Social Feed

comfortably_numb

Pub Member / Supporter

Last reply Apr 19, 2014 · posted in Over the Air Television By RabbitEars.Info

OTA makeshift DVR using Windows Media Center

Anybody done this? My friend says you can install TV tuner(s) in your PC, hook up your OTA antenna, and then Windows Media Center acts like DVR software, downloading program guides and scheduling recordings. Anybody tried it?

17 Replies · 3477 views

Load Replies (17) Reply Legacy View

. Raine

Apr 10, 2014

I would think so, but don't know for sure, I've never used a HD Homerun Prime. I have used two Hauppauge HVR-1600 tuners, one for cable and one for OTA and there definitely was guide information for both, but not separate. If I remember correctly, [right now I only have OTA setup in WMC 7] it listed the cable stations and then the OTA within the same guide listings.

The Media Center was one of the things which made me get rid of cable all together, when Metrocast went digital they scrambled even the basic channels and the POS Pace DTA they supplied as a solution wouldn't work with the Media Center IR Blaster and I wasn't paying $15 a month for a box from them that would, just for basic channels.

Which is something you probably should check on yourself before you buy an HD Homerun Prime, make sure your cable company isn't scrambling all the channels and whether it will work if they are, or if you're using a cable box, that it'll work with the Media Center IR Blaster. Or, if you're going to use a cable-card with the HD Homerun Prime, that your cable company will let you use it.

Afterthought: In your post you asked about a NTSC tuner, but if you want to receive OTA stations, you won't be able to use a NTSC tuner, it'll have to be ATSC. If you're going to input a VCR or something through it and not receive OTA stations, then NTSC would be all right. I'd assume you want OTA stations, because you'd asked about the guide listings.

comfortably_numb

Apr 17, 2014

A Raine said:
I would think so, but don't know for sure, I've never used a HD Homerun Prime. I have used two Hauppauge HVR-1600 tuners, one for cable and one for OTA and there definitely was guide information for both, but not separate. If I remember correctly, [right now I only have OTA setup in WMC 7] it listed the cable stations and then the OTA within the same guide listings.

The Media Center was one of the things which made me get rid of cable all together, when Metrocast went digital they scrambled even the basic channels and the POS Pace DTA they supplied as a solution wouldn't work with the Media Center IR Blaster and I wasn't paying $15 a month for a box from them that would, just for basic channels.

Which is something you probably should check on yourself before you buy an HD Homerun Prime, make sure your cable company isn't scrambling all the channels and whether it will work if they are, or if you're using a cable box, that it'll work with the Media Center IR Blaster. Or, if you're going to use a cable-card with the HD Homerun Prime, that your cable company will let you use it.

Afterthought: In your post you asked about a NTSC tuner, but if you want to receive OTA stations, you won't be able to use a NTSC tuner, it'll have to be ATSC. If you're going to input a VCR or something through it and not receive OTA stations, then NTSC would be all right. I'd assume you want OTA stations, because you'd asked about the guide listings.

What I ended up doing was buying both the HD Homerun and HD Homerun Prime devices. This gives me 2 OTA tuners and 3 cablecard tuners. As a self professed cord cutter who recently left Dish, I really didn't want to add cable into the mix, but Comcast ran a promotion for 50 GB downstream internet + Digital Starter for $59.99 per month for 12 months. I couldn't turn that down. It's only $20 more than what I was already paying them for internet. Now that I have the HD Homerun's and WMC HTPC set up along with my own cable modem, I have no HD fees, no receiver fees, no DVR fees, just $59.99. I can also watch live TV on all PC's and phones in the house with no additional outlet fees. Not a bad deal.

comfortably_numb

Apr 17, 2014

WHOA, my post appeared 3 times...can a Mod fix that?!

. Raine

Apr 17, 2014

comfortably_numb said:
What I ended up doing was buying both the HD Homerun and HD Homerun Prime devices. This gives me 2 OTA tuners and 3 cablecard tuners. As a self professed cord cutter who recently left Dish, I really didn't want to add cable into the mix, but Comcast ran a promotion for 50 GB downstream internet + Digital Starter for $59.99 per month for 12 months. I couldn't turn that down. It's only $20 more than what I was already paying them for internet. Now that I have the HD Homerun's and WMC HTPC set up along with my own cable modem, I have no HD fees, no receiver fees, no DVR fees, just $59.99. I can also watch live TV on all PC's and phones in the house with no additional outlet fees. Not a bad deal.

Yeah, that's not a bad deal at all. I pay $46 a month for internet through our cable company, Metrocast, if they would give me TV too for only $20 more, I'd do it.

All those little fees for the boxes, modem, etc, they do add up! Our modem is something that I still have to replace, we're still paying Metrocast $7.95 a month for ours. Originally, we had a bundled TV/Phone and Internet package and we were stuck with having to use their modem for their VOIP phone, but don't need to now.
I gotta get off my butt and buy a modem soon so I can get rid of theirs. I've probably already paid them enough on the modem fees to buy a new one or maybe even two by procrastinating on replacing it!

comfortably_numb

Apr 17, 2014

A Raine said:
Yeah, that's not a bad deal at all. I pay $46 a month for internet through our cable company, Metrocast, if they would give me TV too for only $20 more, I'd do it.

All those little fees for the boxes, modem, etc, they do add up! Our modem is something that I still have to replace, we're still paying Metrocast $7.95 a month for ours. Originally, we had a bundled TV/Phone and Internet package and we were stuck with having to use their modem for their VOIP phone, but don't need to now.
I gotta get off my butt and buy a modem soon so I can get rid of theirs. I've probably already paid them enough on the modem fees to buy a new one or maybe even two by procrastinating on replacing it!

Yeah, the fees are really what pads the bill for cable and satellite companies. I think that's why they don't really promote cablecard (if at all). I had never heard of it until I became a member of this forum. I have learned a ton from this place. It has always saved me a buttload of money.

. Raine

Apr 19, 2014

comfortably_numb said:
Yeah, the fees are really what pads the bill for cable and satellite companies. I think that's why they don't really promote cablecard (if at all). I had never heard of it until I became a member of this forum. I have learned a ton from this place. It has always saved me a buttload of money.

I've learned a ton here too. Before I became a member here, I was totally ignorant of satellite TV but not now, thanks to this site!

mike123abc

Apr 19, 2014

comfortably_numb said:
Yeah, the fees are really what pads the bill for cable and satellite companies. I think that's why they don't really promote cablecard (if at all). I had never heard of it until I became a member of this forum. I have learned a ton from this place. It has always saved me a buttload of money.

They make the package price look low by moving all the costs to fees... Like DVR fees, box fees, etc.

View all replies (17)

Scott Greczkowski

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge

Last reply A moment ago · posted in SiriusXM Satellite Radio

SiriusXM announces 25 Holiday Channels for 2026

Some of the channels start next week.

SiriusXM Delivers the Soundtrack to the Holidays with Its Festive Lineup of 25 Handcrafted Seasonal Music Channels

Lineup features channels produced and presented by celebrated personalities and iconic brands, including Jimmy Fallon, Hallmark,…...

investor.siriusxm.com

3 Replies · 4 views

Load Replies (3) Reply Legacy View

Reactions: comfortably_numb

comfortably_numb

33 minutes ago

My favorite is probably Holiday Pops.

TRG

27 minutes ago

It's not even Halloween yet.

Scott Greczkowski

A moment ago

I like the Jimmy Fallon channel. This will be its third year. I like that it's all fresh each year. Also fun when he pops on live from time to time.

dishstaller

Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter

Last reply 8 minutes ago · posted in The Chit Chat Club

At least 64 dead in Spanish passenger train collision

Terrible tragedy. You would think that they would have safe guards in place that would prevent something like this from happening. I guess if you are going to ride in a passenger train it might be best to get a car near the rear.

At Least 64 Dead After Two High-Speed Trains Collide In Spain | ZeroHedge

ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero

www.zerohedge.com

1 Replies · 9 views

Load Replies (1) Reply Legacy View

Reactions: Jimbo

Jimbo

8 minutes ago

dishstaller said:
Terrible tragedy. You would think that they would have safe guards in place that would prevent something like this from happening. I guess if you are going to ride in a passenger train it might be best to get a car near the rear.

At Least 64 Dead After Two High-Speed Trains Collide In Spain | ZeroHedge

ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero

www.zerohedge.com

They will have to look at the switching sections to determine WHY 2 trains were on the same track ... at the same time.

Scott Greczkowski

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge

Last reply 11 minutes ago · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Song Name Game Part 3!

Sometimes a thread gets so many posts in it that is can cause issues for the server so that why today we introduce The Song Name Game Part 3!

So let the game continue!

The last song was added by Bobby who posted...

One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters

CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!

Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game

Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.

Example:

Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow

Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio

Another example:

Ride the Lightning -- Metallica

Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne

Get it?

An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....

68644 Replies · 2679510 views

Load Replies (68644) Reply Legacy View

Reactions: c-spand

gms49ers

Today at 9:28 AM

Show Don't Tell - Rush

harshness

Today at 9:54 AM

Show and Tell - Al Wilson

sdfntx

Today at 10:24 AM

On with the Show - The Rolling Stones

gms49ers

50 minutes ago

The Show Must Go On - Pink Floyd

Bobby

11 minutes ago

If Love Must Go - Dobie Gray

View all replies (68644)

osu1991

Pub Member / Supporter

Last reply Today at 10:09 AM · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Susan Saint James, Emmy-Winning Star of 'Kate & Allie' and 'McMillan & Wife,' Dies at 80

Susan Saint James, Emmy-Winning Star of ‘Kate & Allie’ and ‘McMillan & Wife,’ Dies at 80

Susan Saint James, the Emmy-winning actress who starred in "Kate & Allie," died Monday after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She was 80.

variety.com

4 Replies · 66 views

Load Replies (4) Reply Legacy View

Bobby

Yesterday at 5:01 PM

Rest in peace.

sdfntx

Yesterday at 7:39 PM

Sorry to hear this. R.I.P.

FTA4PA

Yesterday at 8:53 PM

R.I.P.

dishstaller

Today at 10:09 AM

My Mom was a huge McMillan & Wife fan.

RIP

TRG

Pub Member / Supporter

Last reply Today at 10:07 AM · posted in Local Radio Discussion

House Passes AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act

House Passes AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act

(Washington, DC) - The U.S. House has passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, marking a major step forward for broadcasters and listeners who have pushed to keep AM radio available in new cars and

wabcradio.com

22 Replies · 689 views

Load Replies (22) Reply Legacy View

Reactions: FTA4PA, Mr Tony, Howard Simmons and 2 others

dishdude

Sep 18, 2026

It's probably been 2 decades since I've listened to an AM radio station. Very rarely listen to FM any more.

Reactions: reubenray and Jimbo

dishstaller

Yesterday at 10:41 AM

dishdude said:
Very rarely listen to FM any more

That goes for a lot of people. I've been advertising on radio for more than a decade now and am very familiar with this subject. While it is still a valuable tool, it has far less impact than it did just a few years ago. The best reaction I get is from a local Country music station....they play a mix of older and newer music and have a very big footprint.

Reactions: Mr Tony

Jimbo

Yesterday at 11:03 AM

dishstaller said:
That goes for a lot of people. I've been advertising on radio for more than a decade now and am very familiar with this subject. While it is still a valuable tool, it has far less impact than it did just a few years ago. The best reaction I get is from a local Country music station....they play a mix of older and newer music and have a very big footprint.

Do you do any Ad's on Satellite ?

If Not, why not, because it's not Local ?

dishstaller

Yesterday at 12:29 PM

Jimbo said:
Do you do any Ad's on Satellite ?

If Not, why not, because it's not Local ?

No, just regular FM stations. One is the country station I mentioned and the other is a Talk Radio station which used to get fantastic results but honestly, since the death of Rush Limbaugh, talk radio just doesn't do as well. There were two guys who had an early morning show which was hugely popular here in the southeast but one of them retired a couple years ago and the show just doesn't garner the same numbers as it used to.

slow_poke_pete

Yesterday at 5:35 PM

Haven't listened AM or FM in years

harshness

Today at 10:07 AM

Jimbo said:
If Not, why not, because it's not Local ?

You knew the answer before you asked it.

I can't recall having encountered a local ad on Sirius, and I don't imagine it is any different on XM.

Reactions: dishstaller

View all replies (22)

Gary Toma

Staff member Pub Member / Supporter Cutting Edge

Last reply Today at 8:31 AM · posted in DIRECTV Technical Resources Forum

DIRECTV Transponder Map ~ Data 10/21/2026

The TPN Map Excel Presents all DIRECTV Channels:

National (50-States or wide/NAT+PR beams)
Local (Local-Into-Local or narrow/Spot beams)

Additional tabs provide:

OTA the (Over-The-Air) Database
VOD (Video On_Demand) Records
Offline Records
Engr Records
Net Decoder a graphic presentation of all satellites and transponders

Domestic Satellites
@99W...... D11, D14
@101W.... D16
@103W.... D12, D15
@110W.... D5
@119W.... D8

Understanding the TPN Map

Making Sense of the TPN Map Display Conventions

DIRECTV_TPN_Map_261021.xlsx 1,876 KB

2168 Replies · 943756 views

Load Replies (2168) Reply Legacy View

Reactions: Zakdj, Mr Tony, Tom Speer and 3 others

dtv757

Monday at 7:33 AM

For those dazn nba channels are they sat only or sat & streaming

KyL416

Monday at 1:50 PM

Both, and they just made it official with a multiyear deal that also includes TV Everywhere authentication for the DAZN app, and commercial distribution.

DIRECTV, the premier provider of digital television entertainment in the United States, and DAZN, the world's leading sports entertainment platform, today announced a new multi-year distribution agreement for local telecasts of Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, and San Antonio Spurs games for DIRECTV streaming, satellite, and U-verse customers in each team's respective NBA-designated home territories.

These DAZN telecasts will be available to DIRECTV customers who subscribe to the Choice or higher packages and to U-verse TV customers who subscribe to the U200 or higher package. Each of DAZN's team services provides live pregame, postgame, and in-game coverage for the respective team.

In the coming weeks, customers who receive access to these teams via DIRECTV will also be able to login to the DAZN platform at no additional cost using their DIRECTV login credentials.

This agreement also provides distribution rights to each of the five NBA teams to all of DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS' thousands of sports bars, restaurants, fitness clubs, and other commercial venues located within each team's respective region.

Reactions: dtv757 and Mr Tony

doctor J

Today at 7:25 AM

DirecTV Satellite Transponder Updates for Oct 28 2026

Comparison of Transponder Data for Oct 28 2026 vs Oct 21 2026:

No changes in system tables for any transponder tuning parameters.

Changes to the use of defined transponders:

1 Transponder cleared of all Streams::
Net 15 TID 12 Beam NAT is a National Transponder on D12@103ca, TPN 13

2 Previously unused Transponders with current APG records::
Net 0 TID 28 Beam NAT + PR is a National Transponder on D16@101, TPN 29
Net 10 TID 126 Beam NAT is a National Transponder on D11@99cb, TPN 3

Stream (PID) counts:

LIVE Streams	National		Spot Beams
	Count	Change	Count	Change
4K	4
HD	264		1449
SD mpeg4	144	-1	194
SD mpeg2	434	1
RB
Audio	89
Push	26
Slate	19		1

TEST Streams	National		Spot Beams
	Count	Change	Count	Change
4K
HD			1
SD mpeg4
SD mpeg2
RB
Engr Work	38

The PID count Excel workbook provides much more count detail.

Newly updated tables of Streams on each transponder are available in the DataDigesters TPN Grids

More details of changes in individual channels will follow in the Weekly Analysis
and Gary Toma's Domestic TPN Map Excel files
A few remaps
Weekly Analysis soon
Enjoy
DataDigesters

doctor J

Today at 7:26 AM

Weekly Analysis for 10/28/2026:

Weekly_Analysis_261028.xlsx 16 KB

KyL416

Today at 8:31 AM

ElectionHQ mixes testing with BBC News, CNBC, CNN, FBN, FNC, MSNOW, NewsMax and NewsNation

Some more reshuffles

Updating the TMSIDs for KSBI and KQCW to use the cable feeds with Thunder games instead of the OTA feeds

An additional commercial PPV channel is now on 9530

View all replies (2168)

Booredatwork.com

Today at 8:12 AM · posted in BooredAtWork.COM

Amazon Echo Show 16: Now this is it!

Time for another AWESOME video from BoredAtWork!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wVSqE_URJIo

Direct YouTube Link - Amazon Echo Show 16: Now this is it!
Booredatwork.com Website
Booredatwork on Facebook

0 Replies · 14 views

Replies Reply Legacy View

TFLEV

Today at 7:02 AM · posted in TFLEV

Can You ACTUALLY Use the Mazda CX-90 PHEV As an Electric Commuter? | Baseline Challenge

Time for another AWESOME video from TFL Electric Vehicles!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-HYgO5Lpa8

Direct YouTube Link - Can You ACTUALLY Use the Mazda CX-90 PHEV As an Electric Commuter? | Baseline Challenge

0 Replies · 17 views

Replies Reply Legacy View

TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Today at 3:02 AM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Apple's All-New iPad mini

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtLJGwEtyT0

Direct YouTube Link - Apple's All-New iPad mini
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

0 Replies · 22 views

Replies Reply Legacy View

JSheridan

Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Today at 1:01 AM · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

All DMA's now Western Arc

I know HipKat said that they were working on conversions but we got the official news yesterday right from Dish that starting next month all DMA's will be on the western arc, and all customers will be assigned to that. That's gonna mean a lot of customers around here aren't gonna get Dish unless there are exceptions. Too many mountains and trees.

175 Replies · 5138 views

Load Replies (175) Reply Legacy View

Reactions: That American Girl, MikeD-C05, AkaDoubleG and 6 others

Strega

Friday at 10:01 PM

Even if you are broadcasting old SD-only shows, I would think advertisers would still want their commercials to look good.

Reactions: charlesrshell

Jimbo

Friday at 11:17 PM

Strega said:
Even if you are broadcasting old SD-only shows, I would think advertisers would still want their commercials to look good.

Advertisers on SD channels are probably Far and Few, very hard to find, they have very few viewers to watch them.

Reactions: charlesrshell

Mister B

Saturday at 7:35 AM

Jimbo said:
Advertisers on SD channels are probably Far and Few, very hard to find, they have very few viewers to watch them.

I watch mostly SD channels (H&I, Start and ION, etc.). There are plenty of advertisers, this time of the year it is mostly Medicare Advantage plans, auto extended warranties and the occasional walk-in-tub. They know who is watching.

Reactions: gasman882001, Almighty1, savarese04 and 1 other person

slow_poke_pete

Monday at 10:40 AM

Mister B said:
I watch mostly SD channels (H&I, Start and ION, etc.). There are plenty of advertisers, this time of the year it is mostly Medicare Advantage plans, auto extended warranties and the occasional walk-in-tub. They know who is watching.

can't forget the little blue m&m's

Reactions: Almighty1, charlesrshell and telstar_1

charlesrshell

Monday at 11:23 AM

slow_poke_pete said:
can't forget the little blue m&m's

That's what my wife calls my Viagra!!

Reactions: Almighty1, slow_poke_pete, MikeD-C05 and 2 others

telstar_1

Monday at 8:12 PM

Why didn't Charlie end up launching starlink

Reactions: charlesrshell

slow_poke_pete

Yesterday at 2:09 AM

charlesrshell said:
That's what my wife calls my Viagra!!

My gf is 29 years younger than me :shh

Reactions: MikeD-C05, charlesrshell and HipKat

Almighty1

Yesterday at 4:04 PM

telstar_1 said:
Why didn't Charlie end up launching starlink

He does not have the resources aka $$$ compared to Elon Musk as in reality, Elon can eat Charlie for lunch or even mop the floor with Charlie if he wanted to.

Reactions: charlesrshell

slow_poke_pete

Yesterday at 4:58 PM

ment to 20 yrs dam phone

Reactions: charlesrshell

BradleyD

Yesterday at 11:57 PM

Dish should use both satellite and internet like they do now for all channels. Use either or or both.... like now but subscribers could choose something like internet only, or sat only, or both.

Reactions: charlesrshell

slow_poke_pete

Today at 1:01 AM

BradleyD said:
Dish should use both satellite and internet like they do now for all channels. Use either or or both.... like now but subscribers could choose something like internet only, or sat only, or both.

They have sling tv wich sucks ass it needs a major upgrade

Reactions: charlesrshell

View all replies (175)

Top

Back

Search

Search

Social Feed

OTA makeshift DVR using Windows Media Center

SiriusXM announces 25 Holiday Channels for 2026

SiriusXM Delivers the Soundtrack to the Holidays with Its Festive Lineup of 25 Handcrafted Seasonal Music Channels

At least 64 dead in Spanish passenger train collision

At Least 64 Dead After Two High-Speed Trains Collide In Spain | ZeroHedge

At Least 64 Dead After Two High-Speed Trains Collide In Spain | ZeroHedge

Song Name Game Part 3!

Susan Saint James, Emmy-Winning Star of 'Kate & Allie' and 'McMillan & Wife,' Dies at 80

Susan Saint James, Emmy-Winning Star of ‘Kate & Allie’ and ‘McMillan & Wife,’ Dies at 80

House Passes AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act

House Passes AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act

DIRECTV Transponder Map ~ Data 10/21/2026

Amazon Echo Show 16: Now this is it!

Can You ACTUALLY Use the Mazda CX-90 PHEV As an Electric Commuter? | Baseline Challenge

Apple's All-New iPad mini

All DMA's now Western Arc