[nowandthen]

I'm an HGTV fanatic. The Den DVR is almost always tuned to HGTV as I work/play on my computer. It is very common for me to rewind, pause etc. such that I am behind Live TV, I'll call this "delayed live TV". Currently I have the composite output feeding a standard definition modulator. This allows me to go to another TV and continue watching the delayed Live TV (in SD). Whole house IR provides control of the Den DVR from the other rooms.

I would like to upgrade to HD at all TV locations (2 additional TVs at the moment). But I don't want to loose the ability to continue watching the delayed Live TV.

I think the only setup that Directv offers that may be able to do this is the HR34, but I am not sure. Or perhaps the Directv PC software.

I do not want to press record in order to continue watching a delayed Live TV program for reasons I won't go into. That is not an option.

If Directv does not have this ability then I will have to cough up for an HD modulator, or continue with the SD method.

Any options from Directv to make this happen? I don't mind adding boxes and paying additional mirror fees as long as it doesn't get too expensive. At some point the HD modulator starts to make sense if Directv equipment/fees get too pricey.

Thanks!

 

[Davenlr]

You can get an HDMI splitter, and feed the other tv(s) with HDMI if the distances are not to great, or you can run 5 bundled coax cables to each room for component distribution (RGB LR). Currently, with MRV, and no RTV clients available (unless you happen to buy RTV capable Samsung TVs for your upgrade), you will need to record on the main DVR, in order to trick play with the satellite receivers, or, get a DVR for each of your other locations that you can independently trick play.

Another option would be an HD slingbox, which I dont know much about, but believe would allow you to feed whatever is on your main tv, over an in home or internet connection to another tv via ethernet or wireless?

 

[nowandthen]

Thanks Dave.

Routing HDMI cables or additional coax is a possibility, at least to some locations. I put conduit in the walls before sheet-rocking. However the conduit already has 2 RG-6 and 2 Cat 5's so fishing an HDMI cable could be tricky, but may not be impossible. I don't give up easily. And I own a lot of tools.

Have been trying to understand if I can split HDMI (HDCP issues?) and route it to different TVs that have different resolutions: main TV is 1080i, others are 720P. I'm not sure if splitting will work. I need to do more research. Of course if anyone here knows what will or won't wrok please share. I assume I need to at least set the output to 720P. Don't need to get side-tracked on this right now.

Assuming RVU boxes become available, or I purchase RVU TVs (not too likely, X3 TVs), would that fit my requirements as described in my first post? HR34 + RVU boxes (and/or TVs) = able to continue watching delayed live tv in another room? I can wait for RVU boxes if they are coming.

 

[nowandthen]

OH, and by the way. I've read the thread on AVSForum with respect to HDMI over CAT-5e. Not a lot of sure fire success so I don't want to go there.

 

[Davenlr]

Well, the RVU TVs would capture one tuner on an HR34 for each one, giving you basically a 1 tuner DVR.

You could set the resolution to 1080i, and if your other TVs were 720p they would still accept the 1080i and convert it to 720p internally.

Currently, HDCP is only used on the movie channels (I think, not sure). Even if they do use HDCP, I would think the way the splitters work, would be to negotiate the HDCP with the primary monitor, and then just split the signal to the others. They all couldnt (I dont think) do a negotiation, because I doubt the source (HR34) is designed to negotiate HDCP/HDMI handshakes with multiple monitors...but I am just guessing here, as I dont use them. I am pretty sure if you read the specs, it should mention that, or else just ask the seller how that works. Monoprice sells them, and are real good about answering customers questions.

WHY no one has come out with a ATSC modulator, which would solve 100% of these problems is beyond me.

 

[veryoldschool]

Currently, HDCP is only used on the movie channels (I think, not sure).

I'm afraid you're several years behind. DirecTV2PC showed a lot more channels using it and problems if your PC didn't support it.

 

[nowandthen]

Well, the RVU TVs would capture one tuner on an HR34 for each one, giving you basically a 1 tuner DVR.

Sorry I don't understand, are you saying that the HR34 with RVU would do want I want, I can access the tuner that was being used in the den and continue watching that delayed live TV program on the other TVs? Or are you saying each TV locks on to a different tuner, and those Tv's can't access a common tuner?

WHY no one has come out with a ATSC modulator, which would solve 100% of these problems is beyond me.

I'm looking to get the ZVBox 180. A 1080p QAM modulator, if there is no solution from Directv, but the ZVBox is over $1K.

 

[Laxguy]

Probably off the wall but would two DVRs tuned to the same channel and using the buffer work for you?

 

[Davenlr]

Sorry I don't understand, are you saying that the HR34 with RVU would do want I want, I can access the tuner that was being used in the den and continue watching that delayed live TV program on the other TVs? Or are you saying each TV locks on to a different tuner, and those Tv's can't access a common tuner?

I'm looking to get the ZVBox 180. A 1080p QAM modulator, if there is no solution from Directv, but the ZVBox is over $1K.

On the first question, the last answer is correct. The only way they could access a common tuner is if the common tuner was recording.

As for the ZVBox....OUCH OUCH OUCH. But if you DO get it, please post a review here, PQ, Audio quality, Closed captioning compatability, etc. Is that what Best Buy uses in the showrooms to distribute HD?

 

[carl6]

WHY no one has come out with a ATSC modulator, which would solve 100% of these problems is beyond me.

There are ATSC modulators, but they are very very expensive and not oriented to the consumer market.

 

[Joe C]

OH, and by the way. I've read the thread on AVSForum with respect to HDMI over CAT-5e. Not a lot of sure fire success so I don't want to go there.

Use HDbaseT from monoprice. I'm using both of these with 75' of CAT6 cable. A HR24-500 and a Samsung BD player are connected. http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10105&cs_id=1010504&p_id=8121&seq=1&format=2 and http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10105&cs_id=1010504&p_id=8122&seq=1&format=2. The cheaper on uses 2 cat 5e/6 cables and the more expensive one only one CAT5e/6 cable.

 

[bpratt]

I use this Monoprice 4x1 HDMI splitter to feed 3 HDTVs and it works great:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10113&cs_id=1011307&p_id=6192&seq=1&format=2

Two of the TV are 1080p and one of them is only 720p capable. I set my HR21-700s to output at 1080i and all TVs receive a great picture. My longest HDMI run is 55 feet (a 25' cable connected to a 30' cable). All cables I am using come from this group:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024005

 

[nowandthen]

Thanks for all the replies. Yeah the ZVBox is very pricy. Not to excited about that option but it would give me HD at all RG-6 locations in the house. I'l post if i get it, but I'll have to think about that for a while.

If I go CAT5 route then I need at least CAT5e, right? My CAT5 (5e?) was put in around 1998-2000. It reads "...MULTILAN ENHANCED VERIFIED (UL) CAT5 TO TIA/CIA 568A 24AWG 4UTP... I take it that means it is CAT5e?

Fishing HDMI may be the lowest cost and most reliable, but I can't get it everywhere. At least not every where with reasonable lengths.

 

[nowandthen]

I just ordered a ZVBox 180. Yes it's pricey, but if it performs as advertized, I should have a rock solid HD distribution channel in my home. No messing with Cat-5 or fishing HDMI cables or dealing with SD/HD nag screens. If this works as advertized, I can connect any tv in my house or detached garage to my existing coax and get HD. I bought an HDTivo years ago for just about as much money and as we all know it is nothing more than a boat anchor now. I think this unit will last a lot longer than that Tivo. I'm looking forward to simple HD distribution.

 

[bpratt]

I'm not sure what the ZVbox 180 is capable of. I looks like it has no HDMI input so if your service provider (Looks like you might be using DirecTV) decides to only provide true HD over HDMI with HDCP support, you could only then broadcast 480p to all TV sets. (Some of the PPV channels broadcast by DirecTV can only be viewed using an HDMI/HDCP connection, and by the end of 2012, they could all be that way)
Also, it appears to me that all TVs connected to the 180 would only be able to view the one DirecTV channel that your DirectTV receiver was tuned to, or if you connect an off air antenna to the 180, they could be tuned to any off air HD station you can receive.

I may not understand the full capabilities of the ZVbox 180, but for the amount of money you are spending on it, you should really understand its capabilities.

 

[nowandthen]

The whole point of what I am after is to be able to see what that one receiver is tuned to. That way, if I'm watching delayed live tv in one room, I can go to another room and continue watching that same delayed live tv program.

I know it's component input only.

 

[NewForceFiveFan]

OP, I had your exact setup to feed an SD tv in the basement except my DVR was HD and not SD. You didn't mention if the TV in the Den was and HDTV or SDTV. RF modulators are stupid architecture and only output 4:3. What that means is it can't tell if you're feeding it a 16:9 video or a 4:3. That's why you set a DVD player to 4:3 Letterbox mode when hooking up to an sdtv with an rf modulator. With an HD-DVR set to display Widescreen for the Den tv what that means is your SD tv in the second location will display SD programming correctly but HD programming will be squished sideways to fit into 4:3 which is all an RF modulator knows how to put on screen. It doesn't have the circuitry to Letterbox an HD picture like those digital OTA tuner boxes that came out a couple years ago.

 

[nowandthen]

All of my TVs are HD capable. I do not see any aspect ratio issues using the SD modulator. Are you saying I will have aspect ratio issues when I use an HD modulator?

 

[harsh]

I know it's component input only.

You seem to be overlooking the implications of component only.

On the one hand you're looking for a solution that guarantees long-term usability but at any time HGTV could choose to implement content protection and the component outputs on your DVR would go dark. Useless.

It may not happen this year or the next, but it isn't at all unlikely to happen; especially if boxes like the ZeeVee units catch on.

The other issue is that, going forward, it is pretty likely that component outputs are going to disappear entirely and you'll be stuck without a source DVR.

 

[RACJ2]

I just ordered a ZVBox 180. Yes it's pricey, but if it performs as advertized, I should have a rock solid HD distribution channel in my home. No messing with Cat-5 or fishing HDMI cables or dealing with SD/HD nag screens. If this works as advertized, I can connect any tv in my house or detached garage to my existing coax and get HD. I bought an HDTivo years ago for just about as much money and as we all know it is nothing more than a boat anchor now. I think this unit will last a lot longer than that Tivo. I'm looking forward to simple HD distribution.

Over $1200, I'll say its pricey. I went a route, similar to another post for under $150. Ordered from mono price: HDMI to cat 5e/6 wall plates, powered HDMI splitter and 150' of cat 5e cable. Yes it took a bit of effort to run two 75' cat 5e cables, but not $1,000 worth.

Good luck and let us know how the ZVbox 180 works out!