PVR Wire

1.
Uhm, wouldn't it be wise to hold off on any type of Windows Media Center purchase until soemthing is shown as to how the platform will become CableCard compatible once Vista is released?

I mean, how are they planning on doing it? A PCI Express bridge card that will slot one CableCard into it? Or would an external dongle type solution via eSATA or USB 2.0 (hell, Firewire would be better but many PCs lack it) be realistic?

I'm thinking you'll have to get a pre-built system with a compatible CableCard slot built-in to take advantage of this compatibility feature.

Posted at 2:54PM on Dec 8th 2006 by The Jeremy

2. It has already been stated that you will NOT be able to add a cablecard to a PC. Only new PCs with the cable card put in by the manufacturer/vendor will work. This is a major reason NOT to by any PC you plan on using as a DVR until Vista is here.

Posted at 3:10PM on Dec 8th 2006 by Tim

3. Tim is correct. Each config has to be approved by CableLabs or something like that, meaning upgrading to CableCARD support isn't an option. Not in the near future anyhow.

Series3 units must be purchased by 12/31 to qualify for the VIP Lifetime transfer (@ $199), so I think it's safe to assume we won't see significant drops in price or rebate until after. There are several places as Chris noted (some require coupons/codes) offering the S3 for under $700 - which is still a lot of dough, but less than $800.

The Zune doesn't do much for me. I'd rather drop the wireless and slim it down. Oh wait, they did... it's called the Toshiba Gigabeat S. Hm, maybe I'll get one on sale and load it with Vongo flicks.

Posted at 6:37PM on Dec 8th 2006 by Dave Zatz

4. I disagree on the Series3 only if you have an old box with a lifetime subscription on it. I had to buy now so I could transfer it...my numbers made sense, it would have cost me more than the transfer fee if my TiVo lasts as long as my Series 1 did. Can't count on a huge discount after the holidays...people will be looking to put content on those big HDTVs and keeping prices up would actually be smart.

Posted at 9:16PM on Dec 9th 2006 by malren

5. Tim you are a MORON. Have you ever even seen the inside of a computer? I don't think you could have and still made the same comments.

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS SOMETHING JUST BEING BUILT WITH THE COMPUTER. You can add a PCI/pci-e card for anything you moron. There has never been anything for a pc, nor will there be, that will not be incorporated using a PCI or Pci-e slot (more likely pci even though it's older if you had any clue about circuitry).

Furthermore, let me say it again, TIM IS A MORON. You notice he doesn't talk about where he gets his info from he just makes stuff up.

The day a computer comes with a slot for a cable card, everyone else will be able to purchase a pci card, possibly even a usb device, to also throw in this cable card.

Thank you and have a good day everyone..once again, IDIOT TIM...IDIOT...why do you write things when you have no idea what you're talking about? Stupidity kills!

Posted at 8:40PM on Dec 27th 2006 by Realistic

6. Realistic,
Tim is, in fact, absolutely correct. OCUR devices (Open Cable Uni-direction Receiver), the "slot" into which CableCards will be plugged will require a specific license key to operate. These keys will only be available through purchases from large OEMs which must go through a "certification" process. Read about it at http://www.engadget.com/2006/03/02/the-clicker-a-sitdown-with-microsofts-joe-belfiore-part-i/ .
Perhaps a little research on your part would be useful before calling someone "IDIOT" or "MORON" for no reason.

Posted at 6:20PM on Dec 28th 2006 by Chris