Dual DVB-T internal card recommendations

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smac

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#39496 15-Aug-2009 09:48

Thanks to some good advice from this forum I have the rest of my hardware sorted I'm now hunting for a tuner card. I need (ok, want) dual tuner, digital (UHF) only, internal card, and preferably an IR remote that will integrate with the common choices of windows based software (no idea what I'll be using yet).

What's recommended these days for reliability and compatibility? Can be either PCI or PCI-e.

I've hunted and hunted through these forums but most info seems to be early 2008, so looking for an up to date view.

Thanks

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#246871 15-Aug-2009 10:02

Hauppauge HVR-2200

Had mine for over a year and love it. Half height PCIe card (though I use the full height PCI plate that also comes with it). Can do both DVBT and analog, though I only use it for digital. Have played with both the analog and digital and it works fine but I also have PVR-150 so dont need the analog functionality.

Having a quick look at the Hauppauge site the Nova T500 might also suit you if you just want digital. Though looking at Pricespy they seem to be around the same price. About the only other difference I can see is that the T-500 is PCI. So if you have a preference that might sway your decision.

Nety

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#246873 15-Aug-2009 10:05

+1 on the 2200...

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meesham

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#246885 15-Aug-2009 10:33

I have the TD-500 and it works great, but I've heard from others here on the forums that they've had lots of trouble with it. If I was in the market for one again and spend the few extra dollars on the 2200, giving me the option for analogue.

Disrespective

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#246890 15-Aug-2009 10:55

+1 on the 2200 and i happen to have one spare if you end up being interested. It's a year or so old so i'm sure it can be had for a good price if you wanted.

mcraenz

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#246891 15-Aug-2009 10:58

Hvr-2200. Perfect

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smac

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#246897 15-Aug-2009 11:13

Thanks for the quick replies. I'm not overly interested in analog since my TV has a tuner and once prime is on FV there'll be no need for it.

I'm finding conflicting info on the 2200 though - does it have two digital tuners (ie record from two different mux or watch one record one)? Or is it one of the ones where you can only use 1 analog and 1 digital?

Disrespective - do you have the remote? I see a lot of them being sold without it. It's not a 'must' for me - I may chase a bluetooth mouse option yet instead.

The 500 seems to fit the bill, will do some reading on the problems.

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#246901 15-Aug-2009 11:28

It has two tuners (though you knew that). Either tuner can do analog or digital. A tuner can only do one function at one time, but the tuners work independently so you can have one doing digital and one doing analog. Of course you can have them both doing digital or both doing analog as well.

MediaPortal, and I would imagine other mediacenter options, allows you to mix and match to your hearts content. I set it up so that it can pick whichever tuner it wants for whatever function. So long as a tuner is free it will begin recording/watching (analog or digital). MediaPortal also allows me to record/watch multiple channels off the same mux using just one tuner. I have had 3 recordings and 1 channel watched all at the same time.

meesham

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#246903 15-Aug-2009 11:29

If you're worried about a remote I'd just go for one of these: http://www.elive.co.nz/philips-srm5100-mediacentre-remote-p1656.php

It's a rebadged Windows Media Center remote so it just works without any drivers needing to be installed on Windows XP MCE or Vista onwards. So if you're using MediaPortal or Windows 7 MC it'll just work, no messing around.

mcraenz

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#246919 15-Aug-2009 12:21

Yeah just get an mce or other USB remote I wouldn't bother with a remote that plugs into the actual tv card. You just can't go wrong with an hvr2200

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smac

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#246924 15-Aug-2009 12:27

I actually already have a Harmony driving my TV, amp, Squeezebox etc, just thought I might need something to 'teach' the Harmony with.
I won't really know until I decide on software etc (never played with any media software before really) but I'm actually thinking of heading toward a bluetooth mouse or similar anyway cause all the AV gear is behind the couch and pointing over my shoulder is kinda annoying :)

Regs

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#246929 15-Aug-2009 12:38

smac: just thought I might need something to 'teach' the Harmony with.

the harmony i have just downloads the MCE remote commands from the internet. you still need an IR Receiver though, which you will only get with a MCE Remote package (or built in to your case if you spend some $$ there)

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smac

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#246931 15-Aug-2009 12:46

Or any aftermarket IR receiver.....?

I was going to build another case myself, but then I got tired and old all of a sudden so grabbed an Antec 2480(B). VERY happy with it.

Deev8

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#246934 15-Aug-2009 12:53

As far as the tuner goes, another vote for Hauppauge HVR-2200 from me. I've been very happy with mine. I use the Hauppauge MCE remote and receiver.

smac: I'm finding conflicting info on the 2200 though - does it have two digital tuners (ie record from two different mux or watch one record one)? Or is it one of the ones where you can only use 1 analog and 1 digital?

The card has two tuners, each tuner can be used for digital or analogue. So you can record two digital muxes simultaneously, or record two analogue channels simultaneously, or record one analogue channel and one digital mux simultaneously.

duckquack

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#246970 15-Aug-2009 15:50

+ 1 for Hvr-2200. I also use the supplied remote and it works fine. Very similar to MS Remote anyway. You do need to plug in the supplied cable that attaches to the IR sensor. I just taped the sensor to my TV stand and you can't even see it.

It might be worth thinking about how you are going to get EPG data, because DVB-T only gives you now and next. I just use my DVB-S card to download it from the satellite, but other options exist to get this info.

Good luck.

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smac

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#246981 15-Aug-2009 16:34

Yep haven't looked into the EPG yet. Not overly worried about it, as I don't have it now, so anything would be a bonus. No satellite hooked up and no intention of getting one.

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