Who is stocking decent DVB-T PCI(E) cards these days?

Forums › Home Theatre (incl HTPC) › Who is stocking decent DVB-T PCI(E) cards these days?

Antzzz

181 posts

Master Geek

# 177505 4-Aug-2015 22:17

So the 8 year old Hauppauge DVB-T card I have seems to be slowly getting more and more unreliable. So thinking it is time for a new one - but it has been so long I've lost track of what cards are good these days. And it seems very few retailers are stocking DVB cards now.

Does anyone have any recommendations on a good card and where to source it from?

JWR

761 posts

Ultimate Geek

# 1359041 5-Aug-2015 00:41

One person supports this post

I would suggest this as an alternative to a PC card...

https://nicegear.co.nz/htpc/silicondust-hdhomerun-connect/

View TV on many devices.. linked by Ethernet.

A PC interior isn't a great environment for a TV tuner.

sbiddle

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Biddle Corp

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# 1359072 5-Aug-2015 08:22

Physical cards are so last year and very limiting - buy an Ethernet based tuner such as a HD Homerun.

geekiegeek

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# 1359091 5-Aug-2015 08:53

I was in the same position a few weeks back when my PCI card died. Couldn't find anything in the way of a replacement so ended up with an HDHomeRun and couldn't be happier. This thing just works.

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Spoonguard

15 posts

Geek

# 1385325 11-Sep-2015 01:42

What if Ethernet isn't an option?

B1GGLZ

1953 posts

Uber Geek

# 1385393 11-Sep-2015 09:09

I have similar problems. My HVR2200 still functions OK but the Hauppage software is increasingly more unreliable. Took me about a whole day to get it all working again after a sofware update a few months back killed the whole setup. Had to reinstall a couple of times and now still using older version of software so it doesn't die again. Maybe I'll try updating to latest version when I have a few days spare to troubleshoot any problems. It seems HDHomerun or similar is the way to go these days.

reven

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# 1385399 11-Sep-2015 09:17

I'm happy with my TBS dual tuner DVB-T2, however I do sometimes run out of tuners with just the two, so I would get a quad one next time.

sidefx

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# 1385402 11-Sep-2015 09:18

Spoonguard: What if Ethernet isn't an option?

Why not? There are alternatives to running a physical ethernet cable if that's the issue.

(Agree with suggestions above - HD homerun or similar device is the way to go)

reven

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# 1385404 11-Sep-2015 09:21

sidefx:
Spoonguard: What if Ethernet isn't an option?

Why not? There are alternatives to running a physical ethernet cable if that's the issue.

(Agree with suggestions above - HD homerun or similar device is the way to go)

disagree. If you have a all in one HTPC box, having a external tuner which means more wires + additional power source is a PITA.

the hdhomerun is a great device and can be a great option, but the op wants an PCIe card and there's nothing wrong with that option.

elkano

160 posts

Master Geek

# 1385725 11-Sep-2015 15:13

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Digital Devices (Germany) have very good products. I have got a couple of dual DVB-S cards from them that work really well- albeit expensive.

Another option is the TBS MOI+, along with one of the TBS tuner DVB-T cards. This also gives you the benefit of being able to remove the card and use it inside the PC if you require (best of both worlds).
I can't vouch for the TBS MOI+ or their TV tuner cards, but it seems like a good idea if you want TV tuners on the Ethernet as you can swap cards depending on your needs (DVB-S, DVB-T, DVB-C etc).

eXDee

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# 1385735 11-Sep-2015 15:34

Back in the day Blackgold was an alternative to hauppauge, esp if you wanted multiple tuners.

browned

635 posts

Ultimate Geek

# 1385795 11-Sep-2015 16:53

Avermedia Twinstar dual tuner worked great for me. Have one sitting in recently retired pc at home. Only about $150 retail if you can track one down.

http://pricespy.co.nz/product.php?p=456589

Home Server: AMD Threadripper 1950X, 64GB, 56TB HDD, HP Smart Array P420, Define R6 Case, 10GbE, ESXi 6.7, NextPVR, Emby Server, Plex Server, 2 x HDHomerun.
Lounge Media Center: NVIDIA Shield TV 16GB: Kodi18 with Titan MOD, Emby, NextPVR, 250GB SSD.
Kids Media Center: NVIDIA Shield TV 16GB: Kodi18 with Titan MOD, Emby, NextPVR, 120GB SSD
Main PC: Ryzen 7 2700, 16GB RAM, RX 570, 2 x 24"

floydie

468 posts

Ultimate Geek

# 1386319 12-Sep-2015 18:59

i put an avermedia twinstar in my mums HTPC when she ditched sky...works well...may have to buy another soon by the sounds of it for my PC

waldoverkill

69 posts

Master Geek

# 1387253 14-Sep-2015 15:03

I have two dual DVBT from these guys and they work great.

http://www.digitalnow.com.au/

Spoonguard

15 posts

Geek

# 1387318 14-Sep-2015 17:15

waldoverkill: I have two dual DVBT from these guys and they work great.

http://www.digitalnow.com.au/

Do these only support Windows?