tv-tuner questions...

[VJ]

Hello,

I'm looking to add a TV-tuner to my system; I would like to be able to record in 720x576 (PAL), with hardware mpeg2 support.

How well do USB2 devices work? Or is PCI still the way to go?
(quality / stability / performance)
I'm in doubt whether I should get a PCI card (only useful in my fixed computer), or go with a USB device which I could also use on my laptop...

I'm looking at these devices: USB and PCI. I have a gift certificate for a store, but unfortunately they don't sell Hauppauge (who have a dual tuner solution with their WinTV PVR500mce).


Thanks!


Jörg

[Jammrock]

From what I hear the USB devices work well. The even work at US ATSC (HD) standards. Just as long as there is not a lot of HDDs working on USB at the same time.

Anyway, I like the DVI Co and Hauppage tuners personally. Hauppage seems to be more popular in the European markets from what I hear, but DVI Co makes some great tuners for the Australian/European markets.

http://www.dvico.com/default.asp

http://www.hauppage.com/

[VJ]

Thanks for the info...

Hauppauge is hard to find here (I have gift certificates from 2 different stores but neither can order Hauppauge). The only manufacturer I can easily order is Pinnacle.

Following this thread, I should find a card/USB thing that doesn't use Windows MCE but supplies its own software for recording and playback.
(which definately rules out the two latest models from Pinnacle)


Jörg

[Taz]

What about Terratec?