tv cards

[VJ]

Hello,

I'm putting together an HTPC and need to select a TV tuner/video in card. I'd like it to be dual tuner (2x analog) and preferably some hardware mpeg compression support.

I intend to use the cards in Vista MCE and/or Mediaportal. Scheduling recordings with pc on/off is a big plus!

The cards I'm looking at are:
Compro VideoMate E900F (I think this is the only one to offer hardware mpeg4)
Pinnacle PCTV Dual Hybrid Pro
Hauppauge WinTV HVR-2200mc

I'm currently leaning towards the Compro, but just wanted to check in here...

Any comments/recommendations/things to stay clear of?


Jörg

[Marshmallowman]

Well I have a pinnacle PCTV hybrid pro(pci-ex version), it works well with mediaportal.
The provided pinnacle software sucks in windows XP, however I do believe the MCE vista drivers should be a lot better.
This card does support wake up, so if you went the MCE way it should do the job, you might want to download a maunal to check that, as I can't find my box/maual and jumper cable to check myself

Happuage cards seem to have a very good rep, my friend who has used one for a few years is quite happy.

[VJ]

The Pinnacle does support power up (manual), one has to route the powerbutton cable through it (is that the normal way?).
I do find it odd it has no audio input, apparently one has to use the one on the soundcard.

The Hauppauge manual makes no mention of additional cables or connection for power up (and it is not in the spec list). It also doesn't work with MediaPortal (yet?). Seems like this is the most risky bet (featurewise, I'm sure quality will be fine).

I only found the manual of the PCI version of the Compro (here), and it does support power on (same cable system as in the Pinnacle). However, it requires an external patch cable to connect audio from soundcard to this card (hardly elegant...). They mention that the powercable connection is only required if you want to be able to schedule from power off. When using standby (S1/S3), it is not needed.

Another option is the Vistaview Saber HB220, but I never heard of that brand.

Regarding the Pinnacle:
is it necessary to connect the internal audio cable? It has an input and an output... The input most likely is for use with the video input, the output to route the audio, but can't this be done without the cables (mixer settings, ...)?
(I'm just thinking: what if the mainboard/soundcard has no internal input/output....)

I assume this cable has the same function as the external cable used in the Compro (sound from tv card to soundcard).

[Marshmallowman]

My tv card has no audio input just s-video/composite and 2 tv antenna connectors.
I have not connected any audio cables as they are not needed.

I have only needed audio input when recording from the s-video(vhs tapes), for that I used the motherboards onboard audio input.

[VJ]

That is what I thought...

Guess it is still between the Compro (hardware mpeg4) and the Pinnacle (known mediaportal support)...

Thanks!

[VJ]

Another possibly interesting choice: the Asus My Cinema-EHD2-100/PT/FM/AV/RC

It does not have the power on/off connections though...

But I now assume any card get resume from a lower power state (S1/S3), which I think is basically sufficient.

Jörg