Thread: Record from Airtel HD (Not using Airtel DVR)

As I understand from reading the posts in the forum, it seems it is possible to record programmes from the Airtel HD STB. I do not want to buy the Airtel DVR as I want the capability to record the programmes on my own and keep the recording on my PC. I do not mind watching the programme while recording either.

I would like to know some of the HDD recorders available in India for this purpose. The Airtel STB HD, provides an HDMI out as well as the composite video outs.

Thanks in advance.

QueryType

Whatever I am stating below is speculation. Since I have no interest in recording any program on TV, I have no certain knowledge of the matter. All my statements are part of the general assumptions and hypothesis.
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HDMI signal is usually protected by a technology called HDCP - high definition content protection. Now I am using the adjective "usually". HDMI signal is definitely protected in BD-Players including PS3 and such. All new equipment with HDMI (in or out) are built-in with HDCP.

Now I am not certain whether HDCP tech is used by Airtel (and others such as TataSky, DishTV, etc.). But I suspect that since the STB's are made by some OEM, most the HDMI will be protected by HDCP. In such case, it will not be possible to record the signal by HDMI.

However, the regular composite signal (RCA Yellow-White-Red) is different matter. Although even this signal can be encrypted (via Macrovision), it is easy to break it. Most likely Indian DTH signal (via composite) will not be encrypted because no one would be willing to pay a royalty to Macrovision.

The option is to buy a TV tuner card. The card will usaully be bundled with some capture software. You can try HDMI connector and see whether it works. If it does not connect via the composite RCA cable. You will not get HD via composite cable.

Also you will have to tune to the same channel while recording.

Thanks!

I have read that external TV tuner cards cannot record. I've a laptop and sort of unwilling to install one inside since that might void the warranty etc. Are there external TV tuner cards available for recording?

Yes. There are plenty of external AV capture devices that can do the job. All you have to do is a google search ...

A/V Capture Devices

Thanks, will try out. I checked the composite out from the STB and input to the Bravia instead of HDMI (as it is presently connected) and it works fine. So just a matter of buying a good capture card and trying it out.

OK,So I bought a USB capture card from eBay @800/=. It has a S-video and composite input. I hooked the composite cable into the the STB, and connected the USB out of the card to the laptop. Windows 7 was able to detect the drivers automatically and installed them.

Now the CD supplied was not working, so I could not use the ULead software. So I turned to my good old VirtualDub. It is able to capture nicely. Just that I take the audio from the "stereo mix" of my laptop's sound card rather than directly from the card. This allows smoother capture. I installed xVid codecs for video compression. I had to change some setting in VirtualDub, (such as PAL_B etc) before I could capture though.

Hope this helps.....

Thats great. However, you card will capture SD quality only. In today's generation, an HD capture card would be staying with near future.

Yes, I was wary of this point. Acutally there were two reasons I opted for SD. Primary was of course because I did not want to invest too much into the card. Also I could not find options for a good HD card in India. Secondly, I am in a test mode, so just wanted to test out the things.