Hi, I've searched but couldn't find any information on this. I'd like to know if it's possible to use HDHomerun to watch HDTV on my HTPC on my PC (and use it as a DVR at the same time ;) ).

HDHomerun is pretty much an ATSC Tuner that streams over Ethernet.

http://www.engadgethd.com/2006/10/30/engadget-hd-review-hdhomerun/

moved this from the Videotron forum

Short answer, yes.

Why not just get a PCI or USB HD tuner?

I read about this being a good solution. You have anything better to propose?

My main concern is over QAM (which is why I posted in the Videotron forum). Are they encrypted? I called videotron and the idiot I spoke to didnt seem to understand what QAM meant and what encrypted meant. He said that it wasn't possible to link the set-top box to the PC and didn't understand what I meant by a PCI Tuner...

YOur original post mentions nothing about QAM or encrypted signals. In future, post all your questions and it makes it much easier for us to help.

All digital channels are encrypted

All digital channels are not necessarily encrypted. Rogers in the GTA had a number of them un-encrypted until a few months ago, but they are now all encrypted. I don't know about Videotron. I love my HDHR, it fits perfectly with my needs.

I have read much in the way of a praising nature for the HDHR.

If I lived in an area where there was ample ATSC signal (Like in the Golden Horseshoe in Ontario), I would be using them exclusively.

As to using them with QAM from your cable providor, this is not really an option in Canada. The reason that QAM tuners are such a big deal is because in the USA, it is a legal requirement that the local TV channels that are carried on the cable providors service MUST be clear QAM and not encrypted. For example, say you live in Detroit. All of the Detroit local networks like ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox have to be clear QAM. We do not have this rule in Canada.

And to hugh's question about why not use an internal device? The HDHR connects via a network connection. As far as I am concerned, that is one sweet way to do it. If I could use HDHR boxes, it would allow me to keep them squirelled away where the cable comes in the house and where my network switches are.

All digital channels are not necessarily encrypted. Rogers in the GTA had a number of them un-encrypted until a few months ago, but they are now all encrypted.

Other than barker channels, I'm not aware of the major cable companies not encrypting their digital cable channels. It's true that Shaw and Rogers had some that were not, however, I think that was more oversight than plan.

The HDHR connects via a network connection. As far as I am concerned, that is one sweet way to do it. If I could use HDHR boxes, it would allow me to keep them squirelled away where the cable comes in the house and where my network switches are.

I thought of that when I posted because then you presumably could stream across your network to any PC. This is cool but the downside is you pay considerably more for the HD homerun than an internal device and it might have an impact on network bandwidth (albeit a gigabit ethernet network should solve that problem)

This is cool but the downside is you pay considerably more for the HD homerun than an internal device

This hit me too but then the fact that it is a dual tuner device starts to level the field quickly.

Other than barker channels, I'm not aware of the major cable companies not encrypting their digital cable channels. ...

Shhh, Cogeco gives me about 30 digital channels via my HDHomeRun, including 3 HD. I have one HDHR tuner hooked up to Cogeco and the other on the antenna.

Craig

I have two PCI tuners and one HDHomeRun. (And yes, I have recorded 4 HD programs simultaneously if someone wonders why I have four tuners.)

Overall, the HDHomeRun is Ok. It does not get as good of a signal strength as the two cheap PCI cards I have. Though my signal seems to be strong enough for my needs. On wacky reception days, the PCI cards are definitely more reliable.

So the HDHomeRun is not perfect but pretty good overall.

Researching hdtv tuners...

Certainly having hdtv across all network computers is pretty cool - and the convenience and dual-tuner ability is nice too. But I'd rather go for signal quality for my first tuner... anyone else have experiences with HDHomeRun?

Out of curiosity, where did you get the HDHomeRun from? Is is working well for you?

Out of curiosity, where did you get the HDHomeRun from? Is is working well for you?

The HDHomerun has been working like a champ. I ordered it straight from the manufacturer, http://www.silicondust.com/. I've had no trouble with it since I got it over a year ago.

I got mine from Silicon Dust as well, had it for almost a year and a half (I pre-ordered before they were even available) and it's worked pretty much perfectly for me in that time, using MythTV as my PVR.

The original reseller of the HDHomeRun in the USA, 9thtee.com, is no longer a reliable source for the product.

There are numerous reports (google (http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=arning+on+9th+tee+hdhomerun&btnG=Search&meta=)) over the past six months of payment taken w/no product ever shipped. Far too many such reports for it to be a rare occurance now. They especially seem to target Canadians and others outside of the USA.

I got my first unit from them in 2006, but now have fallen victim to them in trying to acquire a second unit. Paypal will eventually refund my money (I hope), but..

Fortunately, there are now other HDHomeRun suppliers to choose from, including at least one here in Canada.

Buyer beware.

Why not just get a PCI or USB HD tuner?
I noticed a lot of discussion about the merits of the HDHR for QAM, but the biggest benefit of it being a network device (IMO) is for OTA. The longer your coax from your antenna, the more signal loss you experience, usually requiring you to add amplification. With the HDHR, you can install it as close to the antenna as possible, avoiding the coax loss and just running a long CAT5/6 cable to your router/switch. I have mine in a second floor closet (I built a shelf about a foot below the ceiling), and the antennas are directly above them in the attic. My coax runs are less than 10 feet.

I have two HDHRs, running to a SageTV HTPC setup (using SageTV's HD Extenders at my TV sets). I have been very pleased with the HDHRs - I get a ton of OTA channels (geographical luck, of course), and they all look great. I connected them up, and they just plain work. I got mine for $140 US each - $280 is not bad for 4 ATSC tuners that require no maintenance or fussing whatsoever.