Recording DirecTv signals raw

[dullfig]

To All:

I'm still trying to figure out a more elegant way to record Directv on my HTPC then to use the analog-out signal from the set-top box.

here is my latest incarnation:

Would it be possible to connect the satellite antenna to some kind of tuner in the PC, that would record the encrypted stream raw? to play back, one would need a transmitter card that feeds the signal into the set-top box. That way the decoding would still be performed inside the set-top box. It seems to me that this would not constitute "hacking", as the set-top box is the one doing the de-crypting, only on a time delayed signal.

Dan

PS.: it doesn't matter that the stream on the HTPC is encrypted, the HTPC does not need to know what it is recording!

[bobkat]

Dan:

Forgive my ignorance but what the hell is a HTPC??

Kat

[dullfig]

Originally Posted by bobkat

Dan:

Forgive my ignorance buit what the hell is a HTPC??

Kat

oh, sorry, I thought it was a common acronym. It stands for Home Theater PC. It's a pc built in a case (there are several manufacturers) that makes it look like HIFI equipment, and connects to your television set. Free software (I like MythTV) allows you to play DVD's, CD's, surf the web, work as a Tivo, play AM and FM (with a tuner card), web broadcasts, etc..

[ftaeddie]

I would assume it is possible to record the "raw" signals with a PC (or HTPC, for that matter). I've never tried this but I would assume you would need a digital I/O capable data acquisition card and suitable software in the pc to do this. The pc won't care what kind of signals it is acquiring (encrypted or not), and of course you would be able to play it back. However I don't know if the IRD will handle time-delayed playback. Theoretically, it should.

Have a look at these sites for DAQ solutions:

http://www.datx.com

http://www.ni.com