[Dvr-devel]Setting up DVR for use with DIGITAL receivers [cable/satellite]??

[Homan T. <Hom...@mi...>]

Hello,
I'm looking for a PVR type solution, but have found one HUGE downfall to =
all=20
of them that currently exist, and this is that TV cards can't decode DIGI=
TAL=20
tv signals [yes, I know that DVB cards can, but in the US there are so ma=
ny=20
measures to eliminate piracy built into DVB systems, that only proprietar=
y=20
receivers can decode the signals properly].  Some PVR applications [M*thT=
V]=20
actually are able to use IR devices to change the channels on these recei=
vers=20
[somewhat of a workaround] but I beleive this is the wrong way to deal wi=
th=20
the situation.  Why?  2 reasons: 1-the delay in actions like channel chan=
ging=20
[noticable, I'm sure].  2-Because digital TV broadcasters provide all of =
the=20
TV information built into the system [with their own PROGRAM GUIDES which=
=20
show TV Listings] to all of the receivers already [and I'm sure somewhat =
more=20
accurately then INTERNET listings that are downloaded in XML format].

I know someone with DISHNETWORK, and the receiver has this very cool buil=
t in=20
function [which some digital cable boxes are also starting to use] that=20
allows you to set up your DISHNETWORK receiver to send out IR commands to=
=20
your VCR.  This means that if you are browsing the receiver's program gui=
de,=20
and you want to record a show, you just mark it for recording, and when t=
he=20
time comes, the channel changes on the receiver, and it sends out an IR=20
signal to your VCR to start recording.  When the show is complete, it sen=
ds=20
another IR signal to STOP recording.

If DVR can be configured to accept the IR signals that are meant for the =
a=20
particular brand of VCR, then this would turn DVR into the hands-down bes=
t=20
PVR solution for digital tv services that don't provide their complete=20
channel lineup in RF format for your TV card.

Yes, it would need to eventually include support for an application to BR=
OWSE=20
and PLAY your recorded media, but that can come later on.

I'd imagine it wouldn't be horribly difficult to acheive this functionali=
ty=20
out of DVR, but not having done any work for any type of project of this=20
nature, I am not sure.
What do you guys think?
Homan T.