Windows 7 - Can I connect my cable box to my computer?

I am starting to construct a new computer and want to use Media Center to
record live TV.  I have Comcast cable and use a cable box that connects to my
HD TV with a HDMI cable.  Is there a way to connect my cable box to my
computer and output the signal as HD so I do not lose signal quality?  Can I
use a TV tuner in my computer connected to my cable box to get all the HD
channels and then connect the TV through a HDMI video card or some other
configuration?

No, you cannot do this.

To record cable HD, you need to buy a certified pre built machine
from a vendor that offers them, and either internal or external
Digital Cable Tuners that accept cable cards.

If you wanted to display on a TV not connected to the computer
(which must employ HDCP), you'd need a Media Center Extender.



On Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:09:00 -0700, Alflex13

--

Barb Bowman
MS-MVP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/meetexperts/bowman.mspx
http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/

No.  In order to record Digital Cable in HD, you only have one option. That
is to purchase a new Digital Cable Ready PC along with one or two Digital
Cable Tuners.

Now, with that said, if your STB has a Firewire port, then there is a piece
of software out on the web that may, or may not work for you.  It won't let
you watch Live TV via the Firewire, but you can record, if I recall
correctly.

--
Doug Knox, MS-MVP Windows Media Center\Windows Powered Smart
Display\Security
Win 95/98/Me/XP Tweaks and Fixes
http://www.dougknox.com
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If it will allow me to record HD then it would be fine.  What is it?

You can find more information here:

http://home.comcast.net/~timmmoore/firewire/readme.htm

http://thegreenbutton.com/forums/thread/44138.aspx

Note:  the two links may represent different software packages.  I've never
actually used this particular software, so can't vouch for how well it
works.

--
Doug Knox, MS-MVP Windows Media Center\Windows Powered Smart
Display\Security
Win 95/98/Me/XP Tweaks and Fixes
http://www.dougknox.com
--------------------------------
Per user Group Policy Restrictions for XP Home and XP Pro
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_securityconsole.htm
--------------------------------
Please reply only to the newsgroup so all may benefit.
Unsolicited e-mail is not answered.