I'm sure this has been asked many times b/f but there seems to often be a lot of what if's and extraneous information so I thought I would ask again, in maybe a more simplified manner.

So through my digital cable box I dove into more of the technical menus to figure out what is digital or analog and also what channels are encrypted or decrypted.

Do I understand correctly that on the analog, non digital channels (ch 1-99), the Hauppauge 150 (I have one), 250, and 500 will capture these channels?

Secondly, for the digital (QAM 64 and 256) but unencrypted channels, will an HD Homerun will capture all of these? However, is it also correct that the HD HR will NOT capture the analog channels?

If this is the case and I want the ability to either be able to capture 2 analog channels will I either need to get a second Hauppauge single tuner card or sell my current one to get a dual tuner card?

Another question I have is in regards to how the HD HR connects to the PC. Is it correct that it connects through the NIC? If this is the case and I also need an internet connection going to the HTPC, then I need to purchase a motherboard with two NIC connections?

Yes

Yes
Correct

Yes - though you're not limited to a Hauppauge card for second tuner.

Yes
You could do that or just put in a hub/switch and connect the HDHR, Myth box and ethernet feed to the switch.

Thank you very much psi.

If you cable provider is Connca$t, you will eventually lose your analog feed, except for basic cable channels.

I currently have Charter. I've been told that they are a small division of Comca$t but have never been able to confirm this. Why do you believe I will end up losing analog? Do they have plans in the near future to go all digital?

They are converting subscribers to digital one market at a time. Yes that means you need a STB to receive anything beyond basic. Keeping basic analog was in fact a concession that was not part of the original all-digital plan. Chicago was first, and Chicago suburbs are next, then other areas. Its not a rumor, its been publicly announced and already done in Chicago.