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Questions about Hauppauge HD-PVR (1212)

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jrw3319 at gmail

Jul 1, 2008, 9:45 AM

Post #1 of 27 (1316 views)
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Questions about Hauppauge HD-PVR (1212)

OK, some may say this is OT since the question isn't directly about
MythTV, and especially since this device isn't supported in MythTV
yet. However, I'm pretty sure some people on the list already have
the device, and more will get it once the Linux drivers mature and it
gets integrated with myth, so here goes.

I got the Hauppauge HD-PVR unit last week, but so far I really haven't
had much chance to test it. However, my brief testing raised a couple
of questions/concerns.

First, kind of a silly one, but does anyone know if the unit is
supposed to illuminate in blue around the top edge like I've seen in
some on-line photos? Mine does not do this. I saw a post on another
forum where someone else alluded to this as well in the form of a
question, but no one answered on that forum. I don't really care if
it does or does not light up, but I want to make sure I don't have a
defective unit.

Second, when I first saw the unit I was a bit concerned about how I
would set it up because I use the component output of my STB to
connect up to my TV, and this is my primary source of live TV viewing.
However, I was happy to see the "pass-through" component out of the
device, but then a little less happy when I found that the device had
to be on for this to work. Overall I can deal with the device having
to be on, but what I'm finding is that the unit throws off a fair
amount of heat when it is on. I know the first batch had issues with
over-heating to the point of failure. I have a "Rev C2" unit, which I
think is latest, and it hasn't actually failed to the point of turning
off or anything like that. Still, I would describe it as "very warm"
to the touch, and it certainly can raise the temp in the room a few
degrees after being on for a bit. In the winter I probably wouldn't
mind this, but dead in the middle of summer I don't need anything
making the room warmer. To make matters worse the only way I can see
to control the power of the unit is through the switch on the front of
it; no remote control, no software control, or anything like that.
So, are others seeing this same level of "warming"? Also, am I
missing something with the power control.

Lastly, I've seen some discussion about needing a fairly high-powered
machine to play back the recordings from this device, but not a whole
lot on the specs required just to record from the device. To me it
seems like you need a fairly good amount of horsepower in order to
record as well as playback. Are others seeing the same? Also, what
are people using for recording settings?

Any info on any of these points would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
John
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peter at vanderwal

Jul 1, 2008, 5:29 AM

Post #2 of 27 (1268 views)
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Re: Questions about Hauppauge HD-PVR (1212) [In reply to]

> On Tue, Jul 1, 2008 at 11:45 AM, John Welch <jrw3319[at]gmail.com> wrote:
>> [...]
>> Second, when I first saw the unit I was a bit concerned about how I
>> would set it up because I use the component output of my STB to
>> connect up to my TV, and this is my primary source of live TV viewing.
>> However, I was happy to see the "pass-through" component out of the
>> device, but then a little less happy when I found that the device had
>> to be on for this to work.
>
> I've never tried splitting a component video, but I found one very
> quickly for $10.
> Of course, that may change how you drive your T.V.

I use a simple Y cable (triple) to split my component video between my
plasma display and my ceiling mounted projector. I have about 40 feet of
(high quality) cable between the splitter and the projector. I get
excellent displays on both, even simultaneously.

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mrand at pobox

Jul 1, 2008, 10:31 AM

Post #3 of 27 (1282 views)
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Re: Questions about Hauppauge HD-PVR (1212) [In reply to]

On Tue, Jul 1, 2008 at 11:45 AM, John Welch <jrw3319[at]gmail.com> wrote:
> [...]
> Second, when I first saw the unit I was a bit concerned about how I
> would set it up because I use the component output of my STB to
> connect up to my TV, and this is my primary source of live TV viewing.
> However, I was happy to see the "pass-through" component out of the
> device, but then a little less happy when I found that the device had
> to be on for this to work.

I've never tried splitting a component video, but I found one very
quickly for $10.
Of course, that may change how you drive your T.V.

> Lastly, I've seen some discussion about needing a fairly high-powered
> machine to play back the recordings from this device, but not a whole
> lot on the specs required just to record from the device. To me it
> seems like you need a fairly good amount of horsepower in order to
> record as well as playback. Are others seeing the same? Also, what
> are people using for recording settings?

Since the HD-PVR has a hardware encoder, it is doing the hardest work
of the entire process.
Decoding the H.264 stream (for display) is the second hardest part -
typically done via CPU or hardware assistance.
Saving the stream from USB to disk is not cpu intensive at all - it
would be a distant 10th (or more).

Marc
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steve at heistand

Jul 1, 2008, 10:35 AM

Post #4 of 27 (1285 views)
Permalink

Re: Questions about Hauppauge HD-PVR (1212) [In reply to]

mine does not glow blue when its on or recording either.
its a rev-c2 also.
I keep my unit on all the time and record something every
few hours and no heat issues.
though the AC duct in the living room is right behind my
tv/mythtv machine/pvr/etc so that probably helps.

recording take no horsepower at all, its all reading a
data stream from the USB port and writting it directly
to disk. (ish). playback on the other hand does take power.
a core 2 duo > 2.5ghz and a newish video card is enough.
my tv is 720p only so my mythtv machine and satellite box
is set to only output at 720. trying to play the 1080
signal recorded from my stb is too much for my machine.
so I force the stb to output only 720. the hd-pvr auto
detects the resolution and records that, so I dont think
I could force it to down/up convert to 720.

but it works great with mythtv.
(with the svn trunk and the special v4l source that is)
I might get another one and hope that mythtv supports
multiple devices.

"Why is it so hot inside this handbasket?"
--
Steve Heistand
steve[at]heistand.org

---------- Original Message -----------
From: "John Welch" <jrw3319[at]gmail.com>
To: "Discussion about mythtv" <mythtv-users[at]mythtv.org>
Sent: Tue, 1 Jul 2008 12:45:06 -0400
Subject: [mythtv-users] Questions about Hauppauge HD-PVR (1212)

> OK, some may say this is OT since the question isn't directly about
> MythTV, and especially since this device isn't supported in MythTV
> yet. However, I'm pretty sure some people on the list already have
> the device, and more will get it once the Linux drivers mature and it
> gets integrated with myth, so here goes.
>
> I got the Hauppauge HD-PVR unit last week, but so far I really haven't
> had much chance to test it. However, my brief testing raised a couple
> of questions/concerns.
>
> First, kind of a silly one, but does anyone know if the unit is
> supposed to illuminate in blue around the top edge like I've seen in
> some on-line photos? Mine does not do this. I saw a post on another
> forum where someone else alluded to this as well in the form of a
> question, but no one answered on that forum. I don't really care if
> it does or does not light up, but I want to make sure I don't have a
> defective unit.
>
> Second, when I first saw the unit I was a bit concerned about how I
> would set it up because I use the component output of my STB to
> connect up to my TV, and this is my primary source of live TV viewing.
> However, I was happy to see the "pass-through" component out of the
> device, but then a little less happy when I found that the device had
> to be on for this to work. Overall I can deal with the device having
> to be on, but what I'm finding is that the unit throws off a fair
> amount of heat when it is on. I know the first batch had issues with
> over-heating to the point of failure. I have a "Rev C2" unit, which I
> think is latest, and it hasn't actually failed to the point of turning
> off or anything like that. Still, I would describe it as "very warm"
> to the touch, and it certainly can raise the temp in the room a few
> degrees after being on for a bit. In the winter I probably wouldn't
> mind this, but dead in the middle of summer I don't need anything
> making the room warmer. To make matters worse the only way I can see
> to control the power of the unit is through the switch on the front of
> it; no remote control, no software control, or anything like that.
> So, are others seeing this same level of "warming"? Also, am I
> missing something with the power control.
>
> Lastly, I've seen some discussion about needing a fairly high-powered
> machine to play back the recordings from this device, but not a whole
> lot on the specs required just to record from the device. To me it
> seems like you need a fairly good amount of horsepower in order to
> record as well as playback. Are others seeing the same? Also, what
> are people using for recording settings?
>
> Any info on any of these points would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
> John
> _______________________________________________
> mythtv-users mailing list
> mythtv-users[at]mythtv.org
> http://mythtv.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/mythtv-users
------- End of Original Message -------

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mark at westviewsystems

Jul 1, 2008, 10:40 AM

Post #5 of 27 (1281 views)
Permalink

Re: Questions about Hauppauge HD-PVR (1212) [In reply to]

John Welch wrote:
> OK, some may say this is OT since the question isn't directly about
> MythTV, and especially since this device isn't supported in MythTV
> yet. However, I'm pretty sure some people on the list already have
> the device, and more will get it once the Linux drivers mature and it
> gets integrated with myth, so here goes.
>
> I got the Hauppauge HD-PVR unit last week, but so far I really haven't
> had much chance to test it. However, my brief testing raised a couple
> of questions/concerns.
>
> First, kind of a silly one, but does anyone know if the unit is
> supposed to illuminate in blue around the top edge like I've seen in
> some on-line photos? Mine does not do this. I saw a post on another
> forum where someone else alluded to this as well in the form of a
> question, but no one answered on that forum. I don't really care if
> it does or does not light up, but I want to make sure I don't have a
> defective unit.
>
> Second, when I first saw the unit I was a bit concerned about how I
> would set it up because I use the component output of my STB to
> connect up to my TV, and this is my primary source of live TV viewing.
> However, I was happy to see the "pass-through" component out of the
> device, but then a little less happy when I found that the device had
> to be on for this to work. Overall I can deal with the device having
> to be on, but what I'm finding is that the unit throws off a fair
> amount of heat when it is on. I know the first batch had issues with
> over-heating to the point of failure. I have a "Rev C2" unit, which I
> think is latest, and it hasn't actually failed to the point of turning
> off or anything like that. Still, I would describe it as "very warm"
> to the touch, and it certainly can raise the temp in the room a few
> degrees after being on for a bit. In the winter I probably wouldn't
> mind this, but dead in the middle of summer I don't need anything
> making the room warmer. To make matters worse the only way I can see
> to control the power of the unit is through the switch on the front of
> it; no remote control, no software control, or anything like that.
> So, are others seeing this same level of "warming"? Also, am I
> missing something with the power control.
>
> Lastly, I've seen some discussion about needing a fairly high-powered
> machine to play back the recordings from this device, but not a whole
> lot on the specs required just to record from the device. To me it
> seems like you need a fairly good amount of horsepower in order to
> record as well as playback. Are others seeing the same? Also, what
> are people using for recording settings?
>
> Any info on any of these points would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
> John
> _______________________________________________
> mythtv-users mailing list
> mythtv-users[at]mythtv.org
> http://mythtv.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/mythtv-users
>
I have this box running with the alpha driver and trunk. Functional to
a point. HD-SD seems to lock up. HD-HD channel changes are fine.
Mine does ( v1 ) does not get warm or seem to have over heating
problems. Though my power button does not work on it. Strange.
I run a 3.0ghz core2duo and playback is great.
Mine does not have the blue light you mention either.
Once this box is stable and fully supported, it will be fantastic. HD
channels now through it are flawless and look amazing.
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jedi at mishnet

Jul 1, 2008, 10:49 AM

Post #6 of 27 (1282 views)
Permalink

Re: Questions about Hauppauge HD-PVR (1212) [In reply to]

On Tue, Jul 01, 2008 at 11:40:51AM -0600, Mark Hutchinson wrote:
> John Welch wrote:
> > OK, some may say this is OT since the question isn't directly about
> > MythTV, and especially since this device isn't supported in MythTV
> > yet. However, I'm pretty sure some people on the list already have
> > the device, and more will get it once the Linux drivers mature and it
> > gets integrated with myth, so here goes.
> >
> > I got the Hauppauge HD-PVR unit last week, but so far I really haven't
> > had much chance to test it. However, my brief testing raised a couple
> > of questions/concerns.
> >
> > First, kind of a silly one, but does anyone know if the unit is
> > supposed to illuminate in blue around the top edge like I've seen in
> > some on-line photos? Mine does not do this. I saw a post on another
> > forum where someone else alluded to this as well in the form of a
> > question, but no one answered on that forum. I don't really care if
> > it does or does not light up, but I want to make sure I don't have a
> > defective unit.
> >
> > Second, when I first saw the unit I was a bit concerned about how I
> > would set it up because I use the component output of my STB to
> > connect up to my TV, and this is my primary source of live TV viewing.
> > However, I was happy to see the "pass-through" component out of the
> > device, but then a little less happy when I found that the device had
> > to be on for this to work. Overall I can deal with the device having
> > to be on, but what I'm finding is that the unit throws off a fair
> > amount of heat when it is on. I know the first batch had issues with
> > over-heating to the point of failure. I have a "Rev C2" unit, which I
> > think is latest, and it hasn't actually failed to the point of turning
> > off or anything like that. Still, I would describe it as "very warm"
> > to the touch, and it certainly can raise the temp in the room a few
> > degrees after being on for a bit. In the winter I probably wouldn't
> > mind this, but dead in the middle of summer I don't need anything
> > making the room warmer. To make matters worse the only way I can see
> > to control the power of the unit is through the switch on the front of
> > it; no remote control, no software control, or anything like that.
> > So, are others seeing this same level of "warming"? Also, am I
> > missing something with the power control.
> >
> > Lastly, I've seen some discussion about needing a fairly high-powered
> > machine to play back the recordings from this device, but not a whole
> > lot on the specs required just to record from the device. To me it
> > seems like you need a fairly good amount of horsepower in order to
> > record as well as playback. Are others seeing the same? Also, what
> > are people using for recording settings?
> >
> > Any info on any of these points would be greatly appreciated.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > John
> > _______________________________________________
> > mythtv-users mailing list
> > mythtv-users[at]mythtv.org
> > http://mythtv.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/mythtv-users
> >
> I have this box running with the alpha driver and trunk. Functional to
> a point. HD-SD seems to lock up. HD-HD channel changes are fine.
> Mine does ( v1 ) does not get warm or seem to have over heating
> problems. Though my power button does not work on it. Strange.
> I run a 3.0ghz core2duo and playback is great.
> Mine does not have the blue light you mention either.
> Once this box is stable and fully supported, it will be fantastic. HD
> channels now through it are flawless and look amazing.

What's your source and what bitrate are you using?
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mark at westviewsystems

Jul 1, 2008, 10:53 AM

Post #7 of 27 (1277 views)
Permalink

Re: Questions about Hauppauge HD-PVR (1212) [In reply to]

jedi wrote:
> On Tue, Jul 01, 2008 at 11:40:51AM -0600, Mark Hutchinson wrote:
>
>> John Welch wrote:
>>
>>> OK, some may say this is OT since the question isn't directly about
>>> MythTV, and especially since this device isn't supported in MythTV
>>> yet. However, I'm pretty sure some people on the list already have
>>> the device, and more will get it once the Linux drivers mature and it
>>> gets integrated with myth, so here goes.
>>>
>>> I got the Hauppauge HD-PVR unit last week, but so far I really haven't
>>> had much chance to test it. However, my brief testing raised a couple
>>> of questions/concerns.
>>>
>>> First, kind of a silly one, but does anyone know if the unit is
>>> supposed to illuminate in blue around the top edge like I've seen in
>>> some on-line photos? Mine does not do this. I saw a post on another
>>> forum where someone else alluded to this as well in the form of a
>>> question, but no one answered on that forum. I don't really care if
>>> it does or does not light up, but I want to make sure I don't have a
>>> defective unit.
>>>
>>> Second, when I first saw the unit I was a bit concerned about how I
>>> would set it up because I use the component output of my STB to
>>> connect up to my TV, and this is my primary source of live TV viewing.
>>> However, I was happy to see the "pass-through" component out of the
>>> device, but then a little less happy when I found that the device had
>>> to be on for this to work. Overall I can deal with the device having
>>> to be on, but what I'm finding is that the unit throws off a fair
>>> amount of heat when it is on. I know the first batch had issues with
>>> over-heating to the point of failure. I have a "Rev C2" unit, which I
>>> think is latest, and it hasn't actually failed to the point of turning
>>> off or anything like that. Still, I would describe it as "very warm"
>>> to the touch, and it certainly can raise the temp in the room a few
>>> degrees after being on for a bit. In the winter I probably wouldn't
>>> mind this, but dead in the middle of summer I don't need anything
>>> making the room warmer. To make matters worse the only way I can see
>>> to control the power of the unit is through the switch on the front of
>>> it; no remote control, no software control, or anything like that.
>>> So, are others seeing this same level of "warming"? Also, am I
>>> missing something with the power control.
>>>
>>> Lastly, I've seen some discussion about needing a fairly high-powered
>>> machine to play back the recordings from this device, but not a whole
>>> lot on the specs required just to record from the device. To me it
>>> seems like you need a fairly good amount of horsepower in order to
>>> record as well as playback. Are others seeing the same? Also, what
>>> are people using for recording settings?
>>>
>>> Any info on any of these points would be greatly appreciated.
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>> John
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> mythtv-users mailing list
>>> mythtv-users[at]mythtv.org
>>> http://mythtv.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/mythtv-users
>>>
>>>
>> I have this box running with the alpha driver and trunk. Functional to
>> a point. HD-SD seems to lock up. HD-HD channel changes are fine.
>> Mine does ( v1 ) does not get warm or seem to have over heating
>> problems. Though my power button does not work on it. Strange.
>> I run a 3.0ghz core2duo and playback is great.
>> Mine does not have the blue light you mention either.
>> Once this box is stable and fully supported, it will be fantastic. HD
>> channels now through it are flawless and look amazing.
>>
>
> What's your source and what bitrate are you using?
> _______________________________________________
> mythtv-users mailing list
> mythtv-users[at]mythtv.org
> http://mythtv.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/mythtv-users
>
Source is a DCT6200 motorola STB. Bitrate is the default in the driver (
not sure what that is sorry )
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jrw3319 at gmail

Jul 1, 2008, 11:09 AM

Post #8 of 27 (1282 views)
Permalink

Re: Questions about Hauppauge HD-PVR (1212) [In reply to]

Thanks for the responses so far. I guess I really need to do some
more testing, especially on the Linux side of things. So far I've
just tried it with the included Windows software. I am a bit
concerned about my heating issues, as it doesn't sound like anyone
else's unit is running as hot as mine. This happens even when I'm in
"pass through" mode, so it's not like I'm really pushing the unit.

As far as the horsepower needed for recording, I thought the same
thing that others have said; that it shouldn't require a lot.
However, when I tried recording from the Windows laptop, which is a
couple of years old I couldn't really do anything else. (The laptop
has 1 GB of memory; don't know the processor off-hand, but it's not
dual core, or core duo, or anything like that.) Beyond that, even
when I let the laptop sit and record for a bit, when I played back the
recording on my primary front-end, which plays other HD flawlessly,
the audio and video were way out of sync Maybe this is pointing more
toward greater requirements on the playback side of things.

More feedback is certainly welcome.
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kscales at xplornet

Jul 1, 2008, 12:08 PM

Post #9 of 27 (1283 views)
Permalink

Re: Questions about Hauppauge HD-PVR (1212) [In reply to]

John Welch wrote:
> As far as the horsepower needed for recording, I thought the same
> thing that others have said; that it shouldn't require a lot.
> However, when I tried recording from the Windows laptop, which is a
> couple of years old I couldn't really do anything else. (The laptop
> has 1 GB of memory; don't know the processor off-hand, but it's not
> dual core, or core duo, or anything like that.) Beyond that, even
> when I let the laptop sit and record for a bit, when I played back the
> recording on my primary front-end, which plays other HD flawlessly,
> the audio and video were way out of sync Maybe this is pointing more
> toward greater requirements on the playback side of things.
>

Couple questions about your laptop:
- Is it USB 1.1 or 2.0? Almost certainly need the latter.
- Are you recording directlly to its internal hard drive, or going to
external storage? Could be a factor.
- Do you have the latest updated drivers?

My unit is sitting on a shelf, waiting until bigger distractions are
over (my 3-year-old grandson is staying with us), so I don't have any
actual experiences yet. Thanks for triggering this thread -- it has
helped me get some insight from the MythTV perspective (rather than
Sage). If there is another place where these discussions should be
moved, hope someone will pass on the info.

/ Ken
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jrw3319 at gmail

Jul 1, 2008, 6:39 PM

Post #10 of 27 (1252 views)
Permalink

Re: Questions about Hauppauge HD-PVR (1212) [In reply to]

> Couple questions about your laptop:
> - Is it USB 1.1 or 2.0? Almost certainly need the latter.
> - Are you recording directlly to its internal hard drive, or going to
> external storage? Could be a factor.
> - Do you have the latest updated drivers?
>
Laptop has USB 2.0 and storage is internal. Oh, and just to complete
the specs, because I wasn't sure in my earlier post, the processor is
a Pentium M 1.73 GHz. As far as the drivers, there only seems to be
one version available (1.0B, dated June 13th).

Thanks to those who suggested the split on the component out. I'll
have to look around for the appropriate cables and splitters.

If there's another place where discussions on this device would be
more appropriate I'd be interested in knowing about it. I did search
around before posting here, but didn't find much. I ultimately
decided that this would be as good a place as any.
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steve at heistand

Jul 1, 2008, 6:50 PM

Post #11 of 27 (1258 views)
Permalink

Re: Questions about Hauppauge HD-PVR (1212) [In reply to]

} If there's another place where discussions on this device would be
} more appropriate I'd be interested in knowing about it. I did search
} around before posting here, but didn't find much. I ultimately
} decided that this would be as good a place as any.

there is some talk here, some talk on mythtv-dev email list,
the "official" patch has some discussion. (svn ticket # 5443.)
and there seems to be a bunch of the developers hanging
out on IRC channel #hdpvr from the freenode IRC server.
not really a single coherent place yet it seems.

--
"Why is it so hot inside this handbasket?"
--
Steve Heistand
steve[at]heistand.org
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peter at vanderwal

Jul 3, 2008, 1:51 AM

Post #12 of 27 (1178 views)
Permalink

Re: Questions about Hauppauge HD-PVR (1212) [In reply to]

>
>
>> Thanks to those who suggested the split on the component out. I'll
>> have to look around for the appropriate cables and splitters.
>>
>>
> I wouldn't use simple RCA splitters on video, it would be better to use
> a distribution amp. Video is a bit like RF in that the cables need to be
> impedance matched and terminated properly. TVs and other devices usually
> have terminators inside.
> If you use a passive cable splitter, then the output device sees two
> terminators in parallel, which puts more load on it.
>
> It isn't going to hurt anything, you'll just get poorer quality video.
>

All I use is a splitter. I wanted a distribution amp, but couldn't
justify the high cost.
The splitter works fine. I use high quality cables (40+ feet after the
splitter to a ceiling mounted projector) and both my displays look great.
If there is any degradation of the signal, I can't detect it.
However, I only run 720P. The native resolution on my projector is less
than that so I didn't see any sense in going higher. Especially since I
don't have any HD content yet.

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peter at vanderwal

Jul 3, 2008, 1:53 AM

Post #13 of 27 (1179 views)
Permalink

Re: Questions about Hauppauge HD-PVR (1212) [In reply to]

>
>
> Richard Woelk wrote:
>>
>>> Thanks to those who suggested the split on the component out. I'll
>>> have to look around for the appropriate cables and splitters.
-snip-
> I use one of these:
> http://www.amazon.com/AV-400SV-Prograde-Distribution-Amplifier/dp/B0009QZPO6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1215095462&sr=1-2
> Works OK.
>

Umm, that's NOT a component video amplifier, it's only composite.
Not exactly relevant.

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peter at vanderwal

Jul 3, 2008, 1:55 AM

Post #14 of 27 (1177 views)
Permalink

Re: Questions about Hauppauge HD-PVR (1212) [In reply to]

>
> Thanks for the suggestions on the amp. The link provided says it is
> for S-Video or composite. Do you just use the audio terminals for
> video, or are you not doing component video. I did find a similar
> model specifically for component video, but it is almost $100. Not
> sure I want to spend that much. Actually, I'm not sure I would even
> want to spend the $60 or so for lower-end model either. The first
> couple of posters who suggested the split seemed to be using Y-cables
> or some type of passive splitters and didn't mention any quality drop.
> I was hoping I could get away with something like this:
>
> http://www.amazon.com/3-RGB-Component-Video-Splitter/dp/B000RJJ0XW

That is almost exactly what I use, mine is white instead of black ;-)

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richardwoelk at yahoo

Jul 3, 2008, 6:35 AM

Post #15 of 27 (1184 views)
Permalink

Re: Questions about Hauppauge HD-PVR (1212) [In reply to]

> Thanks to those who suggested the split on the component out. I'll
> have to look around for the appropriate cables and splitters.
>
>
I wouldn't use simple RCA splitters on video, it would be better to use
a distribution amp. Video is a bit like RF in that the cables need to be
impedance matched and terminated properly. TVs and other devices usually
have terminators inside.
If you use a passive cable splitter, then the output device sees two
terminators in parallel, which puts more load on it.

It isn't going to hurt anything, you'll just get poorer quality video.

- Richard
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allen.edwards at oldpaloalto

Jul 3, 2008, 7:42 AM

Post #16 of 27 (1185 views)
Permalink

Re: Questions about Hauppauge HD-PVR (1212) [In reply to]

Richard Woelk wrote:
>
>> Thanks to those who suggested the split on the component out. I'll
>> have to look around for the appropriate cables and splitters.
>>
>>
>>
> I wouldn't use simple RCA splitters on video, it would be better to use
> a distribution amp. Video is a bit like RF in that the cables need to be
> impedance matched and terminated properly. TVs and other devices usually
> have terminators inside.
> If you use a passive cable splitter, then the output device sees two
> terminators in parallel, which puts more load on it.
>
> It isn't going to hurt anything, you'll just get poorer quality video.
>
> - Richard

I use one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/AV-400SV-Prograde-Distribution-Amplifier/dp/B0009QZPO6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1215095462&sr=1-2
Works OK.

If you are going to use a passive split, keep the leads as short as
possible.

Allen

watkinshome at gmail

Jul 3, 2008, 8:20 AM

Post #17 of 27 (1178 views)
Permalink

Re: Questions about Hauppauge HD-PVR (1212) [In reply to]

> I use one of these:
> http://www.amazon.com/AV-400SV-Prograde-Distribution-Amplifier/dp/B0009QZPO6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1215095462&sr=1-2
> Works OK.

but didn't the OP want component, rather than S-Vid/Composite ?
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jrw3319 at gmail

Jul 3, 2008, 8:22 AM

Post #18 of 27 (1177 views)
Permalink

Re: Questions about Hauppauge HD-PVR (1212) [In reply to]

> Thanks to those who suggested the split on the component out. I'll
> have to look around for the appropriate cables and splitters.
>
>
>
>
> I wouldn't use simple RCA splitters on video, it would be better to use
> a distribution amp. Video is a bit like RF in that the cables need to be
> impedance matched and terminated properly. TVs and other devices usually
> have terminators inside.
> If you use a passive cable splitter, then the output device sees two
> terminators in parallel, which puts more load on it.
>
> It isn't going to hurt anything, you'll just get poorer quality video.
>
> - Richard
>
> I use one of these:
> http://www.amazon.com/AV-400SV-Prograde-Distribution-Amplifier/dp/B0009QZPO6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1215095462&sr=1-2
> Works OK.
>
> If you are going to use a passive split, keep the leads as short as
> possible.
>

Thanks for the suggestions on the amp. The link provided says it is
for S-Video or composite. Do you just use the audio terminals for
video, or are you not doing component video. I did find a similar
model specifically for component video, but it is almost $100. Not
sure I want to spend that much. Actually, I'm not sure I would even
want to spend the $60 or so for lower-end model either. The first
couple of posters who suggested the split seemed to be using Y-cables
or some type of passive splitters and didn't mention any quality drop.
I was hoping I could get away with something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/3-RGB-Component-Video-Splitter/dp/B000RJJ0XW
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allen.edwards at oldpaloalto

Jul 3, 2008, 9:00 AM

Post #19 of 27 (1180 views)
Permalink

Re: Questions about Hauppauge HD-PVR (1212) [In reply to]

John Welch wrote:
>> Thanks to those who suggested the split on the component out. I'll
>> have to look around for the appropriate cables and splitters.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> I wouldn't use simple RCA splitters on video, it would be better to use
>> a distribution amp. Video is a bit like RF in that the cables need to be
>> impedance matched and terminated properly. TVs and other devices usually
>> have terminators inside.
>> If you use a passive cable splitter, then the output device sees two
>> terminators in parallel, which puts more load on it.
>>
>> It isn't going to hurt anything, you'll just get poorer quality video.
>>
>> - Richard
>>
>> I use one of these:
>> http://www.amazon.com/AV-400SV-Prograde-Distribution-Amplifier/dp/B0009QZPO6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1215095462&sr=1-2
>> Works OK.
>>
>> If you are going to use a passive split, keep the leads as short as
>> possible.
>>
>>
>
> Thanks for the suggestions on the amp. The link provided says it is
> for S-Video or composite. Do you just use the audio terminals for
> video, or are you not doing component video. I did find a similar
> model specifically for component video, but it is almost $100. Not
> sure I want to spend that much. Actually, I'm not sure I would even
> want to spend the $60 or so for lower-end model either. The first
> couple of posters who suggested the split seemed to be using Y-cables
> or some type of passive splitters and didn't mention any quality drop.
> I was hoping I could get away with something like this:
>
> http://www.amazon.com/3-RGB-Component-Video-Splitter/dp/B000RJJ0XW
> _______________________________________________
>
>
It is hard to tell what is in this writeup but it sounds like it worked
for the reviewers. I would give it a try if your cable runs are short.
If you are going across the room to a projector, you may have problems
but I guess you would have to try it to know.

I am sorry about the mess up on the S-video vs component. I use mine
for S-Video, composite, and audio. I have used it to drive both a
composite and audio signal to another room, around 100 feet away. I
drive an S-Video signal to a projector about 30 feet away for the stuff
that doesn't have DVI outputs.

Allen

jrw3319 at gmail

Jul 3, 2008, 9:31 AM

Post #20 of 27 (1180 views)
Permalink

Re: Questions about Hauppauge HD-PVR (1212) [In reply to]

On Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 4:55 AM, Peter VanDerWal <peter[at]vanderwal.us> wrote:
>>
>> Thanks for the suggestions on the amp. The link provided says it is
>> for S-Video or composite. Do you just use the audio terminals for
>> video, or are you not doing component video. I did find a similar
>> model specifically for component video, but it is almost $100. Not
>> sure I want to spend that much. Actually, I'm not sure I would even
>> want to spend the $60 or so for lower-end model either. The first
>> couple of posters who suggested the split seemed to be using Y-cables
>> or some type of passive splitters and didn't mention any quality drop.
>> I was hoping I could get away with something like this:
>>
>> http://www.amazon.com/3-RGB-Component-Video-Splitter/dp/B000RJJ0XW
>
> That is almost exactly what I use, mine is white instead of black ;-)
>
Thanks. I'll probably give it a try. For right now at least the STB,
HD-PVR, and TV are all in the same general vicinity. I can probably
get away with 3 foot runs (maybe even less, but I always like to have
a little slack because inevitably I will need to move stuff around to
troubleshoot or whatnot, and tight cables limits mobility). The room
where this equipment currently lives is directly above the area of the
basement where my Myth back-end is setup. Depending on the heat
issues, and how I decide to set things up with myth, I may eventually
move the HD-PVR closer to the back-end. This would mean probably a
25' run, but it sounds like even at that distance you are not having
any quality issues.
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mitchell.gore at gmail

Jul 3, 2008, 10:43 AM

Post #21 of 27 (1166 views)
Permalink

Re: Questions about Hauppauge HD-PVR (1212) [In reply to]

On Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 11:31 AM, John Welch <jrw3319[at]gmail.com> wrote:

> On Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 4:55 AM, Peter VanDerWal <peter[at]vanderwal.us>
> wrote:
> >>
> >> Thanks for the suggestions on the amp. The link provided says it is
> >> for S-Video or composite. Do you just use the audio terminals for
> >> video, or are you not doing component video. I did find a similar
> >> model specifically for component video, but it is almost $100. Not
> >> sure I want to spend that much. Actually, I'm not sure I would even
> >> want to spend the $60 or so for lower-end model either. The first
> >> couple of posters who suggested the split seemed to be using Y-cables
> >> or some type of passive splitters and didn't mention any quality drop.
> >> I was hoping I could get away with something like this:
> >>
> >> http://www.amazon.com/3-RGB-Component-Video-Splitter/dp/B000RJJ0XW
> >
> > That is almost exactly what I use, mine is white instead of black ;-)
> >
> Thanks. I'll probably give it a try. For right now at least the STB,
> HD-PVR, and TV are all in the same general vicinity. I can probably
> get away with 3 foot runs (maybe even less, but I always like to have
> a little slack because inevitably I will need to move stuff around to
> troubleshoot or whatnot, and tight cables limits mobility). The room
> where this equipment currently lives is directly above the area of the
> basement where my Myth back-end is setup. Depending on the heat
> issues, and how I decide to set things up with myth, I may eventually
> move the HD-PVR closer to the back-end. This would mean probably a
> 25' run, but it sounds like even at that distance you are not having
> any quality issues.
> _______________________________________________
> mythtv-users mailing list
> mythtv-users[at]mythtv.org
> http://mythtv.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/mythtv-users
>

u could always use a longer USB cable and keep the HDPVR near the TV.

Cheap usb cables/extenders can be found at monoprice.com

Mitchell

peter at vanderwal

Jul 3, 2008, 12:07 PM

Post #22 of 27 (1123 views)
Permalink

Re: Questions about Hauppauge HD-PVR (1212) [In reply to]

> Didn't the person who used the long runs after the cheap component
> splitter say he was watching SD on a 640x480 projector? At least I
> think he said he said he was feeding 720p to the projector but that
> exceeded the resolution of the projector.

Not quite. I'm running 720P, the projector (Infocus X1a) is 800x600
native with a 118" 16:9 screen. The projector can accept 1080I, but it
would get translated down the same as 720P and I'd rather run progressive
than interlaced.

I'm viewing SD content (DVDs, DirecTV), but the output from Myth is 720P
and it comes through P5, crisp and clean.

RapidRun is designed to support at least 1080P, I've read of people
running 100+ feet at 1080P on it.

The splitter cuts the power in 1/2, but I suspect that even with the
splitter I could run 1080P at up to at least 50 feet.

P.s. if anyone knows of a reasonably priced 1080P projector....

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allen.edwards at oldpaloalto

Jul 3, 2008, 12:44 PM

Post #23 of 27 (1156 views)
Permalink

Re: Questions about Hauppauge HD-PVR (1212) [In reply to]

Mitch Gore wrote:
>
>
> On Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 11:31 AM, John Welch <jrw3319[at]gmail.com
> <mailto:jrw3319[at]gmail.com>> wrote:
>
> On Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 4:55 AM, Peter VanDerWal
> <peter[at]vanderwal.us <mailto:peter[at]vanderwal.us>> wrote:
> >>
> >> Thanks for the suggestions on the amp. The link provided says
> it is
> >> for S-Video or composite. Do you just use the audio terminals for
> >> video, or are you not doing component video. I did find a similar
> >> model specifically for component video, but it is almost $100. Not
> >> sure I want to spend that much. Actually, I'm not sure I would
> even
> >> want to spend the $60 or so for lower-end model either. The first
> >> couple of posters who suggested the split seemed to be using
> Y-cables
> >> or some type of passive splitters and didn't mention any
> quality drop.
> >> I was hoping I could get away with something like this:
> >>
> >> http://www.amazon.com/3-RGB-Component-Video-Splitter/dp/B000RJJ0XW
> >
> > That is almost exactly what I use, mine is white instead of
> black ;-)
> >
> Thanks. I'll probably give it a try. For right now at least the STB,
> HD-PVR, and TV are all in the same general vicinity. I can probably
> get away with 3 foot runs (maybe even less, but I always like to have
> a little slack because inevitably I will need to move stuff around to
> troubleshoot or whatnot, and tight cables limits mobility). The room
> where this equipment currently lives is directly above the area of the
> basement where my Myth back-end is setup. Depending on the heat
> issues, and how I decide to set things up with myth, I may eventually
> move the HD-PVR closer to the back-end. This would mean probably a
> 25' run, but it sounds like even at that distance you are not having
> any quality issues.
> _______________________________________________
> mythtv-users mailing list
> mythtv-users[at]mythtv.org <mailto:mythtv-users[at]mythtv.org>
> http://mythtv.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/mythtv-users
>
>
> u could always use a longer USB cable and keep the HDPVR near the TV.
>
> Cheap usb cables/extenders can be found at monoprice.com
> <http://monoprice.com>
>
> Mitchell
That is a good idea. USB can go 15 feet on a run then it needs an
active repeater. You can do this 3 or 5 times ( I don't remember
which). In this case (25 feet), you would need only one repeater. The
seem to be under $10 at that source above.

Allen

jrw3319 at gmail

Jul 3, 2008, 1:12 PM

Post #24 of 27 (1155 views)
Permalink

Re: Questions about Hauppauge HD-PVR (1212) [In reply to]

> u could always use a longer USB cable and keep the HDPVR near the TV.
>
> Cheap usb cables/extenders can be found at monoprice.com
>
> Mitchell
>
>
Thanks. I am considering running a long USB cable, with appropriate
repeaters. However, if the heat from the unit continues to be a
factor I would much rather have it in my basement. Also, isn't it
just as likely that the long USB run will introduce problems as it is
that the long component video will cause problems? I mean, there's at
least one poster in this thread that is saying he's running 40+ foot
cables with just a splitter, and is not seeing any quality
degradation.
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beww at beww

Jul 3, 2008, 1:42 PM

Post #25 of 27 (1157 views)
Permalink

Re: Questions about Hauppauge HD-PVR (1212) [In reply to]

On Thursday 03 July 2008 14:12:27 John Welch wrote:
> > u could always use a longer USB cable and keep the HDPVR near the TV.
> >
> > Cheap usb cables/extenders can be found at monoprice.com
> >
> > Mitchell
>
> Thanks. I am considering running a long USB cable, with appropriate
> repeaters. However, if the heat from the unit continues to be a
> factor I would much rather have it in my basement. Also, isn't it
> just as likely that the long USB run will introduce problems as it is
> that the long component video will cause problems? I mean, there's at
> least one poster in this thread that is saying he's running 40+ foot
> cables with just a splitter, and is not seeing any quality
> degradation.

I'm running a 16' USB cable with no problems.

If you ae having a heat problem you should RMA the unit. Mine runs not warmer
than I would expect from an 8 watt unit, IOW barely above room temperature.

beww
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