Recording from an NTL box into a HTPC

[Alan]

As title, my current DVD recorder unit can record from the NTL set-top box no bother. I want to replace the recorder with my HTPC but how do I include the ability to record programmes only available through the set-top box?

[six5tring]

... ohhhh mr alan... how about reading kustoms htpc article.. scroll down to 'software setup' :)

six

ps. http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/Article_HTPC.html

[Alan]

I'm afraid it doesn't go into that level of detail so my original question stands.
With a DVD recorder or VCR I would plug scart to scart but I don't appear to have anything on my computer to connect to the NTL box. The graphics card has one extra socket - composite or something but I don't know if it runs both ways.
So far not impressed with using a HTPC in lieu of other bits, The Hauppauge dual digital tuner is pig slow at changing channels and whilst it works fine, is too slow in comparison with more traditional kit. The huge mass of remote controls can't be reduced and the iMon software and configuration is like the standard of English in their installation guide - poor.

My PC games won't play on the LCD TV, internet access is fine, playing DVDs is also OK - I might be better off with a Humax PVR and a straight DVD player with built in upscaling and drop the multi media PC

[Archaon]

What connections does the NTL box have?

[Alan]

2 scart sockets and that's it.

[Sampler]

You can get scart to s-video connections - that's how I used to wire up my old pc into my old tv (new tv has a d-sub connection and new pc doesn't have s-video).

These adapters work both ways and you can hook the sound up aswell (though you'll need phono to stero adapter or cable).

The thing that'll probably be your downfall is if the gfx card isn't vivo (video in, video out) then you won't be able to use it as an input - most likely it isn't.

You could either change your card or give up on the idea and go with what you mentioned.

[Archaon]

Bloody tight sods at ntl, what use is a box that only has two SCART sockets nowadays?

Can you use something like this http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=33050&C=6354&U=RTconnectRFmod or http://www.tvcables.co.uk/cgi-bin/tvcables/uhf-modulator.html to connect it to the aerial input on your TV card?

[Alan]

No, can't use them. I can record freeview stuff no problem but it is recording stuff from the NTL box which isn't on freeview - like Sky 1 which leaves me
snookered.

The case looks horrendously big on the glass table and the amount of cables is horrific. I am beginning to think that a Humax PVR with twin digital receivers and a 160Gb hard drive is the way to go with a DVD Player with upscaling for HD for films. It will look neater as well.

I think I will dispose of my TV cards...

[Slamdog]

it will be because ntl use macrovision like sky do... just get a blocking scart adaptor.

as for htpc.. seems pretty pointless to me too.. 25 quid for a freeview box, 65 quid for a dvd recorder from tesco... cheaper than an htpc, silent and they work as they are meant to... if you want to spice it up then a decent home cinema amp and speakers are whats needed... not windows mce.

[Alan]

I think that's the point - works as they are meant to - but DVD recorders are a pain in the ass. They take ages to load, don't hold much at decent recording quality and aren't half as instant as VCRs.
It wouldn't matter as much if only I used it but it is on the main family TV and you want stuff that just works.
I already have the 5.1 sound on it anyway.:)