Since I am looking to capture recordings from my STB, I clicked the Capture tab which brought up the Capture Module. Although Showbiz has a different look then Total Media Extreme the functionality is nearly identical. Once I sorted out that little problem and realized that ShowBiz replaced Total Media Extreme I was in business. The first mistake I made is I didn’t realize that I couldn’t use the Total Media Extreme software that I still had installed on my HTPC for use with the HD PVR, so launching that software actually froze my PC. I would have liked using the HDMI input but unfortunately my STB does not support unencrypted HDMI. I connected the Colossus to my STB using component cables (YPbPr) for video and Optical for audio (needed for 5.1 unless you are using HDMI). With the Colossus now installed it is time to pull some recorded content off my STB. Once installed the Colossus was recognized with no issues. Using the included CD I decided to install both the drivers and the included software (WinTV and Showbiz). Setting up the Colossus on my HTPC was fairly straightforward. Here is a picture with the A/V cable adapter connected Here is a picture from the rear of the HTPC with the Colossus installed. As you can see it is the same height as the full sized Graphics card behind it, and slightly shorter. Looking at the Colossus there is an HDMI Input (will only work with un-encrypted HDMI video sources), A/V Input, A/V Output, Optical Input, Optical Output, and IR Blaster Outputīelow is a picture of the Colussus installed in my HTPC (The green board). Included is a Colossus PCI Express full height board, Hauppauge remote control, A/V cable adapters (two sets supplied), Component video cable set, IR blaster/receiver cable, Installation software on CD: WinTV v7 and Arcsoft ShowBiz application, and Quick Installation Guide. The Colossus came with nearly the same compliment of cables and accessories as the HD PVR. Handbrake (optional, used for video encoding).MKVMerge(optional, used for video encoding, will explain why this was needed).tsMuxeR(optional, used for video encoding, will explain why this was needed).Hauppauge Colossus along with included Showbiz software.Set Top Box (Scientific Atlantic 8300HD).Check out Andrew Van Till’s (also known as babgvant is some of the darker corners of the world) excellent review of the Colossus over on Anandtech for more insight on using as a TV Tuner (I believe currently the Colossus only works with SageTV and Media Portal 1.2 as front ends). However, my cable box connects to my TV via component cables as well, so to use the Colossus I have to manually switch the cables (introducing a component switch would really be unnecessary for my setup). To connect the Colossus to my set top box requires connecting the two together via component cables. I won’t be looking at using the Colossus as a capture card for recording live TV (such as integrating with SageTV) because my setup at home doesn’t really allow for it. Today I will take a look at the Colossus to see if the experience is the same as when I was using the HD PVR for pulling recorded content off my set top box. The Colossus I could tuck away in my HTPC and not even know it was there, as well as freeing up a power outlet on my power conditioner. The main reason for me was since the HD PVR was an external device it took up space in my AV cabinet and required an external power source. I decided to upgrade to the Colossus and sell my HD PVR on eBay (so I was able to break even). The main difference between the two is that the HD PVR is an external USB connected device whereas the Colossus is a single slot PCIe card meant to be installed inside a PC. Since then, the Hauppauge Colossus has been released. Back in December I wrote an article about pulling recorded content off a set top box using the Hauppauge HD PVR.
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