Looks like its real and Media Center Compatible

Lets hope that something similar is being worked on for Sky Digital viewers in the UK and Ireland

 

Tony

If someone could find out what that ethernet port is for, I'd be quite grateful. The only thing that could make this sweeter is networked tuning support (and confirmed VOD/PPV). Output is only listed as USB, though, so I suppose I shouldn't get my hopes up too far.

EDIT: I was looking at it again... there are two USB ports on there. What's the story with those, too?

How would this work with authorisation what channels you get ?

For Sky in the UK you have a card that slots into the decoder, but I don't see a slot on the DirectTV box? Or would they do the authorisation over the internet like with the CableCard boxes ?

Ben.

erwos:

If someone could find out what that ethernet port is for, I'd be quite grateful. The only thing that could make this sweeter is networked tuning support (and confirmed VOD/PPV). Output is only listed as USB, though, so I suppose I shouldn't get my hopes up too far.

EDIT: I was looking at it again... there are two USB ports on there. What's the story with those, too?

One is a USB "A" plug, which is typically used for an incoming USB connection, while the other is a USB "B" plug, normally for an outgoing USB connection. I would assume the USB "B" is for connecting the tuner straight to a Media Center computer.

The ethernet and USB "A" plug are a little more tricky. If I had to guess (and this is only a GUESS), I would say it's for networked tuning support similar to an HDHomerun; the ethenet port for wired access, obviously, and the USB port for an add-on wireless device. Remember, most people that currently have DirecTV have the cables running from the dish to their living room or bedrooms, not to their home office. For someone who will have their Media Center computer in the living room connected directly to the TV, they will simply connect the HDPC-20 via USB. For those that want to have the computer in the office and use an Extender, they will be able to place the HDPC-20 behind the TV in the living room using the existing DirecTV cabling and then connect it to their home network for the home office PC to control. I use a similar setup with my HDHomerun and cable (clear QAM)currently.

Yogi

oxben:

How would this work with authorisation what channels you get ?

For Sky in the UK you have a card that slots into the decoder, but I don't see a slot on the DirectTV box? Or would they do the authorisation over the internet like with the CableCard boxes ?

Ben.

There's a flip down panel on the front of the box, under the 4 blue lights.  If you view the picture full size, you'll see it.

I sure hope so. But i'll bet its not going to be cheap and it will be a subscription service. I reckon it will be based on the same business model as the current Sky+/HD service and tightly integrated DRM.

Open platform usage could be huge for those of us using sagetv for dvd streaming. I saw chris's announcement about dvd streaming but who knows when it will come.

Roy Salisbury:

If you read into the wording on the flyer (and we all know we like to do that since we have no other real information), then these devices will not just be for MCE, but for XBox 360's and possible other PC based PVR software to access. 

I think there's some confusion on that point.  If you look at the bottom of the brochure in the back side picture, you'll see "Requires a Media Center computer running Microsoft Windows Vista".  Any XBox 360 connectivity would be as a MCE Extender.

dont directv STBs use ethernet to call home to authorize PPV and other things like that?  they dont have two way communication over satellite.  i would imagine that the tuner could possibly communication with directv via its USB connection to the PC; however, maybe directv wanted to make the unit capable of authorizing itself (keeping all this within the tuner probably reduces chance of someone hacking it).  just a guess though.

bbimber:

dont directv STBs use ethernet to call home to authorize PPV and other things like that?  they dont have two way communication over satellite.  i would imagine that the tuner could possibly communication with directv via its USB connection to the PC; however, maybe directv wanted to make the unit capable of authorizing itself (keeping all this within the tuner probably reduces chance of someone hacking it).  just a guess though.

Another very good possibility.

Something else that makes me think (hope) it is for network tuning is the fact that the original OCUR test devices had ethernet tuning capabilities. It was even mentioned in the AnandTech review that it would be removed in the first models to be added back in at a later time. That hasn't happened yet on the digital cable tuners, but they run into less of a problem with coax coming into the house. Many homes have cable coax outlets in every room already. DirecTV typically runs straight from the dish to the device, and currently that device is in the living room for the great majority of DirecTV subscribers.

You can see a picture of the OCUR with ethernet and mention of network tuning here:

http://www.anandtech.com/tradeshows/showdoc.aspx?i=2662&p=2

Yogi

Ian or Jess..

Would the 360 require a codec update in order to play Directv content?

I would definitely agree that yanking the network support from OCURs was one of the mis-steps that the CableCard initiative had. If they can get it back on the DirecTV tuners, it would definitely be awesome. Certainly, all the parties involved have had time to see the tremendous success that the HDHomeRun has had with this method (IMHO, it is the most preferable method, given that most Media Center enthusiasts have good home networking skills).

Some competition might also force CableLabs' hand in opening up CableCard some more. Good times ahead, I'm thinking!

bbimber:

dont directv STBs use ethernet to call home to authorize PPV and other things like that?  they dont have two way communication over satellite.  i would imagine that the tuner could possibly communication with directv via its USB connection to the PC; however, maybe directv wanted to make the unit capable of authorizing itself (keeping all this within the tuner probably reduces chance of someone hacking it).  just a guess though.

DTV HD DVR's use Ethernet for Video on Demand. I think they can also be used instead of the phone line for "calling home" and PPV ordering.

CaMs:

Ian or Jess..

Would the 360 require a codec update in order to play Directv content?

Not Ian or Jess, but all of DIRECTV's new HD is H.264 which of course is not supported via the Xbox 360 Extender.  The Xbox 360 would have to get a codec upgrade for H.264 to play the content.  You can assume safety that it will be getting one.