HVR 1700 , Freeview HD
After trying 2 different STBs and having no luck I am giving building a HTPC a go.
Wanted a tuner with Hardware Encoder for the Analog channels.
Only need DVT-T
I was going to use a HVR-2200 but at $185 vs $100 I didn't really need the extra tuner :)
Usually watch recorded anyway so no need for dual.
Dropped into the Computer Lounge on the way home
Unfortunatly they had no suitable remotes.
Not sure what to get. Guess it will depend on what GUI I go with.
Had one of these spare in the office so I grabbed it for the test.
http://www.keenzo.com/showproduct.asp?ID=3657137
2.66Ghz E8200, 1Gb
XP Pro SP3, Latest updates as of 27Jan2009
Onboard Video? Oh noes.
Chipset Type: Intel Q35 Express, GMA 3100 DVMT 4.0
http://www.intel.com/technology/graphics/gma.htm?iid=tech_graphics+gma
Hopefully the cpu can pickup the slack.
No issues with the LCD TV.
Supported 1360 x 768 60hz just fine.
Connected via DB15 VGA
Fortunatly the PC is naturally quiet.
Half the battle done.
Installed the card/drivers and bundled software.
Cyberlink PowerCinema HD edition with AAC+ version 5.1
CD-PCM-5.1-HD-AAC-V1.1
Scanned digital and analog channels.
Took about 30 minutes.
It worked, sound and all.
Phew, I was bracing myself for a fight after reading all the posts about having to mix and match drivers/codecs.
The software worked as it should.
Timeshifting etc.
Watching HD, task manager hovers at 20%, 40% for tv3
No EPG.
No dumb time recording either :(
Tried DVBViewer Pro v3.9.4.0
Found this link helpful for selecting right Transponder list
http://blogs.pcworld.co.nz/pcworld/products/2008/03/freeview_hd_no_need_to_wait.html
Worked fine as well.
So far much better than my STB experience.
To do:
Test other frontends
Get it to time record from both DVB-T and Analog (prime)
Buy remote
Make sure low power works, standy
Get an epg working