Media HDD for watching youtube and recording from sky plus box

construct06

Right, the following is what I would like in a media player box hdd...., if indeed it is possible!

• wifi so that I can stream internet to my Tv
• A HDD so I can record/copy from my sky plus box and bring away the box to the mobile for the weekend!
• I suppose ability to store/play music would also be useful with a nice interface
• ability to view photos
• ability to play ripped dvds
• ability to play home movies
• full hd
• etc.......you get the jist!

So does such a box exist?

I know all about the ability to record to dvd recorders which I believe is pointless, always hated DVDs....

Help appreciated

Cantona's Collars

All recordings except fta are encrypted on Sky+ so copying to HDD media player to watch later is impossible.

construct06

Ah I know all about the encryption and so on, what I am talking about here is the copy/record function (by playing the programs and recording) such as when recording to a dvd recorder but I want to carry out the same function but with a Media HDD player....

snaps

how about building a cheap multimedia pc? Ive found with media players/HDD's sometimesthey can be tempremental with codecs etc, least with a PC you can do what you want with them?

construct06

Mmmm... I spose im after something relatively simple, i suppose my main requirement is the ability to record, copy off sky box. Also i cant believe this hasnt been discussed more or a sution found as messinwith dvds at this stage is primitive if u ask me....

azzeretti

This can be done fairly easily however it requires taking your Sky box out of the equation a replacing it with an other satellite reciever. One that can do what you want and much, much more. There are many types of boxes so I'll let you google to find your best option. What your looking to do would be simple with another box but almost impossible with a sky box

snaps

look at pixmania.ie for an idea of HDD media players.

construct06

i have googled believe me and im still amazed that there is not a definitive solution to this question.

i am aware of all of those satellite boxes which allow recording etc....but obviously these are not compatible with the sky platform, epg etc....

again, what i am really after is a substitute for what has been available for a long time, ie. the ability to record/copy from a sky plus box. Eg, when VCR's were around, you could copy/record onto them, then when dvd recorders became available, you could copy/record onto them (even I think onto the HDD of some of the combi DVD/HDD), so now Im looking for the modern day equivalent, a HDD to which you can record/copy onto...

now maybe what im looking for isnt readily available. I believe that most recorders do not have hdmi inputs anyway on purpose....

Mr McBoatface

Sky HD boxes use to have component out connections, these could be connected to recorder/capture devices like the Hauppauge HD PVR that interfaced with a PC and allowed recording of sky dirct to a PC harddrive - see this post http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=61941585&postcount=19 Sky dropped the component out due to piracy, people where recording box office events and uploading the recording to the interest etc.

HDMI outputs can be captured/recorded but it ain't cheap, google "Gefen High-Definition Personal Video Recorder". The method above is more reliable by all accounts.

My advise is if you really want all you listed, build a HTPC and record to a USB harddrive, watch recordings on a laptop at your mobile home.

I and many others on this forum use HTPC's for their TV and home entertainment requirements including SKY TV channels.