Set Top Box with direct MPEG2 TS input

[markaren1]

Hi All,

Just wondering if there are any MPEG2 decoder boxes on the market that have provision for direct MPEG2 TS input ?

Many years ago I saw some boxes populated with a DB25, that accepted parallel TS in (same standard used by Tektronix for their old real time TS analyser ?). These were prototype sets, so may have been modified for development.

I have seen newer boxes with PCB room for a 2x13 IDC header (but unpopulated), in about the correct place near the decoder IC for the purpose. The product also requires appropriate firmware.

Any idea if any of the open source projects support this feature - and if so, on what hardware platform ?

Thanks,

Mark

[Rubberfingers]

The Dutch DATV group modified a Humax receiver to input a parallel TS. If I remember correctly, they still had to provide a satellite signal as well to fool the box software. I think it should be possible to use the CAM slot of a set top box or even a Digital TV to take a TS input.

Link to the Dutch project;

http://www.humax-zone.net/forum_url/history.html

[markaren1]

Thank you for your replies.

Aime: can you provide specific manufacturer and model number for a unit costing less than $200 please.

Thanks, Mark

[F4HDK]

I answer 1 year later to this old post... sorry.

There are several Linux Set-Top Boxes that accept additionnal tuner-boards. The tuner board directly send a transport stream (parallel) to the main board.
For example, I already found several brands of Linux Set Top Boxes that have modular tuner boards :
* Models that seems to be connected via HE10 connectors:
- Xtrend
- VU+
* Models that seems to be connected via PCI or PCI-E connectors (but not used as PCI interface, it's a proprietary interface):
- Dreambox
- Gigablue

I think that it could be easier to "play" with such decoders.
I will probably buy one of these, and experiment several things with it.

Guillaume - F4HDK

[G8ADM]

I have an Alteia professional decoder 19" rack mount, with serial TS input.
You may have this for free if you care to collect it.
Location: Harrow, London.

Where are you?

Dave.

[F4HDK]

Hello!

I am currently playing with a "Dreambox".

I soldered an external connector, that can interface the NIM (tuner+demod).
This connector gives access to I2C (SDA/SCL) and Transport Stream (D0-D7, CLK, Sync, Error, Valid).

Currently, I use it as an output, especially to understand how the I2C dialog works, and also transport stream. But I believe that this could also work as a TS input to the Dreambox, if remove the tuner board. I will test that later.

mod_Dreambox_1.jpg (194.48 KiB) Viewed 6439 times

mod_Dreambox_2.jpg (186.36 KiB) Viewed 6439 times

mod_Dreambox_3.jpg (168.96 KiB) Viewed 6439 times

I will keep you informed.

Guillaume - F4HDK.