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Your PTV unit works by changing the channels
of your cable box, satellite receiver and/or tuner for you. These are your
input sources. Your unit may be able to control multiple input sources
simultaneously, limited by the number of input connections. This means
you could get your channels from antenna, cable, and satellite receiver
at the same time, and the unit will know which channels in the EPG belong
to which input source. "Raw" input support is convenient if you want to record
from any arbitrary input source. Some input sources support direct serial connection.
If this method isn't supported, the unit can talk to the source using an
infrared signal blaster (IR blaster). The serial method is technically
more reliable and faster. Some input sources have UHF-controlled remotes
instead of IR, and might not work with your unit.
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Feature
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ReplayTV
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TiVo
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VCR
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Device control
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IR for all, unidirectional serial data interface for some satellite
receivers.
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IR for all, bidirectional serial data interface for most DSS receivers
(can ensure box is on, verify channel changed sucessfully, etc.)
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No.
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Max number of input sources
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3
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2
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Varies.
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"Raw" input supported
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Yes.
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No, you can fake it, sorta
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Yes.
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Guide integration
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Seamlessly integrated into lineup.
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Seamlessly integrated into lineup.
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No.
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Special channel handling
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Issues with Pay-Per-View.
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Issues with Pay-Per-View, unless you're using a combo unit like DirecTiVo.
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Cannot tune pay stations; must set VCR to 3/4 and feed through
converter/receiver
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