Can I record TV shows with CIS330 + Laptop (PC)?

[vancouver3]

I'm using the CIS 330 HD Digital Box right now with the Optik TV, I do not want to purchase another HD PVR Box the CIS 430,

therefore, I was wondering if I can use my Laptop to record TV shows??

or any other cheaper PVRs on the market will do the job.

[Dr.Dave]

You can't record the TV streams directly since they are encrypted. Here area some options:

1. Sign up for a 3 year term and get the PVR for free for 3 years.
2. Watch for sales on the CIS430. Here's a thread on the subject. http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=138082
3. Buy a tuner for your laptop and connect it to the CIS 330. You can record the channel that the CIS 330 is tuned to (standard definition). You will need an IR emitter to change the channels on the CIS 330 if you want to automatically schedule a recording. (If you get an ATSC/NTSC tuner and an antenna, you may also be able to record OTA signals in HD - see our OTA forum for more details)
4. Buy an Hauppauge HD PVR to record onto your laptop in HD (which will cost about the same as a CIS 430).

[LeafsFan91]

If you use component (or RCA) it is not encrypted as you can't encrypt an analog signal.

You can then get a component (or RCA) capture card (about $20-$40). Then you'll need to input the sound into your microphone input (using a 3.5mm convertor). Then you can use the capture card as your video input and the mic for sound and record it using any webcam recorder or external camera recorder.

There's something called "USB2.0 Video Audio AV DV TV VHS DVD Capture Adapter" on amazon that sells for 8 dollars. It's RCA (so no hd) but it'll get the job done.

You won't be able to preprogram what you want to record and you must change the channel manually. Which you'll need a something like a Hauppauge HD PVR.