I just got a HDTV Samsung LNT4071. I've been using Windows Media Center since version 2004. I really like Vista Media Center but I'm trying to found out how to get my local channels in HD and my digital cable box to work at the same time. I found out that a HD receiver will not work with Vista Media Center because of no QAM support. Someone told me that I will need to get a Dual tv tuner to get this to work. One tuner for the digital cable box and the other for the Over the Air (OTA) for the lcoal HD channels. Is there anyway around this or I will need to get HD rabbit ears to get this to work. I'm thinking of going with Charter HD DVR and just using my Vista Media file just for DVD stuff. :-(

 

I am planning to use a USB digital tuner that will allow OTA local HD content to come into my MCE, that along with my other Satellite input should allow for a fairly nice setup.

With two TV tuners, you can:

Watch live TV on one channel and record a show on a different channel

Record two different TV shows that are on two different channels at the same time

Watch a show that you have previously recorded while two shows are recording at the same time, on two different channels

Don't give up yet, and if this will work for you I can explain the setup if it works.

 

There are a number of tuners out there that should be able to handle clear QAM from your digital cable. These are typically the lcoal channels and unencrypted stuff. The other alternative would be to get a system that integrates cablecards and do away with the STB. The cablecard route is the way I have elected to go, and I must say, that I really am very happy. Dell has some very cost effective systems that work well and with dual tuners, I know I am free to record and watch to my hearts desire. Now, if only there were something good on.