Two simple questions.

[browe]

Both questions

I am considering the SnapStream products, but these questions are crucial to my decision:

1. We will be switching to DirecTV HD receivers when we move as I plan on buying HD LCD flat panels. Can the product record/pause/play shows using a DirecTV HD receiver? If not today, when specifically will it? If yes, is there a FAQ or something else showing how that is accomplished?

2. We've owned Tivo since it came out and a big feature for my wife is being able to record a show that has been playing. In other words, the buffer has 30 minutes of a show/movie and pressing record will record that 30 minutes as well as the rest of the show. (The fact that it only records 30 minutes is another sore subject but she's learned to live with it.) I've read this can be done but then I've read it can't. What is the status of this? If it can't be done, is it planned. If it is planned, when will it be available? I understand other products that compete with Snapstream offer this.

Thanks!

[clayfree]

browe,

1. You will not be able to record or view DirecTV HD using BTV. DirecTV is a closed system and the general thinking is that they will never allow that content on your computer. In the next version BTV will support OTA HD.

2. Yes, you can record a show that has been playing, I also own a Tivo and I consider BTV to be a very good PVR. In addition it will mark the commercials for easier skipping .

I don't know if anyone will ever top what a DirecTivo can do but right now I am taking a wait and see attitude with DirecTV. I am less that thrilled with their own receivers and since they have severed ties with Tivo I wonder how good their new PVRs will be.

[browe]

Originally Posted by clayfree

browe,

1. You will not be able to record or view DirecTV HD using BTV. DirecTV is a closed system and the general thinking is that they will never allow that content on your computer. In the next version BTV will support OTA HD.

2. Yes, you can record a show that has been playing, I also own a Tivo and I consider BTV to be a very good PVR. In addition it will mark the commercials for easier skipping .

I don't know if anyone will ever top what a DirecTivo can do but right now I am taking a wait and see attitude with DirecTV. I am less that thrilled with their own receivers and since they have severed ties with Tivo I wonder how good their new PVRs will be.

Yeah we love our DirecTivo's but the goal is a central server as I referenced in another thread.

[Edgarmoon]

Ok, why can't you record off of a directv HD? (I haven't gotten there yet) I assume you can input the output from the directv receiver into the computer and then output to the lcd tv. The format of the output to the tv has to be universal, doesn't it? Otherwise, how would it work on a variety of tv's? The most they can do I thought was setup the broadcast flag, and if your capture card ignores the broadcast flag, it should still work?

Is the issue that there aren't input cards that capture component or dvi or whatever high def output goes to the tv? I also saw where companies offer directv hd receivers with firewire or will upgrade receivers to have a firewire output. I think it is critical snapstream focuses on this for their btv 4 HD release. Unless you can record HD from satelite or cable, it will never take off. OTA tv makes up less than 10% of my viewing.

[bobhaze]

You can record from direct tv in standard def., just not HD. The issue is that there is no affordable HD capture card for HD component or DVI output.
You can record S-video from DTV @ 480i.

Bob