How do you get the OTA scheduling? Does MythTV provide the software in its application?

The local OTA broadcaster inserts EPG data in the transmitted broadcast data-stream. They can transmit up to a 16-day Program Schedule but most are shorter. When not recording MythTV scans all known HDTV channels in it's database for EPG data, it then formats that data for scheduling use.

 

The local OTA broadcaster inserts EPG data in the transmitted broadcast data-stream. They can transmit up to a 16-day Program Schedule but most are shorter. When not recording MythTV scans all known HDTV channels in it's database for EPG data, it then formats that data for scheduling use.

I just tested my free OTA EPG on NextPVR. It just goes a few hours. Pretty sure that is why I went with Schedules Direct.

It would be nice if the software would check the local EPG for any updates. Not sure if it is more up to date or not.

 

I just tested my free OTA EPG on NextPVR. It just goes a few hours. Pretty sure that is why I went with Schedules Direct.

It would be nice if the software would check the local EPG for any updates. Not sure if it is more up to date or not.

Some stations here have a few hours but others like PBS have 7 days. I've seldom had a problem with two tuners usually because at least one is always scanning for EPG to match upcoming rules for recordings. While you can't see the OTA EPG data very far ahead on some channels it still updates in time to make the recordings work if the recording rule is already in place.

 

My DirecTV box - I can't even figure out how to open it up! Looks like I'll probably need some specialized tool to release plastic latches on either side.

 

My DirecTV box - I can't even figure out how to open it up! Looks like I'll probably need some specialized tool to release plastic latches on either side.

Yes, there are some plastic latches on the side that can be released with a knife blade. I think there are some youtube videos on it.

Have you tried to see if it will pick up over-the-air signals?

 

Yes, there are some plastic latches on the side that can be released with a knife blade. I think there are some youtube videos on it.

Have you tried to see if it will pick up over-the-air signals?

He can't. I have had DirectTV boxes and they are designed for satellite only.

 

Without a dish on the roof I can't get the receiver to start up. If I could start it up I could probably get past the troubleshoot screen and access the satellite & antenna settings and tell it to receive antenna signals.

The back of the unit has two inputs. The output is via HDMI or Video/Audio - OR "Composite video". Not looking good for what I want it to do. I've tried several different configurations with these inputs and amplifiers (yes, there's a box that plugs into the wall with a "SIGNAL TO IRD" and "POWER TO SWM"). I've also tried without the amplifier in line. No matter what I do I can't get off the troubleshoot screen. I can see what's been recorded, in this case, nothing has been recorded. But I can't get into "Satellite & Antenna".

So it's looking more and more like this unit will become scrap materials. There's a neat little fan on the back of it. There's some USB ports that may be useful, and there's a hard drive inside it. I believe it's a hard drive. Would be great if it were SSHD. But I haven't gotten it opened yet.

Wouldn't it be cool if there were a jumper setting inside I could switch and use it as a standard receiver?! Oh well. Wouldn't it be cool if I could hit the lottery too. But then I wouldn't be worried about spending $200 a month for cable/satellite and stuff.

 

He can't. I have had DirectTV boxes and they are designed for satellite only.

I have a couple standard DirecTV receivers that have Sat In / Out to TV / Off Air Antenna. So I bet I could receive signal through one of those, but they are not HD and they are not DVR's. I wonder if I could piggyback one into the other. Probably not. And that's a lot more messing with F-Type connectors. I hate those things.

 

My original HDHR box died after about 10 years so I using a connect duo now. A tiny black box with no front panel blinking lights but it works just fine with Linux Mythtv.

 

@nsaspook Does this receive over the air broadcasts?

 

@nsaspook Does this receive over the air broadcasts?

Yes, it's a very good OTA receiver with two tuners..

 

Thanks. I'll have to look into grabbing one. Or maybe even two.

 

Thanks. I'll have to look into grabbing one. Or maybe even two.

They also make a quad version.
https://www.silicondust.com/product/hdhomerun-quatro/

 

WOW, there are a whole lot of random comments.
Using the DVR to record composite video means that you need to trace the signal flow and locate the point between the output of the satellite receiver and the input to the DVR. That will be the analog in, since I am presuming that the thing is from the analog video era. The video output connection would still be the video output, the input may go to a switching IC so that direct viewing could be an option. The trick will be in being able to command it to record and play back.
BUT do not let the fears of the unknowing spread their paralysis to you. Instead, seek a circuit drawing of the thing, or at least inspect the insides, since on occasion some points are identified.

AND YES, I am being critical of those who are paralyzed by fear, and try to paralyze everybody else with their fears.

 

Thanks. I'll have to look into grabbing one. Or maybe even two.

It will be a heck of a lot easier to use a PC and something like NPVR. That is what I have. I have the two tuner version of Silicon Dust. Strange the one I have is shown but there seems to be no detail on it so perhaps it is no longer offered. I also have a two tuner Haudpauge card.


First you are going to have to figure out how to hack your od DVR to get data from the Silicon Dust tuner. The Silcon dust tuners connect to your network. So your DVR would have to be able to connect to the network. Then you need to figure a way to hack the DVR so it can control the Silicon Dust. Your DVR likely has limited disk space. A PC would give you virtually unlimited storage.

@nsaspook is running MythTV. If you can figure out how to get the old DVR to do that and the old DVR can connect to your internet then that might work.

 

WOW, there are a whole lot of random comments.
Using the DVR to record composite video means that you need to trace the signal flow and locate the point between the output of the satellite receiver and the input to the DVR. That will be the analog in, since I am presuming that the thing is from the analog video era. The video output connection would still be the video output, the input may go to a switching IC so that direct viewing could be an option. The trick will be in being able to command it to record and play back.
BUT do not let the fears of the unknowing spread their paralysis to you. Instead, seek a circuit drawing of the thing, or at least inspect the insides, since on occasion some points are identified.

AND YES, I am being critical of those who are paralyzed by fear, and try to paralyze everybody else with their fears.

There is fear and then there is prudence. And there is being fool hardy. And your comments on the subject have gone beyond tedious.

 

Some people use a NAS Drive to store their recordings. They then have a lot more flexibility on what runs the PVR software. There are lots of those mini PCs out there today. So that opens up a lot of options.

MythTV is Linux. NPVR is Windows. If you are strong on Linux then MythTV might be the way to go. There are other PVR apps out there too. A new one is called Plex but you need to pay to get the DVR feature.

I use NPVR because I am not that comfortable with Linux. I record with NPVR but watch with Kodi. Kodi has an interface to all the popular PVRs so you don't need to exit the software to record or watch live TV. I also don't have a NAS. Everything is all in one on my system.

A real nice benefit of the Silicon Dust is you can watch TV with a tablet PC. I often do this when working out on the exercise bike. Kodi can also be load on a tablet PC so you can watch any recorded shows on your DVR PC.

 

A lot of this sounds over my head and beyond my skillset. All I want is to be able to record broadcast TV. I don't know how to hook a TV antenna to a computer. I don't know IF you can do it, but it sounds like it might be doable. But then I'd need to keep a computer handy by the TV. I may be way off base here but I don't think I want it to be that hard. All I want is a DVR that connects to an antenna and will record what channel I tell it to at what time I ask it to. Hacking DVR's and the such - I'm just not a hacker. I look at the components and think 'I have little to no understanding of what those chips do.' Code? I am resistant to the idea of using microprocessors because I haven't written code in many years. Not that I couldn't learn, but it's just something I resist. And for no good reason either. It's like going to the dentist's office. It's nothing like when I was a kid but I still get very anxious when they're about to poke me with that needle. Fussy old man I am. Resistant to change, even if it's a good thing. I like the old cars with carburetors and breaker point ignition. I can FIX those. All these dad burn new fangled sensors and computers and body control modules - I just like a car I can stick a key in it and drive it. If it doesn't start - I can open the hood and hit something with the handle end of a screwdriver and make it work again.

 

It is not that difficult.

1. Connect the Silicon Dust to your network and connect it to an antenna.

2. Test by installing HD Home Run app on your PC or a tablet. It works just like a TV.

3. Install NPVR on a PC. It will find the tunners for you and set everything up.



You started this thread with a question on hacking a satellite TV reciever. How did you expect tp be able to do that?

 

There are plug and play OTA DVRs.


https://www.howtowatch.com/guides/best-dvrs/