Bad tuner, or bad purchase? DVB-T stick

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › Bad tuner, or bad purchase? DVB-T stick

macuser

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#175269 23-Jun-2015 14:16

Just received a DVB-T stick from Ebay

Doesn't seem to pick up any channels in NZ, not sure if it's DOA or I just bought a tuner incompatible with Freeview?

Any tips?

Here is the tuner

http://www.ebay.com/itm/331510419948?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Thanks!

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Vocus

#1329915 23-Jun-2015 14:17

Had the same problem. I'm not sure if these work properly on 64-bit windows, I figured that was the reason, but if someone has a solution I'd love to know :)

macuser

2120 posts

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#1329922 23-Jun-2015 14:32

I've got a feeling is actually because we require DVB-T2 tuner for Freeview HD

UPDATE: Yea I'm wrong, freeview is DVB-T

geocom

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#1329924 23-Jun-2015 14:39

It says it is a SDR module so in theory you should be able to download gqrx and you should be able to tune it into radio channels so it should allow you to see if it is DOA or an issue with the software that your using.

EDIT: Link http://gqrx.dk

Geoff E

Lias

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#1329933 23-Jun-2015 14:48

Are you using the supplied tiny aerial or a proper roof mounted freeview aerial?

Unless you live in a super coverage area you wont pickup jack with the one that comes with it.

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B1GGLZ

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#1329945 23-Jun-2015 14:55

You've probably bought a tuner that's incompatible with our NZ DVB-T broadcasting standard.

wellygary

8312 posts

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#1329953 23-Jun-2015 15:00

B1GGLZ: You've probably bought a tuner that's incompatible with our NZ DVB-T broadcasting standard.

+1,

Given it came out of the States (ebay) unless it specifically states it does DVB-T tuning, I would presume its ATSC and not compatible.....

ubergeeknz

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Vocus

#1329968 23-Jun-2015 15:06

No, they're DVB-T for sure. I have the same stick. These don't work in the US.

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macuser

2120 posts

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#1329971 23-Jun-2015 15:10

SDR works (well I get static and a signal)

Tried with house aerial and I picked up AM radio using SDR software...so tuner works

Maybe I'll try it in all the different (USB) holes

richms

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#1329972 23-Jun-2015 15:11

There are several tuners used on these. But they all the cheapies have the same USB ID's, so the automatically installing driver will not work with the tuner. It will show as a device and the scan will take forever, but not actually get anything since its not actually tuning any hardware.

You can verify the hardware is fine by installing sdrsharp and changing to its drivers and see if it can tune into FM radio etc with that. If it does then no hardware issues and just drivers. Usually the bundled disc has many varients on it, so try them all.

Richard rich.ms

Oblivian

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#1329975 23-Jun-2015 15:15

External antenna is needed as stated.

We have one at work for a play. Didn't work from the desk, but does with external. I had to run Media Centre or MythTV to talk to it and scan channels, or other 'nix software

They are a raw signal receiver, so the software does the decoding. Couldn't get VLC working as it was meant to.

macuser

2120 posts

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#1330002 23-Jun-2015 15:37

With Windows 8.1 64 bit I just get no channels. Such a pain

richms

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#1330016 23-Jun-2015 15:58

What drivers are you using tho? I dont even know if the supplied ones are signed so may or may not work on 8.1 without all that dicking around making unsigned stuff work.

Richard rich.ms

macuser

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#1330030 23-Jun-2015 16:15

Working under windows 7! Looks like it was more an issue with my PC.

I'm going to try install it on a pretty baron install of Windows 8.1 tonight and see how I get on, it might have just been a weird compatibility error holding it up

ubergeeknz

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Vocus

#1330032 23-Jun-2015 16:18

32 or 64 bit? What software did you use?

macuser

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#1330039 23-Jun-2015 16:26

ubergeeknz: 32 or 64 bit? What software did you use?

Ahh it's a 32Bit install, so perhaps you are right about no fun with 64bit.

Just used drivers included on the disk I received with it

Not keen to use this if I'm stuck on 32bit!!

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