Using a Video Capture Device

[Shanajamchi 0]

Hi all, I am trying to get live TV by using a Video Capture Card and routing the signal from the HDMI Out port on the Cable Box to the HDMI In on the Capture Card and then to the computer via a USB 3.0 cable. The problem is that the Emby server software is not detecting the TV signal from the Capture Card. When I select "other" I can't connect to the capture card.  Am I trying to do something that is not possible?

The computer is a windows 10, 8 core processor with 32 GB of memory. 

Any help would be great.  Thanks in advance.

 

[Abobader 3464]

Hello Shanajamchi,

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Please wait for someone from staff support or our members to reply to you.

It's recommended to provide more info, as it explain in this thread:

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Emby Team

[Michael1952 1]

Hi Everyone, I asked this question somehow I was in my daughters account and didn't know it. I am not sure what other information I might give you to further explain the problem. If you need to ask me questions I will answer them as clearly as I can. Thanks,  Michael

[Mibok 158]

There is a difference between capture card and TV Tunner, the capture card only records the incoming image while the TV tunner is able to changing the channel, so even if you can somehow make the capture card show on Emyb you still have the problem of how you will switch channels.

On the other side, capturing video signal from hdmi having a cable tv box or a Bluray player isn't possbile (look for info on HDCP) due the copy protection of hdmi, and get rid of that content protection isn't easy neither legal, so you will not find that info in this forum. They are some devices like the "Hauppauge 1512 HD-PVR" that have an IR blaster and HDMI input, is possible to set that device as a TV tunner, but most likely you will still have the content protection problem.

Edited March 3, 2021 by Mibok

[Sammy 790]

Get an HDHomeRun Prime or two if you're in the US. 

 

Another option is to use ChannelsDVR to feed an m3u tuner from TVE to Emby.

@cayars can assist with that. 

[Carlo 4561]

An HDHomeRun Prime would be my first choice if you can get one.
You would also want to check with your cable company to make sure you can get a cable card from them which is needed.

[Michael1952 1]

9 hours ago, Mibok said:

There is a difference between capture card and TV Tunner, the capture card only records the incoming image while the TV tunner is able to changing the channel, so even if you can somehow make the capture card show on Emyb you still have the problem of how you will switch channels.

On the other side, capturing video signal from hdmi having a cable tv box or a Bluray player isn't possbile (look for info on HDCP) due the copy protection of hdmi, and get rid of that content protection isn't easy neither legal, so you will not find that info in this forum. They are some devices like the "Hauppauge 1512 HD-PVR" that have an IR blaster and HDMI input, is possible to set that device as a TV tunner, but most likely you will still have the content protection problem.

Thanks for the input guys I do appreciate it. Mibok. I am aware of the difference between a tuner and capture card. I don't, although, see how it is a violation of the copyright law when all I am doing is capturing the signal just as I would if I was sending the signal to a TV. As far as changing the channel I would use the Programable Remote, (Logitech Harmony), that I would use to change the channel on a TV. All I need to do is get the Emby software to be aware of the signal. I am although aware that this may not be possible as things stand with the software as it is now. It seems to me that it would be easy to do though. Am I wrong in my thought process?

Sammy and Cayars, I checked on the cost (on amazon) for the HDHomeRun Prime 6 and it is substantially more for the HDHomeRun Prime ($100 - $200) than for a simple capture card which is only about 35 -50 bucks and would come closer to meeting my cable service regs than a different tuner all together. At least to my thinking. Again is my thought process wrong here? Thanks again for your input!

[Michael1952 1]

Guys I just set up OBS Studio and I am able to capture the signal from the card in OBS. Wouldn't it be the same type of operation in Emby? Just sayin". I also wanted to tell you that I am using the other category to try to connect the card. What is the use of this category ?

Edited March 3, 2021 by Michael1952

[Sammy 790]

The dual CableCARD HDHomeRun Prime 6 was made in very limited production. Get two Prime 3's..

https://shop.silicondust.com/shop/product/hdhomerun-prime-pn-hdhr3-cc-2/

For $100 more than a simple capture card you'll save way over $100 in frustration. I'm not saying it can't be done, but why complicate things when the solution is already there?

[Michael1952 1]

Hi Sammy, the problem I have is getting my cable company, (Spectrum), to agree to let me use a different tuner much less two. I am sorry I don't get it. The tuner I have is probably doing the same thing a HDHomeRun Prime would do.

 

Edited March 3, 2021 by Michael1952

[Sammy 790]

I have Spectrum and have been using two Primes at now three,  going on 4, homes with them for 10 years now. It is not an issue. You do have to be persistent though.

 

https://www.spectrum.net/support/tv/about-cablecards/

Edited March 3, 2021 by Sammy

[Michael1952 1]

Sammy, OK, what is the purpose of the two tuners? Can you explain how this process works?

[Sammy 790]

Each Prime has 3 tuners. My Recording Schedule sometimes requires more than three tuners at a time so I have two Primes for a total of 6 tuners.

Think of this..

If you're paying $7 a month for each STB and Spectrum's bogus $19.99 DVR tax for a DVR without a whole home solution, you will save a ton of money over the course of a year.

Let's say you only have one STB and subscribe to the DVR Service. You're spending $27 a month for only TWO tuners. If you can get buy with only three tuners, you can get just one Prime and save $25 ($27-$2 CableCARD fee) a MONTH. That's $300 a year. The Prime pays for itself in  less than 6 months and you have control over your recordings.

One Caveat is going to be whether Spectrum marks a lot of content with DRM in your service area. In mine, very few channels are marked with DRM and I don't subscribe to any of the movie channels like HBO, Cinemax, Starz or Showtime (that's what Emby is for ) as most, but not all, of these channels have DRM. Unfortunately, getting the list of DRM channels in advance is not an easy task. This will depend on what you like to watch or record from your CableTV Subscription.

[Sammy 790]

An example of when six tuners are necessary:

 

Six programs overlapping at 9pm..

[Sammy 790]

Here's another..

[Sammy 790]

Instructions here:

https://support.emby.media/support/solutions/articles/44001848794-hdhomerun-setup

[clarkss12 304]

Unless I am mistaken, You can use VLC to create a stream that OBS Studio uses, then use that stream to feed Emby.  But it would take the expertise of Cayars to demonstrate on how to integrate it.......

[Michael1952 1]

Thanks for the info Sammy I think I would only need One HDHomeRun Prime 3 as I don't record more than one program at a time and I don't subscribe to any Premium channels either. I under stand the math on the cable charges but it is the initial outlay of funds that I have a problem with. And I already have the capture card,  As far as the DVR service what are the PVR plugins for if not to record programs broadcast by Emby. I'm a bit foggy there. Thanks clarkss12 for your input too. I am going to checkout VLC now and see if I cant get the card set up with that. I do appreciate all of the help guys.

[Carlo 4561]

1 minute ago, clarkss12 said:

Unless I am mistaken, You can use VLC to create a stream that OBS Studio uses, then use that stream to feed Emby.  But it would take the expertise of Cayars to demonstrate on how to integrate it.......

Except that he wouldn't do this because it would never be reliable long term (been there done that) and the Prime is the way to go.

The Prime 6 never materialized and was finally cancelled when the FCC removed the mandate that cable companies had to provide Cable Cards to customers.
But the original Prime (with 3 tuners) is still available usually refurbished (that is fine) or used and these devices just work. Silicon Dust actually just recently did a run of these when they came across chips needed to build them.

You don't need two of these devices unless you plan on doing a lot of recording.  Each Prime has 3 tuners built in so that means Emby would be able to tune in any 3 channels for recording or watching.  Emby can share the tuned in channel as well so for example if you had 3 TV watching Fox News in the house at the same time only 1 tuner would be needed.

Depending on your area your coverage you could also possible go for something like a HDHomeRun Quatro which is an over the air 4 tuner network device.

I use combinations of both Quatro and Prime.  So all my local channels like (ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, Fox, etc) get recorded OTA and the Prime only gets used for channels not available OTA like CNN, Fox News, Hallmark, etc

But a single Prime if you already have cable is a great way to start and often is cheaper long run.  For example I got rid of 3 cable boxes ($10 each) plus the HD Fee (only charged when using Cable Boxes with my provider) so that's $40 plus tax and fees or roughly $50 saved each month.  Every couple of months I could purchase another Prime as still be breakeven.

[Michael1952 1]

Thanks Cayars, so I guess what you are saying is that I CAN'T use my capture card and have to purchase the HDHomeRun Prime to use live TV with Emby?

[Carlo 4561]

I would say it a different way.  I'd put it like this.  Getting a Prime is going to make your life a lot easier and should just WORK and give you 3 tuners.

With a capture board you have a lot of setup to get them to work and also need additional hardware to emulate a remote in order to change the channel on the STB.  You also still have the cost of the STB itself which is likely more per year in rental fees then the cost of the Prime tuner purchased outright.

So it really doesn't make sense to try and fudge a capture board into working.  It's just not a good choice.

[Michael1952 1]

OK Guys I just got off the phone with Spectrum and I will be able to use a HDHomeRun Prime with a cable card which will cost me $2.75 a month. I will save about 30 Bucks a month on cable box rental so I see where I have an advantage with the HDHomeRun Prime and capture card. With the cost of the cable card (if I can return it to Amazon) my additional cost will be about 50 bucks. I can maybe afford to do that next month. (I am on SSI and funds are limited for initial cost). Thanks for workin' me through this so my pea brain can comprehend the whys and wherefores., M.

Edited March 3, 2021 by Michael1952

[Carlo 4561]

What OS are you currently running Emby on at present?

[Michael1952 1]

I'm using windows 10 right now but may be switching to Ubuntu 20.10 soon.

I also have some questions about the HDHomeRun Prime device and DVR service when i get my thoughts together so I may be asking some more questions about that.

[Michael1952 1]

I have a new (used) computer arriving today that I plan to use as a dedicated Emby server. I haven't decided on the final OS for that machine is yet. So you see I have some substantial outlay of moneys for the Emby service I am setting up. That's why I am cutting cost where ever I can.

Edited March 3, 2021 by Michael1952