PCI adapter with CableCard?

[Mike Cico]

I've noticed that there are PCI adapters out there that accept PCMCIA cards, which I believe is what a CableCard is, correct?

Can Snapstream interact with and detect a CableCard in such a configuration, on Windows XP? That is, a CableCard inserted into a PCI adapter? Or are there no drivers for such a configuration?

[tscales]

No. Can't be done. The only cablecard tuner is from ATI and can only be used with Windows Vista on a NEW machine.

No other way.

[rugby]

It is hardware locked to the bios of the machine it's sold with and has about a 50% chance of not working at all.

[noc_81]

From what I understand, cable card tuners can only be obtained with an 'authorized' HTPC from a certain set of 'approved' retailers. Basically, this means you would literally have to drop $4k+ on a brand new retail HTPC from a company like Dell or Voodoo PC. You then obtain/lease the actual cable card from your cable company, and it slides right into the tuner.

Basically cable cards are needed to record both non-clearqam digital channels, and especially for 'premium' channels like HBO. This is mostly just because the recording rights can be more specifically controlled. My hdtv set-top box even has a slot for a cable card in the back, just in case I get HBO or Showtime (and spend a bundle to lease the cable card itself just to record it).

If you have to have it, you have to have it... otherwise, I see no point in spending all the extra money.