lets beat starhub

SPLIT SECOND SG

there is a way to beat them: welcome to the world of freeware

U can still watch HD 5, 8 ect. its totally legal and nothing to do with starhub. Here is how to do it. its called HTPC setup and upconversion. Many digital tv stations do this as well

You need

1) Dual core Laptop or PC,

2) Tv tuner card, or USB version ,

3) digital tv reception (note: its normal Sd digital reception, not HDTV. The only difference is the resolution, digital 5, 8 can be received through antenna and its free to air)

4) mainstream LCD HDTV (optional)

download ffdshow and a tv viewing program like progdvb

FFDSHOW:sourceforge.net/projects/ffdshow

progdvb: www.progdvb.com

set up ffdshow and make sure during install u choose the option "do not limit". Install progdvb. when u start progdvb, ffdshow starts automatically

FFdshow's resize features works with progdvb to upconvert the resolution to HD on your PC or Laptop screen. All computer monitors are progressive digital displays. And HD resolutions are the same on the PC or laptop monitor eg. 1280x720 on PC = 720p on HDTV ,1920×1080 on PC = 1080p on HDTV

if u want to go further, u can connect your PC or laptop directly to mainstream HDTV using VGA or HDMI. make sure you have a LCD HDTV which can natively support 1280x720 = 720p ,1920×1080 = 1080p at the correct aspect ratios for the best picture quality possible. Even if the HDTV and resolution output from the PC or laptop are mismatched, they still do work (but with black borders ect) These resolutions can be accessed from your windows desktop display properties and when connected to a HDTV , they will output accordingly

Note to Vista users: U have to turn on microsoft redistributable package in vista"s "windows ON and Off features" in control panel to make use of Progdvb's enhanced video renderer. Enhanced video renderer outputs picture without the annoying black borders

Note to all users: FFDshow does not work in Microsoft media centre edition.Users with Intel GMA graphics cards on their laptop or PC may possible expereince problems with resolution setting when connected to external HDTV or monitor

TerrorOfDeath SG

Good topic but I was epecting more of the "Let's burn their buildings down!" from the topic title >_>

MyPillowTalks SG

means i can watch discovery channel?

SPLIT SECOND SG

means i can watch discovery channel?

the whole setup only works with digital signals. Whiever channel u want to watch have to be digital. And if u are recieving subscription channels (paid channels like ESPN, HBO, Cinemax), means u are using a set top box. And your Tv tuner card/USB must be capable of receiving CABLE DIGITAL and capable of connection to a set top box . Some famous PC tv tuner cards like Hauppage have this features. If u have this type of tv tuner card (which are usually higher priced in retail stores), connect it to the starhub set top box instead of antenna and input to the PC. You will see the picture of Discovery, HBO, Cinemax ect on your laptop or PC monitor or HDTV (whiever is connected to your PC or laptop).

In this case, your Tv tuner card acts as a reciever from the set top box which recieves the paid digital signal.The set top box is the "antenna". The set top box sends the signal to the Tv Tuner card which then sends it to the Computer for output.

MyPillowTalks SG

oh, i thought we can watch w/o the set top box

argh...

SPLIT SECOND SG

oh, i thought we can watch w/o the set top box

argh...

no u cant because discovery, HBO and cinemax are scrambled tv signals. U need to the set top box to unscramble them in order to watch them

This issue has nothing to do with ffdshow, tv tuners or progdvb.

natas666 SG

Or an alternative is to subscribe for a second set top box and u can use the set top box on any other house/apartment. This was u can split the subscription. Starhub set top box is card/box specific and not location specific.

natas666 SG

An alternative is to subscribe for a second set top box and u can use this at a different house/apartment. This way u can split the subscription fees. Starhub settop box is card/box specific and not location. So u can 'share' your starhub subscription with your neighbour or relatives.

SPLIT SECOND SG

let me explain

digital 5 = dvd quality images

HD 5 = Blue ray quality images

Both are digital signals. digital 5 is free to air while HD5 is paid. Both have the same programmes being broadcast at the same time . The only difference is the resolution and u need a HDTV to view HD5.Basically u are paying for the resolution. Your computer outputs to progressive display devices like a PC monitor or HDTV(using the VGA/HDMI). FFDSHOW upconverts the resolution to match the HD5 Res.

Manager433 SG

How much is a pc tv card?

SPLIT SECOND SG

How much is a pc tv card?

$50-$100 + depending on the make and model , brand ect.

caleb_chiang SG

well...i got cable at home liao... so like no use...

Bigdragon966 SG

Starhub's HD5 is free. Just need their HD box to receive. Is it possible to rent their HD box without subscribing their HD programmes? If possible, it is very cheap to view HD programmes at $2 a month.