purchase it from Tiger Direct. Woud it be posible to put say 2 or more of these card in one PC to record four or more programs at once?

If this card will not do the job is their on that will.

I do have legal Direct TV Access so I guess I would need to have a slot for an Access Card.

http://www.kworld.com.tw/en/product/dvb-s/002/dvb-s530.htm

[vu2vu]

DVB != DSS

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DVB

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Satellite_Service

Newer hardware can handle both DVB and DSS streams. However you will have to write your own DSS comptable software. You will also need to find a way to integrate NDS's conditonal access system (any talk about altering the conditonal access system is strictly prohibited on this message board).

[captain_video]

You can build all sorts of PC-based DVRs for OTA and cable broadcasts but there is currently no way to convert a PC into a DTV receiver. I thought I had read something recently where DTV and Microsoft have reached an agreement of some kind, presumably to develop some sort of hardware/software interface whereby DTV can be received via a PC with an add-on card using MCE.

[SpoonsJTD]

I thought I had read something recently where DTV and Microsoft have reached an agreement of some kind, presumably to develop some sort of hardware/software interface whereby DTV can be received via a PC with an add-on card using MCE.

I read the news release, too. It's my understanding that initially the cards wouldn't be sold directly, you'd have to get it with a Media Center PC. You'd have to think that that would mean it wouldn't take long to show up on NewEgg as OEM only. You'd also think that they'd eventually want to sell them as add-on cards so you could have multiple tuners.

Of course, there will likely be all sorts of DRM in it. It remains to be seen what the DRM on the new Intel-based machines with DRM built-in will be like. If they have DRM but provide enough features to let me watch it where I want, when I want, I guess I don't care that much. I'm not holding my breath, though.

[beljah]

I thought I had read something recently where DTV and Microsoft have reached an agreement of some kind, presumably to develop some sort of hardware/software interface whereby DTV can be received via a PC with an add-on card using MCE.
Actually, c_v, it was mentioned in Microsoft's keynote speech @ CES 206, but it seemed to be more linked to Vista. I have to imagine imagine that, as you say, at some point there has to be backward compatibility to MCE.

[Tesla1886]

Is this article still available to read. Where can I go to read it?

[SpoonsJTD]

Actually, c_v, it was mentioned in Microsoft's keynote speech @ CES 206, but it seemed to be more linked to Vista. I have to imagine imagine that, as you say, at some point there has to be backward compatibility to MCE.

The confusion might be that there were actually two press releases during CES, one for Microsoft and DTV and one for Intel and DTV.

The one talking about a DTV tuner card is here:
http://www.techtree.com/techtree/jsp/article.jsp?article_id=70401&cat_id=583

The one for Microsoft was a bit more nebulous. DTV content integration with the Xbox 360, PC's, etc. that really didn't lay much out, not as much as Intel and DTV announcing a tuner card, IMO anyway.

[Tesla1886]

The way the release reads you will need to have an Intel Processor and/or MoBo, which would suck. I prefer Asus MoBo's and AMD Processors. But I guess beggers can't be choosers. I would really like to know what Microsoft has planned for their part, but we all know how secretive they are.

[vu2vu]

EDIT: Nevermind I am blind.

[vu2vu]

Double post.

[blueman2]

Yes, there is a way to create a DirectTV PVR that is PC based. You need a PC, an ISO smart card reader, a Twinhan 1020a satellite PCI card, a valid subscribed smart card from DirecTV non-RID receiver (such as the HDVR2) and a program called DSSCR.

Google DSSCR and DirecTV and you should find it.

But boy, it is a LOT easier and a lot more stable just to use a hacked Tivo system. Also, DirecTV does not condone use of their smart cards in non-approved receivers, so this probably is not a good thing to do anyway.

[fantmn]

Not sure what the limit is, but I think I have seen DTivos with 2 x 400GB drives, plus it might be possible to to attach usb drives as well. Also with the code around for transferring shows back and forth automatically as well as serving stuff from a PC, I kind of fail to see the point as well. But I guess what ever floats your boat. Good luck.