Directv + OTA Analog + OTA Digital + ATSC Tuner + OTA Digital Antenna

[celeste]

Which package would be ideal to create a TiVo replacement for my existing equipment (Directv RCA w/ low-speed (not HD), and analog OTA via coax from my antenna) to view on my television (not on my computer.)

I'd like to add OTA digital capability. I know that I'll need a digital antenna and tuner but my television (a Sony XBR without digital tuner) can accept a digital or HD signal.

Ideally, I'd like to schedule television programming either with a remote or on the web (and perhaps even using my blackberry which has an Opera light browser.)

Oh, and I have an iPod that would be nice to connect (I saw an iPod beta testing thread earlier.)

Am very competent and can easily build my own PC; I have done a lot of work with video on my computer (have been able to connect my TiVo series 1 to my PC -- not something that most people could do.) But, would like recommendations from someone who has created a similar set up so I don't have to spend a lot of time in the weeds or end up making redundant purchases.

[Fonceur]

First of all, there is no such thing as a digital antenna, your existing antenna might do just fine. It all depends on the location of the transmission towers, the frequency chosen by each stations (in the UHF or VHF) and the frequency range of your antenna...

[Nick Burns]

Originally Posted by Fonceur

First of all, there is no such thing as a digital antenna, your existing antenna might do just fine.

Thanks for driving that point. I was explaining to some work colleagues that there's really no such thing as an "HDTV antenna", that's it's all just marketing. All the digital channels are being broadcast over the UHF bandwidth, so if you're pickup up UHF just fine, you'll have no problem with digital signals.

[celeste]

great -- snapstream should remove the HDTV antenna reference from their website. In the meantime, my question about which package I should purchase is still open to answers.

[alpine1]

I personally went for the BeyondTV/Firefly deal.

I'm running 2 Hauppauge 1600 recording 2 OTA HD and 2 DirecTV satellite for a total of 4 sources. This allows me to record 4 shows simutaneously. BM stinks so I am running MCE as a substitute.

I can't wait for ClearQAM support inside BTV. I may even have to purchase a 3rd 1600.

Come on SS!

[tscales]

Originally Posted by Nick Burns

Thanks for driving that point. I was explaining to some work colleagues that there's really no such thing as an "HDTV antenna", that's it's all just marketing. All the digital channels are being broadcast over the UHF bandwidth, so if you're pickup up UHF just fine, you'll have no problem with digital signals.

You're right about the antenna, but not ALL HD channels are UHF. For example, here in Orlando, NBC is VHF. It's driven me nuts as I cannot get a strong VHF signal.