Comments on: The Hauppauge HD PVR, High-Def Component Input For The PC http://www.gizmolovers.com/2008/01/10/the-hauppauge-hd-pvr-high-def-component-input-for-the-pc/ TiVo, Slingbox, Blu-ray Disc, and whatever tech I feel like blogging about... Sun, 14 Feb 2010 19:48:08 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: MegaZone http://www.gizmolovers.com/2008/01/10/the-hauppauge-hd-pvr-high-def-component-input-for-the-pc/comment-page-1/#comment-22224 MegaZone Sat, 12 Jan 2008 00:59:54 +0000 http://www.tivolovers.com/2008/01/10/the-hauppauge-hd-pvr-high-def-component-input-for-the-pc/#comment-22224 It is technologically possible, but it would result in a unit priced higher than the existing units. And, as in my <a href="http://www.gizmolovers.com/2008/01/05/component-input-hd-dvrs-are-here/" rel="nofollow">previous post</a>, a component input DVR has some serious drawbacks compared to a CableCARD DVR or a native satellite DVR. Technologically, yes, they can build a DVR with component input. The question is, is there enough of a market for the product to warrant the expense of engineering it, certifying it, and manufacturing it? In the US most users would probably stick with CableCARD (I know I would) while satellite users would have to sacrifice quality, and probably dual-tuner support (handing two external STBs adds complexity), to use the TiVo. But what may drive the development is the international markets. CableCARD isn't available in Canada. To do a standalone HD DVR they'd pretty much have to do component input. And supporting non-freeview systems in DVB nations might require component input. So if they do the engineering work for the broader market, we may see such a unit in the US. But, if it happens at all, it probably won't be before 2009 IMHO. Right now TiVo is focused on expanding their cable software penetration - porting it to Cisco (formerly SciAtl) boxes, ironing out any issues with Comcast, and getting Cox ready to deploy - as well as looking for more partners. And not just in the US. And they're looking for more international deals for the DVB hardware beyond Australia and New Zealand, especially now that they have the 'big five' languages supported and adding additional languages is easier. I think we'll mainly see improvements to the services in the US this year, an increasing embrace Internet content. The Web Video support is just the tip of the iceberg. It is technologically possible, but it would result in a unit priced higher than the existing units. And, as in my previous post, a component input DVR has some serious drawbacks compared to a CableCARD DVR or a native satellite DVR. Technologically, yes, they can build a DVR with component input. The question is, is there enough of a market for the product to warrant the expense of engineering it, certifying it, and manufacturing it? In the US most users would probably stick with CableCARD (I know I would) while satellite users would have to sacrifice quality, and probably dual-tuner support (handing two external STBs adds complexity), to use the TiVo.

But what may drive the development is the international markets. CableCARD isn’t available in Canada. To do a standalone HD DVR they’d pretty much have to do component input. And supporting non-freeview systems in DVB nations might require component input. So if they do the engineering work for the broader market, we may see such a unit in the US.

But, if it happens at all, it probably won’t be before 2009 IMHO. Right now TiVo is focused on expanding their cable software penetration – porting it to Cisco (formerly SciAtl) boxes, ironing out any issues with Comcast, and getting Cox ready to deploy – as well as looking for more partners. And not just in the US. And they’re looking for more international deals for the DVB hardware beyond Australia and New Zealand, especially now that they have the ‘big five’ languages supported and adding additional languages is easier. I think we’ll mainly see improvements to the services in the US this year, an increasing embrace Internet content. The Web Video support is just the tip of the iceberg.

]]> By: JohnG http://www.gizmolovers.com/2008/01/10/the-hauppauge-hd-pvr-high-def-component-input-for-the-pc/comment-page-1/#comment-22220 JohnG Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:40:22 +0000 http://www.tivolovers.com/2008/01/10/the-hauppauge-hd-pvr-high-def-component-input-for-the-pc/#comment-22220 I think Tivo is missing the boat if it could produce a HD Component Tivo with an IR cable. Then the Tivo customer could move between cable or satellite just like the Series 2 boxes. John G. I think Tivo is missing the boat if it could produce a HD Component Tivo with an IR cable. Then the Tivo customer could move between cable or satellite just like the Series 2 boxes.

John G.

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