Anybody out there recommend PC tuner card Freeview (T)?

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › Anybody out there recommend PC tuner card Freeview (T)?

kiwipawl

273 posts

Ultimate Geek

#43579 21-Oct-2009 13:02

Hi All

I am buying a new PC and want to be able to view and record Freeview (T) on it.

I need a dual tuner, epg support and wake up to record capibilities.

I have done a search on the forum, but I couldn't find any current recommedations.

Any sugeestions?

Thanks Paul.

Buttonmash

361 posts

Ultimate Geek

#265648 21-Oct-2009 13:42

I just bought a Hauppage Nova T-500 and it's working a treat. Recording two TV channels at the same time without hassle. CPU usage around 20%.

Plenty left to play a 1080P MKV or Blu-ray at the same time.

I can't comment on the wake up to record as it's going to be on 24/7. And for EPG support I'm using XMLTV with MediaPortal so the MHEG5 support is a little unnecessary.

http://xmltv.co.nz/

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sbiddle

30853 posts

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#265770 21-Oct-2009 19:40

Best options are a HVR2200 or a Nova T 500. The newer Nova TD 500's seem to be causing some issues based on feedback people have posted on here.

Your next decision is what software you are going to run. You can use Windows 7 MCE with a small amount of work to incorporate EPG support or you can use GB-PVR, Media Portal or DVBViewer under Vista or Windows 7 (I'm not sure if Media Portal is yet working 100% under Win7 though).

If you use any of these applications under Vista you will also need to obtain Power DVD 8 or 9 to use the H.264 codec that's included in it.

You will also need to set up a downloadable EPG no matter what option you choose - none have built in support for the MHEG5 EPG that is transmitted by Freeview|HD.

Buttonmash

361 posts

Ultimate Geek

#265911 22-Oct-2009 06:54

Just took another look. While I ordered a T 500 I received a TD 500. I'm using it without any trouble.

kiwipawl

273 posts

Ultimate Geek

#265996 22-Oct-2009 10:54

I am looking at running on XP with a Sapphire HD4670 1G PCI_E video card are the following options be affected by running it with XP?

Best options are a HVR2200 or a Nova T 500. The newer Nova TD 500's seem to be causing some issues based on feedback people have posted on here.

Your next decision is what software you are going to run. You can use Windows 7 MCE with a small amount of work to incorporate EPG support or you can use GB-PVR, Media Portal or DVBViewer under Vista or Windows 7 (I'm not sure if Media Portal is yet working 100% under Win7 though).

If you use any of these applications under Vista you will also need to obtain Power DVD 8 or 9 to use the H.264 codec that's included in it.

You will also need to set up a downloadable EPG no matter what option you choose - none have built in support for the MHEG5 EPG that is transmitted by Freeview|HD.