DVB-C cards

[yobigd20]

Hi Everyone,

I am a software engineer that writes code for digital broadcasting equipment.  I wanted to see if there was a way to leverage getting permanent MPEG2-TS streams for testing purposes on my home network using my existing digital Verizon Fios TV signal.  I know I could get a small dish and a DVB-S card, but that requires having to mount the satellite, run power/bnc cables, etc.  Currently I use VLC and take some MPEG2-TS streams that I have captured and just loop them on my private network, but sometimes VLC and similar programs have problems at the wrap points when the steam loops.

Then the thought occured to me that I might be able to use the Verizon FIOS digital line in my home.  I don't know much about their signal, but from what I understand it is QAM256? 

I thought maybe if I connected the Verizon Fios coax using a DVB-C card in my pc, and a program use this and multicast some clear QAM channels that it might work.

So my question to you experts out there is this, 

if I use a card like this:

http://www.twinhan.com/product_AD-CP400.asp

or this: http://www.hauppauge.com/site/products/data_hvr1850.html

#1 would that be able to accept the signal from Verizon Fios coax cable in my house (and if so, would I need to connect this before going into my STB or after?)

and #2 if it does, then can I use a program like this:

http://www.progdvb.com/progdvb.html

with this module:

http://www.progdvb.com/media_cs.html

to have a permanant multicast of MPEG2-TS streams on my private home network so I can use them as test streams for my work?

[prisaz]

I don't think you will find much information on the FIOS TV data stream, other then it is QAM256. Anything else would be propritary. I know if you have the right drivers and hook up fireware from the DVR with the right D-VHS software you can capture the data stream for the un encrypter channels to your PC. But I played and it's not worth the trouble. I bought a Tivo that lets me transfer what is not locked by copy protection.

[yobigd20]

Sorry, that didn't really answer any of my questions at all.  I am looking for someone that has more knowledge of the types of streams on Verizon's clear QAM and if my scenario above would work with that equipment.  None of this type of information would be proprietary (its basic broadcasting stuff).

[KenAF]

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@yobigd20 wrote:

Sorry, that didn't really answer any of my questions at all.  I am looking for someone that has more knowledge of the types of streams on Verizon's clear QAM and if my scenario above would work with that equipment.  None of this type of information would be proprietary (its basic broadcasting stuff).

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I'm not aware of any U.S. cable providers that use DVB-C.

Verizon uses OpenCable just like other U.S. cable providers.  Standard MPEG-2 TS streams are delivered with 256QAM.  All non-locals are encrypted and unavailable without a CableCard-compatible device.

In the case of local channels, the ATSC feed is acquired via antenna, demodulated, and then remodulated with 256QAM.   The signal is compatible with most popular PC QAM tuners (ex: SiliconDust HDHomerun).  AFAIK, Verizon only uses DVB coding for delivery of their "on demand" IP-delivered content, which is only accessible through their own box.

Buy yourself a SiliconDust HDHomerun and you can view and record the MPEG-2 TS streams (locals only) over your network using Windows 7 Media Center, SageTV, MythTV, or BeyondTV.