Shonky* Posted September 16, 2008 Posted September 16, 2008 Hi, I'm considering getting Foxtel. Would prefer to not have to use the IQ since it costs extra per month and already it's borderline whether I want to spend the money on the whole thing anything. I realise I'll not have the IQ's second tuner if I go the way I'm talking about. Instead what I want to do is record using my MythTV box which keeps it all in one program guide. I have a widescreen plasma and I want to record the widescreen channels without cutting off the sides of the picture. MythTV can do the channel changing via an IR blaster type device. I don't care about macrovision on the Foxtel Box Office. Probably won't ever use FBO. Is it possible to output the full widescreen image via S-Video in 4:3? Possibly compressed horizontally? I can record and stretch it back to widescreen on the MythTV box. Letterbox output is an option (and then zoom) but that loses some of the already limited resolution on Foxtel/SVideo At the same time I'd like to be able to just run the Foxtel box straight to the TV (or AVR). From what I read about the DC420 box I'll probably receive with the basic package it can't output SVideo and component at the same time. Looking at the recording solutions from the FAQ it seems that I'd need to be looking at an IQ or IQ2 to do this which of course defeats most of the purpose of getting it into MythTV. The IQ2 is cheaper per month but with an upfront cost of $200. Can you just buy an IQ2 and not subscribe to the HD channels? I realise that at $5/month cheaper it will take 40 months to get that $200 back up front cost back. Any other solutions? Essentially the MythTV box is limited to either composite or SVideo input (that's what the card I have can do). Component capture is fairly rare in PCs.
loony Posted September 16, 2008 Posted September 16, 2008 (edited) Is it possible to output the full widescreen image via S-Video in 4:3? Possibly compressed horizontally? I can record and stretch it back to widescreen on the MythTV box. You can tell the STU than you have a 4:3 TV so it will know to output in 4:3 S Video has no issues dealing with wide-screen images. But why would you want to record in 4:3 and then stretch it again when you can record in 16:9 and not have to compress and re-stretch the program? From what I read about the DC420 box I'll probably receive with the basic package it can't output SVideo and component at the same time. Looking at the recording solutions from the FAQ it seems that I'd need to be looking at an IQ or IQ2 to do this which of course defeats most of the purpose of getting it into MythTV. The 420 cannot output in true component anyway, i think component over scart is a compromise of some sorts. The IQ2 is cheaper per month but with an upfront cost of $200. Can you just buy an IQ2 and not subscribe to the HD channels? I realise that at $5/month cheaper it will take 40 months to get that $200 back up front cost back. Yes you can get the IQ2 without getting the HD channels, you will receive the FTA HD channels for free though. Personally i would get the IQ. I know it costs more however back when i didnt have an IQ and wanted to record something to watch later i was stuck to either watching the show i was recording or FTA The IQ is also better as it integrates with foxtel, it is much easier to use than MythTV Edited September 16, 2008 by loony
Shonky* Posted September 16, 2008 Author Posted September 16, 2008 You can tell the STU than you have a 4:3 TV however this applies to all outputs.But why would you want to record in 4:3 and then stretch it again when you can record in 16:9 and not have to compress and re-stretch the program? How can you record in 16:9 then? Yes you can get the IQ2 without getting the HD channels, you will receive the FTA HD channels for free though.Personally i would get the IQ. I know it costs more however back when i didnt have an IQ and wanted to record something to watch later i was stuck to either watching the show i was recording or FTA The IQ is also better as it integrates with foxtel, it is much easier to use than MythTV I am quite happy with my MythTV -even the girlfriend can drive it. Works great for FTA and the TV guide I'm getting is better than Foxtel. Equivalent of "series link" is much better than Foxtel too.
palmag Posted September 16, 2008 Posted September 16, 2008 Hi,I'm considering getting Foxtel. Would prefer to not have to use the IQ since it costs extra per month and already it's borderline whether I want to spend the money on the whole thing anything. I realise I'll not have the IQ's second tuner if I go the way I'm talking about. Instead what I want to do is record using my MythTV box which keeps it all in one program guide. I have a widescreen plasma and I want to record the widescreen channels without cutting off the sides of the picture. MythTV can do the channel changing via an IR blaster type device. I don't care about macrovision on the Foxtel Box Office. Probably won't ever use FBO. Is it possible to output the full widescreen image via S-Video in 4:3? Possibly compressed horizontally? I can record and stretch it back to widescreen on the MythTV box. Letterbox output is an option (and then zoom) but that loses some of the already limited resolution on Foxtel/SVideo At the same time I'd like to be able to just run the Foxtel box straight to the TV (or AVR). From what I read about the DC420 box I'll probably receive with the basic package it can't output SVideo and component at the same time. Looking at the recording solutions from the FAQ it seems that I'd need to be looking at an IQ or IQ2 to do this which of course defeats most of the purpose of getting it into MythTV. The IQ2 is cheaper per month but with an upfront cost of $200. Can you just buy an IQ2 and not subscribe to the HD channels? I realise that at $5/month cheaper it will take 40 months to get that $200 back up front cost back. Any other solutions? Essentially the MythTV box is limited to either composite or SVideo input (that's what the card I have can do). Component capture is fairly rare in PCs. Hi Shonky*, I am not familiar with MythTV, but I am running a standard Fox satellite box through my TiVo series 1 through S-video. I have set the STB so that widescreen programs are shown in widescreen and 4:3 programs are shown in pillar box (I can't remember the exact setting). I've had no issues through S-video, so I can assume you probably wont either.
Shonky* Posted September 16, 2008 Author Posted September 16, 2008 (edited) Hi Shonky*,I am not familiar with MythTV, but I am running a standard Fox satellite box through my TiVo series 1 through S-video. I have set the STB so that widescreen programs are shown in widescreen and 4:3 programs are shown in pillar box (I can't remember the exact setting). I've had no issues through S-video, so I can assume you probably wont either. Well that sounds like what I want to hear - thanks. Any opinions on component vs SVideo in terms of picture quality? Since Foxtel isn't the greatest at the best of times, I hope/assume SVideo is going to be good enough. Edited September 16, 2008 by Shonky*
palmag Posted September 16, 2008 Posted September 16, 2008 (edited) Well that sounds like what I want to hear. Any opinions on component vs SVideo in terms of picture quality? Since Foxtel isn't the greatest at the best of times, I hope/assume SVideo is going to be good enough. no worris, On my LCD the S-video certainly beats composite, unfortunately my S1 TiVo doesn't accept component so I'm stuck with S-video input and output. I really think the Component vs S-video issue depends on the quality of your display, but as a general rule of thumb component is better. In terms of Foxtel, some channels are so compressed that no matter what you do they'll never look great (eg ESPN SD) Edited September 16, 2008 by palmag
50mxe20 Posted September 16, 2008 Posted September 16, 2008 Any opinions on component vs SVideo in terms of picture quality? Since Foxtel isn't the greatest at the best of times, I hope/assume SVideo is going to be good enough.Definitely better than composite!
Shonky* Posted September 16, 2008 Author Posted September 16, 2008 no worris,On my LCD the S-video certainly beats composite, unfortunately my S1 TiVo doesn't accept component so I'm stuck with S-video input and output. I really think the Component vs S-video issue depends on the quality of your display, but as a general rule of thumb component is better. In terms of Foxtel, some channels are so compressed that no matter what you do they'll never look great (eg ESPN SD) Well I'm mainly getting Foxtel for the sport package. Looks like I'll be signing up then. I can always add the IQ later I guess (just more money...). It's only 12 months too at the moment which is good.
palmag Posted September 16, 2008 Posted September 16, 2008 Well I'm mainly getting Foxtel for the sport package. Looks like I'll be signing up then. I can always add the IQ later I guess (just more money...). It's only 12 months too at the moment which is good. Have you considered looking into the S1 TiVo? I am one of the few who refuses to pay extra for the IQ both in terms of on going fees and installation. I am aware you have the mythTV set up, but it wouldn't hurt to check out the alternatives even as a worthy addition to your home theater set up. As a happy user I can tell you once you go TiVo there's no looking back!
Shonky* Posted September 16, 2008 Author Posted September 16, 2008 Have you considered looking into the S1 TiVo?I am one of the few who refuses to pay extra for the IQ both in terms of on going fees and installation. I am aware you have the mythTV set up, but it wouldn't hurt to check out the alternatives even as a worthy addition to your home theater set up. As a happy user I can tell you once you go TiVo there's no looking back! Not really no. Apart from the recommendations feature, I don't see a Tivo providing any more functionality. I already have a capture card with a SVideo input in the MythTV machine and since I have a Microsoft MCE remote, it has the IR transmitters I can use to change channels on the Foxtel box. So apart from the Foxtel install itself and a SVideo cable + audio from the unit to the MythTV box there's no extra costs and no extra boxes - I'm already running out of room in the unit. What can a Tivo do that MythTV can't?
palmag Posted September 16, 2008 Posted September 16, 2008 What can a Tivo do that MythTV can't? I really don't know much about mythTV or its capabilitiess, I was just suggesting an addition to your HT
Shonky* Posted September 16, 2008 Author Posted September 16, 2008 I really don't know much about mythTV or its capabilitiess, I was just suggesting an addition to your HT Ah OK. Thought you knew what it was. Linux based PVR and media centre. Does basically everything the Tivo does. The Tivo is probably a bit easier to set up an external box like Foxtel in terms of the channel changing etc but that's a non issue for me. Having it all in one box makes it so much simpler to use so it's what I'm going to do. It also has about 3TB (only 1TB free right now) of storage space available for recordings
palmag Posted September 16, 2008 Posted September 16, 2008 Having it all in one box makes it so much simpler to use so it's what I'm going to do. It also has about 3TB (only 1TB free right now) of storage space available for recordings I can see the benefits of that, sounds like a nice set up
Shonky* Posted September 22, 2008 Author Posted September 22, 2008 (edited) OK. Got it installed today. It truly is crap picture quality (I knew that). Comparing the live NFL on Ten HD in 16:9 at 1080i with the crappy 4:3 ESPN feed on Foxtel. Oh man.... what have I got myself into? I got the UEC DCN1000 box not the PACE DC420 box I was expecting (from the FAQ). No biggy I don't think. Seems to work good enoguh. Widescreen all works as you guys have said. Just tell the STB it's 16:9 TV and then tell the TV it's a 16:9 signal and it stretches it back out. IR blaster from the MythTV box works just fine but have not got it recording properly just yet (sound capture is an issue). Of course it only comes with a crappy composite video cable. I asked the installer and it all got a bit too hard for him there. Anyway with the composite connection direct to my 42" 1024x768 Panasonic plasma (42PX7A) I'm getting some sort of interference that looks a bit like diagonal cross hatching. Happens on all channels. I'm ordering an SVideo cable from Selby today to go to the PVR anyway but was wondering if anyone else has seen anything like this? Am I likely to fix it with either SVideo or component? Edited September 22, 2008 by Shonky*
palmag Posted September 22, 2008 Posted September 22, 2008 OK. Got it installed today. It truly is crap picture quality (I knew that). Comparing the live NFL on Ten HD in 16:9 at 1080i with the crappy 4:3 ESPN feed on Foxtel. Oh man.... what have I got myself into? I got the UEC DCN1000 box not the PACE DC420 box I was expecting (from the FAQ). No biggy I don't think. Seems to work good enoguh. Widescreen all works as you guys have said. Just tell the STB it's 16:9 TV and then tell the TV it's a 16:9 signal and it stretches it back out. IR blaster from the MythTV box works just fine but have not got it recording properly just yet (sound capture is an issue). Of course it only comes with a crappy composite video cable. I asked the installer and it all got a bit too hard for him there. Anyway with the composite connection direct to my 42" 1024x768 Panasonic plasma (42PX7A) I'm getting some sort of interference that looks a bit like diagonal cross hatching. Happens on all channels. I'm ordering an SVideo cable from Selby today to go to the PVR anyway but was wondering if anyone else has seen anything like this? Am I likely to fix it with either SVideo or component? Congrats on getting your set up ready! I have no idea what the diagonal cross hatching, maybe you can have a look at your STU and see what it is outputting to, if you're running composite, make sure its set to composite. Other than that I don't know, but I'm sure some one here would know.
Shonky* Posted September 22, 2008 Author Posted September 22, 2008 Congrats on getting your set up ready!I have no idea what the diagonal cross hatching, maybe you can have a look at your STU and see what it is outputting to, if you're running composite, make sure its set to composite. Other than that I don't know, but I'm sure some one here would know. Yeah been through all of that since it all defaulted to 4:3 and as a result everything was just 4:3 stretch horiontally. Have to wonder how many people get left with set ups like this. Installer was a nice guy and from talking to him and helping a little with some things he probably figured I knew what I was doing. Under System Settings->Picture Settings, the Video Output options are: PAL S-Video (goes black and white on composite which is expected since it becomes just the Y luminance signal then) RGB YUV PAL, RGB and YUV are all identical with the composite output - the picture doesn't change in the slightest when toggling through (except for SVideo so it is changing on the fly). All other Video Output options (Aspect Ratio Control, TV Type, 16:9/4:3 programme display) make no difference. With SVideo, you can still see the cross hatching. Could be some interference from other devices. Will try switching a few things like the HTPC, router etc off. The cable is pretty crap quality so the shielding isn't/won't be the greatest.
Shonky* Posted September 22, 2008 Author Posted September 22, 2008 OK, Turning of the HTPC and router made no difference. Changing to AV2 and AV3 (instead of AV1) on the plasma made no difference. Moving the composite video (and audio) cable around made no difference. Unplugging the couple of transformers for things back behind the TV made no difference. Probably get the SVideo cable tomorrow hopefully, so see if that makes any difference.
mech Posted September 22, 2008 Posted September 22, 2008 If you can use component rather than s-video, I would go that route. I seem to remember getting the cross-hatching pattern on lower quality video connections, possibly also s-video. It's okay on component though. HTH.
Shonky* Posted September 22, 2008 Author Posted September 22, 2008 If you can use component rather than s-video, I would go that route.I seem to remember getting the cross-hatching pattern on lower quality video connections, possibly also s-video. It's okay on component though. HTH. Yeah I've bought that from Selby too. I would like to be able to run component for live TV and at the same time SVideo to the PVR (best it can take). 99% sure that won't work though since one of the SVideo signals is shared with the RGB/YUV connections. So the intention is to use component cable to watch live TV (odd sporting match live) and change it down to SVideo to record (I should be able to work out a macro in the channel change script to to this every time to make sure the component cable works). Otherwise it's record with composite (bad at the moment) and watch direct with component. Haven't had any success with the interference so far.
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