View Full Version : HDTV Card Buyer's Guide
Originally posted by Maggot
Eiffel. and GSR,
THank you and *please* don't construe my post to be undermining of your obvious attention and devotion. I do feel, however, that some level of activity -esp as a *notation* that is calculated to show the sniffing newbies that the "powers that be" are still involved, still interested, have not abandoned the projects... nor the Pilgrims, the most precious early adopters, who have clearly troubled themselves to seek this place out- AVSforum isn't exactly "on after Miamai CSI"!
Perhaps a note on the seminal posts with a more recent date would be encouragement enough? Even "visited, reviewed, 12/4/04: Update on new project with HD support hopefully by 1/1/05: stay tuned!" Some sign of life on FAQ and primer threads, I think.
I am no expert , just a loudmouth... w one vote.
Personally, I think MY time is better spent actually working on the accessDTV software. I would think that between that and handling the accessDTV software support thread(s) here and on the accessDTV Yahoo group there ought to be enough evidence that the accessDTV volunteer project is alive and well. I don't have the time OR interest to keep posts about other cards (whether it be MyHD, Fusion, HiPix, ATI, or whatever else) and comparisons among them up to date.
And why should Eiffel be expected to either, since he no longer has access to OTA HD signals? What would be the point?
With a little bit of judicious use of the search engine or actually asking a real question rather than lamenting about the sorry state of affairs of activity in keeping this thread accurate up to the minute, you might get the answers to whatever the questions you have.
Well that is enough to convince me that I am not helping the situation by stomping around and reeking of righteous indignation. I hate when others do it, and I am ashamed to see that I am seen as making the same sad mistakes. Please don't be angry with me and my clumsy efforts to beg basic help for myself & newbies like me. With no sarcasm nor innuendo, I am entirely in agreement with your assertions, for it is absolutely every man's prerogative to budget their professional time and energy as one sees fit.
Far be it for me to be telling you -or anyone else- what to do, much less what is right. I am distressed that I have been seen as overstepping propriety in my recent posts, and I am pleased to promise without bitterness that I have said more than ever I meant to say, and I have no plan to say more. Moreover, I have every confidence that the world -and avsforum, in particular- will manage quite well even without my impolitick and whining observations! I may need an attitude tune-up, but I think a little silence and a lot more reading should be a damn good start.
I apologize to all the toes I've trod.
Best luck, and all success to you.
Originally posted by Maggot
Well that is enough to convince me that I am not helping the situation by stomping around and reeking of righteous indignation. I hate when others do it, and I am ashamed to see that I am seen as making the same sad mistakes. Please don't be angry with me and my clumsy efforts to beg basic help for myself & newbies like me.
If you're truly just looking for basic help, just ask a question already. :rolleyes:
With no sarcasm nor innuendo, I am entirely in agreement with your assertions, for it is absolutely every man's prerogative to budget their professional time and energy as one sees fit.
Just to be crystal clear:
The accessDTV project consumes my personal time, not my professional time. I am NOT an iTech employee. Hence my signature "accessDTV Volunteer Development Team Member". I don't get paid a dime for my efforts in working on the accessDTV project or for supporting it.
What is the current subscription rate for accessdtv? I see it said that its around $10 a year and at this page it's $10 a month (way steep).
http://www.accessdtv.com/subscriptions/buydtv.htm
Originally posted by Fiasco
What is the current subscription rate for accessdtv? I see it said that its around $10 a year and at this page it's $10 a month (way steep).
http://www.accessdtv.com/subscriptions/buydtv.htm
If you'd trust the people who are actually using the cards to provide accurate information, you would know that it's $10 a year and that the guide data doesn't come from accessDTV, but a third party source. As I stated in my reply to your similar post in the other thread, the guide data is about to become free once I get support added for the Zap2it DataDirect data service.
sengsational
02-13-05, 11:41 PM
Originally posted by gsr
about to become free once I get support added for the Zap2it DataDirect data service.
Just out of principle I don't pay for stuff that's free elsewhere. I've sidelined stuff that nicks you for even $10/mo (which seems to be the minimal price that's worth keeping track of for business plans). It doesn't seem like much, but it just ticks me off. If it becomes 'free' (or just makes me put-up with a few moments of ignoring advertising) there's a new perspective that arises.
--Dale--
What e-tailers still carry the AccessDTV card? Is it still in production?
Is the order form on the accessdtv site for $199 still functioning and valid?
Originally posted by sengsational
Just out of principle I don't pay for stuff that's free elsewhere. I've sidelined stuff that nicks you for even $10/mo (which seems to be the minimal price that's worth keeping track of for business plans). It doesn't seem like much, but it just ticks me off. If it becomes 'free' (or just makes me put-up with a few moments of ignoring advertising) there's a new perspective that arises.
--Dale--
Then $10/year should have been below the radar :D. With all the money we each spend on our HTPC systems, sidelining functionality simply because it isn't free (assuming it isn't exhorbitantly expensive) seems silly to me, but to each his own.
Phantasma
04-12-05, 12:06 PM
Is there anyone who knows whether ATI HDTV Wonder PCI Tuner is available in Korea like MyHD?
Morpheus_Rising
04-13-05, 11:28 PM
I've being planning a building a new pc for about one & half years now, and it's now down to the crunch - July 1st, 2005 & the broadcast flag. That gives me 2 months (May and June) to finish my new pc.
I'm planning on getting the AccessDTV card for the new pc and the MDP-130 (with DVI daughter card and USB remote) for my current pc (needs a new motherboard - I might upgrade some other parts as well). As far as I know, you can only get the AccessDTV card from the maufacturer. I went part of the way through the order forms to get more info, and I'm not sure if they sell/ship the card to Canada. Is the AccessDTV card still available and can I get it here in Canada?
Originally posted by Morpheus_Rising
Is the AccessDTV card still available
Yes.
can I get it here in Canada?
I don't know - your best bet is to send them an email and ask.
Morpheus_Rising
04-25-05, 03:53 PM
I don't know - your best bet is to send them an email and ask.
I sent iTech an e-mail about 1 week ago and no reply. I heard a few times (some from this forum) about people who tried to contact iTech either by e-mail or phone and could not reach them. If I don't hear from them by around May 31st, then I get 2 MDP130's instead.
(I just tried to check if I can type a Canadian address in and when I clicked on the continued button I got a pop-up about entering a vaild zip code - so it won't take a postal code. Looks like I might not be able to get one. :mad: )
Cliff Watson
04-25-05, 04:28 PM
You should PM GSR and maybe he can get you in contact with iTech.
Originally posted by Morpheus_Rising
I sent iTech an e-mail about 1 week ago and no reply. I heard a few times (some from this forum) about people who tried to contact iTech either by e-mail or phone and could not reach them. If I don't hear from them by around May 31st, then I get 2 MDP130's instead.
(I just tried to check if I can type a Canadian address in and when I clicked on the continued button I got a pop-up about entering a vaild zip code - so it won't take a postal code. Looks like I might not be able to get one. :mad: )
I've sent a message to my contact at iTech on your behalf. He's sometimes slow to respond - usually because he's been away on business - but I'll pass along any feedback I get from him via PM.
Morpheus_Rising
04-28-05, 05:30 PM
I have been off-line for 3 days due to home renovations. Thanks Cliff and GSR for the help. I thought about getting the AccessDTV card for sometime now and my antenna system is almost ready. I'm cutting it close with the July 1st broadcast flag deadline approaching. I haven't built my 2nd pc yet. I wanted the AccessDTV card in one and the MDP-130 in the other. I'll probably won't be ready to build the pc until the end of May / beginning of June.
Morpheus_Rising
06-14-05, 10:40 AM
Well, I haven't heard from iTech, so looks like I not getting the AccessDTV card. I'm getting 2 MDP-130's with the DVI daughter cards and USB remotes. I need to order these by around June 21st (before the July 1st deadline). I can use the one card in my current pc which is screwy around the end of july and the second card will go in my new pc when I build it by the end of August. That's what I worried about that I won't by able to use the card until about 2 months after I buy it.
BenDover
06-14-05, 10:58 AM
[QUOTE=Morpheus_Rising]Well, I haven't heard from iTech, so looks like I not getting the AccessDTV card. I'm getting 2 MDP-130's with the DVI daughter cards and USB remotes. I need to order these by around June 21st (before the July 1st deadline). I can use the one card in my current pc which is screwy around the end of july and the second card will go in my new pc when I build it by the end of August. That's what I worried about that I won't by able to use the card until about 2 months after I buy it.[/QUOTE]
haven't you heard, the july 1 deadline is no longer...fcc's broadcast flag regulations were struck down...they will have to get congress to enact legislation.
Anyone interested in putting a spreadsheet together that outlines the HDTV cards discussed so far against supported features? Rows will contain the card make/model, and the columns will contain the features, and a check mark or a Yes indicated if the particular card supports the particular feature. Just a thought/suggestion...
HiHoStevo
12-13-05, 01:25 PM
I know I would like to read such a spreadsheet :-)
Morpheus_Rising
12-13-05, 06:31 PM
It's too late for me (I already bought the MyHD-130) but I agree. When I shop for anything electronic I do lots of research and make a list of models and for each model, I look at what features it has. I compare the features of these models and from that, I pick which one I want to buy. My CRT monitor just died, so I'm currently looking at 23"/24" widescreen LCD monitors. I just made a feature chart for 4 monitors (pen and paper). To me doing a feature chart as well as reading reviews is the only way to go.
HiHoStevo
12-13-05, 06:46 PM
[QUOTE=Morpheus_Rising]It's too late for me (I already bought the MyHD-130) but I agree. When I shop for anything electronic I do lots of research and make a list of models and for each model, I look at what features it has. I compare the features of these models and from that, I pick which one I want to buy. My CRT monitor just died, so I'm currently looking at 23"/24" widescreen LCD monitors. I just made a feature chart for 4 monitors (pen and paper). To me doing a feature chart as well as reading reviews is the only way to go.[/QUOTE]
If you find one better than Dell's please post your findings!!
[QUOTE=Morpheus_Rising]It's too late for me (I already bought the MyHD-130) but I agree. When I shop for anything electronic I do lots of research and make a list of models and for each model, I look at what features it has. I compare the features of these models and from that, I pick which one I want to buy. My CRT monitor just died, so I'm currently looking at 23"/24" widescreen LCD monitors. I just made a feature chart for 4 monitors (pen and paper). To me doing a feature chart as well as reading reviews is the only way to go.[/QUOTE]
They can be a good starting point, but there are a couple of problems with feature charts:
1) They often leave out features that could easily be a deciding factor but weren't considered important to the person making the chart (or the person simply wasn't aware of the feature).
2) Features are one thing, but the overall quality of the hardware and software is an intangible that can't be listed in a feature chart with a simple checkbox or yes/no field. Things like driver and software stability, the history of the vendor (or someone else) releasing new software and drivers, how well those writing the software and drivers listen to the needs of the users. IMO, this is much more important than a simple features spreadsheet - it's not that difficult to determine that any given card does or doesn't have the features you deem important by doing a little research.
To the poster (Zilla) who suggested the feature chart - rather than waiting for someone to do the work for you, how about you take some initiative and start it yourself? If you put in the effort to get it rolling, you may find that others will jump in and help you fill in the blanks.
[QUOTE=gsr]They can be a good starting point, but there are a couple of problems with feature charts:
1) They often leave out features that could easily be a deciding factor but weren't considered important to the person making the chart (or the person simply wasn't aware of the feature).
2) Features are one thing, but the overall quality of the hardware and software is an intangible that can't be listed in a feature chart with a simple checkbox or yes/no field. Things like driver and software stability, the history of the vendor (or someone else) releasing new software and drivers, how well those writing the software and drivers listen to the needs of the users. IMO, this is much more important than a simple features spreadsheet - it's not that difficult to determine that any given card does or doesn't have the features you deem important by doing a little research.
To the poster (Zilla) who suggested the feature chart - rather than waiting for someone to do the work for you, how about you take some initiative and start it yourself? If you put in the effort to get it rolling, you may find that others will jump in and help you fill in the blanks.[/QUOTE]
I would, but I'd fall into the last part of your sentence #1. I was hoping someone more, and already, knowledgeable will do it. You're right, feature spreadsheet should not be the end-all deciding factor, but could be the first-all deciding factor. For example, it'll be cool to know which cards support QAM vs. others that do not, or current MSRP, etc. IOW tangible facts.
Morpheus_Rising
12-18-05, 06:31 PM
If you find one better than Dell's please post your findings!!
I took the information of my monitor feature chart (4 monitors) and typed them up into a text file. I then read up on 2 new monitors and typed up the info (adding them to the chart) today. I still have 4 more 23"/24" (1920x1200) widescreen monitors to look at, so it would be about another 2 weeks before I'm done. (I don't know if they're any more such monitors out there beyond these 10).
About the Dell, from what I read, Dell gets the LCD panel from Samsung. The Dell model is one of the four I haven't looked at yet (I have looked at the Samsung though). So far the Samsung model is at the top of the list.
I have never upload a file the to AVS forum, so if I can figure out how to do that, I'll upload the text file, so everyone can take a look.
HiHoStevo
12-18-05, 08:51 PM
Good Job.........
I look forward to your upload.
TXP3064W
12-18-05, 10:29 PM
Happy Holidays everyone!!
I'm looking to get a HDTV USB Tuner for my laptop HP Pavilion zv6005 with an ATI Mobility Radeon Xpress 200 Series vidcard. I'm down to these 2 components:
a) DVICO FusionHDTV5 Gold USB ATSC TV Tuner
b) VBOX Cat's Eye USB-A-3560 ATSC Terrestrial HDTV Receiver
I'm on a budget of around a 150 U.S.D. and a few online vendors have it bundled with a few goodies for around that price. Do I go with Beyond TV SE? , which is bundled with option B and does this require a monthly "subscriber" fee? Or am I better off with a freeware deal like "WatchHDTV" which would work with the DVICO. I'm not sure if the Vbox Cat's Eye will work with the WatchHDTV software. I really want the solution that offers a better tuner. I am aware that the Cat's Eye doesn't offer any QAM support, but that's not a big deal especially if it has a more sensitive tuner. Also, does the Vbox come with an antenna or do I have to buy it separately. The DVICO comes with a Philips indoor HDTV antenna.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
JustinChase
12-18-05, 10:33 PM
[QUOTE=Morpheus_Rising]I took the information of my monitor feature chart (4 monitors) and typed them up into a text file. I then read up on 2 new monitors and typed up the info (adding them to the chart) today. I still have 4 more 23"/24" (1920x1200) widescreen monitors to look at, so it would be about another 2 weeks before I'm done. (I don't know if they're any more such monitors out there beyond these 10).
About the Dell, from what I read, Dell gets the LCD panel from Samsung. The Dell model is one of the four I haven't looked at yet (I have looked at the Samsung though). So far the Samsung model is at the top of the list.
I have never upload a file the to AVS forum, so if I can figure out how to do that, I'll upload the text file, so everyone can take a look.[/QUOTE]
I also look forward to seeing your work. I have also been doing this (obsessively researching), and have only seen about 6 or 7 choices thus far, and one of them is not currently available. I am only interested in widescreen 1920 x 1080 or 1200 LCD's; in the 23" range.
Here's a couple of the reviews I've found useful...
First LCD Review (http://www.behardware.com/art/imprimer/567/)
Second LCD Review (http://www.anandtech.com/displays/showdoc.aspx?i=2467)
I also looked at the Sceptre 23" LCD, but no one is selling it. I emailed Sceptre, and was told that it was out of stock, and to keep looking, but was given no information if/when it would be available again.
I'm looking at purchasing sometime in 4 to 6 months from now, and am hopeful that there will be more to choose from in that time, and that prices drop 25% by then, but who knows.
drmark50
12-19-05, 12:16 AM
I have been reading through the various posts and see that the various cards available are very unique and was hoping someone can recommend a unique card for what I am looking for.
I am going to be building an HTPC - my goal is to run MMC. I am going to be displaying it on a new Panasonic 8UK (50 inch plasma) via DVI. Most, if not all, my HD content will be in .ts format (downloaded). So I am looking for a card or combo of cards that will give the best HD picture, be able to capture analog and HD signals (I will eventually subscribe to HD content). The HTPC with have a semi-high end dual core processor to handle the playback, but I imagine I would want a card with hardware decoding. And the other issue is I don't want to be spending the next six months troubleshooting the card.
Anyway, I appreciate any input. Thanks.
JustinChase
12-19-05, 05:37 PM
As I'd already started this, and haven't seen the file from Morpheus_Rising, I finished mine, and thought I'd post it here, in case anyone cares.
LCD Monitor Comparison (Excel) (http://www.travelcommentary.com/chris/lcdcomparison2.xls)
If anyone sees any errors, or knows of any other options, please let me know.
[QUOTE=JustinChase]As I'd already started this, and haven't seen the file from Morpheus_Rising, I finished mine, and thought I'd post it here, in case anyone cares.
LCD Monitor Comparison (Excel) (http://www.travelcommentary.com/chris/lcdcomparison.xls)
If anyone sees any errors, or knows of any other options, please let me know.[/QUOTE]
Way off topic for this thread, but the Dell 2405 has a HD component video input, and a composite input in addition to what you list. Composite may not matter to most people, but the HD component input is pretty important - especially if you have a hardware decoder HD tuner card (like accessDTV or MyHD) in your PC.
Which HDTV PCI card supports all of the following features?
- Win2k compatible (bundled app. included)
- NTSC, ATSC and QAM tuner
- hardware MPEG encoder
- Work with existing nVidia FX5500 (or similarly spec'd) video card
- Has IR remote and reciever
[QUOTE=Zilla]Which HDTV PCI card supports all of the following features?
- Win2k compatible (bundled app. included)
- NTSC, ATSC and QAM tuner
- hardware MPEG encoder
- Work with existing nVidia FX5500 (or similarly spec'd) video card
- Has IR remote and reciever[/QUOTE]
Assuming you do mean "hardware MPEG encoder", presumably for recording analog signals, I don't believe any card supports all the features you're asking for.
If you meant hardware decoder to take the load of watching HD material off of the rest of your system, the MyHD MDP-130 is the only card that would meet your list (accessDTV would just miss due to not tuning QAM content).
If you really want hardware MPEG encoding for analog recording, you really should look at getting separate analog and digital cards.
JustinChase
12-19-05, 09:13 PM
[QUOTE=gsr]Way off topic for this thread, but the Dell 2405 has a HD component video input, and a composite input in addition to what you list. Composite may not matter to most people, but the HD component input is pretty important - especially if you have a hardware decoder HD tuner card (like accessDTV or MyHD) in your PC.[/QUOTE]
Thanks for pointing that out to me. I have changed the worksheet to reflect this important fact. i have also added a column for HDCP compliancy, which is currently blank, as I do not have this information, yet. If there is any other information one would want when making a purchase decision, I'll try to add it.
As you said, this is now quite off topic, so i have posted it in this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6754453#post6754453) for further discussion.
[QUOTE=gsr]Assuming you do mean "hardware MPEG encoder", presumably for recording analog signals, I don't believe any card supports all the features you're asking for.
If you meant hardware decoder to take the load of watching HD material off of the rest of your system, the MyHD MDP-130 is the only card that would meet your list (accessDTV would just miss due to not tuning QAM content).
If you really want hardware MPEG encoding for analog recording, you really should look at getting separate analog and digital cards.[/QUOTE]
Ok thanks. So let's take the "hardware MPEG encoder" feature out, since I already have the Hauppauge PVR-150 for that. The MPD-130, from what I understand though, will NOT work with an existing video card, that is, it has its own video output via VGA; a daughter DVI card is an option. I want to use my nVidia video card with DVI output; I don't care to have a "separate" video source. This is a stupid feature in my opinion. So specs would now be...
- Win2k compatible (bundled app. included)
- NTSC, ATSC and QAM tuner
- Uses existing nVidia FX5500 (or similarly spec'd) video card
- Has IR remote and reciever
[QUOTE=Zilla]Ok thanks. So let's take the "hardware MPEG encoder" feature out, since I already have the Hauppauge PVR-150 for that. The MPD-130, from what I understand though, will NOT work with an existing video card, that is, it has its own video output via VGA; a daughter DVI card is an option. I want to use my nVidia video card with DVI output; I don't care to have a "separate" video source. This is a stupid feature in my opinion.[/QUOTE]
You're entitled to your opinion, but consider this:
1) The hardware decoding done by the hardware in the accessDTV and MyHD cards is very high quality - probably still better than just about any equivalent software solution.
2) The hardware decoding done by the hardware in the accessDTV and MyHD cards requires very little horsepower in the PC. This either frees up the PC to do other work while you watch HDTV or means you can purchase a lower end PC for the purpose.
3) You can pass your nVidia card's DVI output through the MyHD DVI daughtercard and only need to hook up 1 DVI cable to your display. Similarly, with both accessDTV and MyHD you can use the analog passthrough feature if DVI isn't a requirement.
So specs would now be...
- Win2k compatible (bundled app. included)
- NTSC, ATSC and QAM tuner
- Uses existing nVidia FX5500 (or similarly spec'd) video card
- Has IR remote and reciever
For these new requirements, the Fusion HDTV card with QAM support is probably your best (only?) option. Of course, you could use a MyHD card and then watch your recordings in TheaterTek or some other software player of your choice. Be careful what you wish for in a bundled app though. The Fusion software is NOT the strong suit of that product.
What exactly do you expect to accomplish with QAM support? Does your cable system have in the clear QAM channels that you can't get with an antenna? Without cablecard support, do you realize that your ability to tune cable channels with a QAM tuner will be very limited - you'll be lucky to even get the local over-the-air equivalents of the major networks?
An obvious question is exactly WHY you insist on using your video card for watching HDTV? Is it to avoid paying for extra hardware you think you don't need? Is it because you think you'll get better picture quality?
Similarly, why must an IR remote and receiver be included? Why wouldn't you prefer to be able to use the remote and IR receiver of your choice rather than have the one the manufacturer chooses? Yes, a bundled remote and receiver is probably easier to setup, but it's also more constrictive than other options, such as using Girder and the remote of your choice to control the software.
What I'm getting at is that some of your requirements severly limit your hardware options to solutions that come with software that you'll most likely be very unhappy with. I'm not aware of too many happy Fusion owners unless they're using Windows MCE.
[QUOTE=gsr]You're entitled to your opinion, but consider this:
1) The hardware decoding done by the hardware in the accessDTV and MyHD cards is very high quality - probably still better than just about any equivalent software solution.
2) The hardware decoding done by the hardware in the accessDTV and MyHD cards requires very little horsepower in the PC. This either frees up the PC to do other work while you watch HDTV or means you can purchase a lower end PC for the purpose.
3) You can pass your nVidia card's DVI output through the MyHD DVI daughtercard and only need to hook up 1 DVI cable to your display. Similarly, with both accessDTV and MyHD you can use the analog passthrough feature if DVI isn't a requirement.
For these new requirements, the Fusion HDTV card with QAM support is probably your best (only?) option. Of course, you could use a MyHD card and then watch your recordings in TheaterTek or some other software player of your choice. Be careful what you wish for in a bundled app though. The Fusion software is NOT the strong suit of that product.
What exactly do you expect to accomplish with QAM support? Does your cable system have in the clear QAM channels that you can't get with an antenna? Without cablecard support, do you realize that your ability to tune cable channels with a QAM tuner will be very limited - you'll be lucky to even get the local over-the-air equivalents of the major networks?
An obvious question is exactly WHY you insist on using your video card for watching HDTV? Is it to avoid paying for extra hardware you think you don't need? Is it because you think you'll get better picture quality?
Similarly, why must an IR remote and receiver be included? Why wouldn't you prefer to be able to use the remote and IR receiver of your choice rather than have the one the manufacturer chooses? Yes, a bundled remote and receiver is probably easier to setup, but it's also more constrictive than other options, such as using Girder and the remote of your choice to control the software.
What I'm getting at is that some of your requirements severly limit your hardware options to solutions that come with software that you'll most likely be very unhappy with. I'm not aware of too many happy Fusion owners unless they're using Windows MCE.[/QUOTE]
I consider Win2k, QAM support, and hardware decoder (NOT hardware MPEG encoder) as my top hard requirements.
I agree with you on the hardware decoder feature - I want it.
I want Win2k support only because I already have an HTPC built with it and do NOT want to switch to or "upgrade install" to WinXP. Hence Fusion HDTV is out since it's bundled with BeyondTV and is NOT Win2k compatible.
Yes my cable company has clear uncrypted channels. I've already tried the ATSC (OTA) route with an indoor antenna but I did NOT have good reception; I did NOT want an outdoor antenna. Just a personal choice, nothing wrong with them.
Why not use my existing video card? I dare say that a high quality dedicated video card will do a better job than a video hardware bundled with another hardware application. My card supports the 720p and 1080i (over DVI/HDMI) I want to use it for. And you're correct, why spend $ on a feature I already have? It'll be stupid for me to do so. Also if I want to upgrade my video card, I can. I just find it puzzling that MyHD does NOT offer this option (or does it? The folks on the MyHD MDP-130 said no.) to pass decoded video data over the PCI/AGP bus. It's already on a PCI bus, why not use it?
So I can live without the bundled remote. I can just hack my Hauppauge IR application to control this card too. Or get Girder of SageTV if I wanted to.
[QUOTE=Zilla]I consider Win2k, QAM support, and hardware decoder (NOT hardware MPEG encoder) as my top hard requirements.
I agree with you on the hardware decoder feature - I want it.[/QUOTE]
Ok, now I'm confused. You either want hardware decoding which means you have to use the video output on the tuner card, or you want software decoding which means you have to use the output on your video card. There's no HD tuner card with hardware decoding that sends full HD output to your video card - there isn't enough PCI bus bandwidth to do that.
I want Win2k support only because I already have an HTPC built with it and do NOT want to switch to or "upgrade install" to WinXP. Hence Fusion HDTV is out since it's bundled with BeyondTV and is NOT Win2k compatible.
Your requirements are going to cripple you. When did Fusion switch to bundling BeyondTV? They used to include their own (albeit crappy) software.
If you were willing to upgrade to XP or MCE, you'd have some options available and a much better operating system for HTPC use. Windows 2000 is not exactly the ideal choice. I have it on my development system only so I can continue to support it in the accessDTV software and I really am starting to wonder if there's any point continuing to do that (support Windows 2000, that is). XP is a huge improvement over 2000.
Yes my cable company has clear uncrypted channels. I've already tried the ATSC (OTA) route with an indoor antenna but I did NOT have good reception; I did NOT want an outdoor antenna. Just a personal choice, nothing wrong with them.
Ok, just so long as you're aware that you are very unlikely to get anything beyond what you could get with an outdoor antenna (or one in the attic if that's an option - that's what I do).
Why not use my existing video card? I dare say that a high quality dedicated video card will do a better job than a video hardware bundled with another hardware application. My card supports the 720p and 1080i (over DVI/HDMI) I want to use it for. And you're correct, why spend $ on a feature I already have? It'll be stupid for me to do so. Also if I want to upgrade my video card, I can. I just find it puzzling that MyHD does NOT offer this option (or does it? The folks on the MyHD MDP-130 said no.) to pass decoded video data over the PCI/AGP bus. It's already on a PCI bus, why not use it?
Why use a hardware decoder card instead of your video card? Because the hardware decoding done by the accessDTV and MyHD cards is, in most cases, going to give you better HD output. The tradeoff is a slightly more complicated video cable setup. Yes, your video card will support 720p and 1080i output, but that doesn't mean it will do as good a job decoding the HD transport stream (basically an MPEG2 file with a wrapper around it) as the accessDTV or MyHD cards do.
Personally, I use accessDTV cards (see my signature) and don't consider myself stupid for using the hardware on the cards instead of my video card for HD output. But what do I know :rolleyes:.
Your constraints that you've chosen have left you with zero viable options unless Fusion still has their own software available - there just aren't very many tuner cards out there that support QAM - supporting QAM without cablecard is a niche market within a niche market.
[QUOTE=gsr]Ok, now I'm confused. You either want hardware decoding which means you have to use the video output on the tuner card, or you want software decoding which means you have to use the output on your video card. There's no HD tuner card with hardware decoding that sends full HD output to your video card - there isn't enough PCI bus bandwidth to do that.[/QUOTE]
Sorry I'm the one confused! I want "hardware MPEG encoder" if it exists for the HDTV cards to record HDTV programs. Like I said I already have an SDTV card with the capability to record SDTV programs.
[QUOTE=gsr]Your requirements are going to cripple you. When did Fusion switch to bundling BeyondTV? They used to include their own (albeit crappy) software.[/QUOTE]
Am I confused again? Sorry its the Kworld card that had BeyondTV.
[QUOTE=gsr]If you were willing to upgrade to XP or MCE, you'd have some options available and a much better operating system for HTPC use. Windows 2000 is not exactly the ideal choice. I have it on my development system only so I can continue to support it in the accessDTV software and I really am starting to wonder if there's any point continuing to do that (support Windows 2000, that is). XP is a huge improvement over 2000.[/QUOTE]
I put together two similarly spec'd systems, one with Win2k and the other with WinXP. WinXP PC had less apps, and less used, but it crashed more often than the Win2k. Swtiching parts (CPU, memory, p/s, vid card) between the two didn't make a difference. XP is a "huge improvement"? I don't think so.
[QUOTE=gsr]Why use a hardware decoder card instead of your video card? Because the hardware decoding done by the accessDTV and MyHD cards is, in most cases, going to give you better HD output. The tradeoff is a slightly more complicated video cable setup. Yes, your video card will support 720p and 1080i output, but that doesn't mean it will do as good a job decoding the HD transport stream (basically an MPEG2 file with a wrapper around it) as the accessDTV or MyHD cards do.
Personally, I use accessDTV cards (see my signature) and don't consider myself stupid for using the hardware on the cards instead of my video card for HD output. But what do I know :rolleyes:.
Your constraints that you've chosen have left you with zero viable options unless Fusion still has their own software available - there just aren't very many tuner cards out there that support QAM - supporting QAM without cablecard is a niche market within a niche market.[/QUOTE]
Yes I'm starting to realize my limitiation of choices, but I'm glad I'm asking and reading so I don't make the wrong choice, if any choice at all. Thanks!
[QUOTE=Zilla]Sorry I'm the one confused! I want "hardware MPEG encoder" if it exists for the HDTV cards to record HDTV programs.[/quote]Zilla, you don't need an encoder. After the card demodulates the RF signal it recieved, what you have is an MPEG2 Transport Stream (i.e. the signal is already encoded).
PS - Beyond does sell several different bundles, including some with the fusion cards.....but Dvico hasn't ceased production of their own viewing software.
[QUOTE=CityK]Zilla, you don't need an encoder. After the card demodulates the RF signal it recieved, what you have is an MPEG2 Transport Stream (i.e. the signal is already encoded).[/QUOTE]
So what "feature" do I need to record the data onto my hard drive with minimal support from my CPU? IOW, I'd like a similiar feature on my Hauppauge PVR-150, except for HDTV data.
[QUOTE=Zilla]So what "feature" do I need to record the data onto my hard drive with minimal support from my CPU? IOW, I'd like a similiar feature on my Hauppauge PVR-150, except for HDTV data.[/QUOTE]
HD content comes to you already encoded - no encoding is needed like there is for NTSC material.
[QUOTE=Zilla]Am I confused again? Sorry its the Kworld card that had BeyondTV.[/QUOTE]
Ok, I thought Fusion still included their own app.
I put together two similarly spec'd systems, one with Win2k and the other with WinXP. WinXP PC had less apps, and less used, but it crashed more often than the Win2k. Swtiching parts (CPU, memory, p/s, vid card) between the two didn't make a difference. XP is a "huge improvement"? I don't think so.
You're experience is completely against the experience of most people. The vast majority of people (including me) have found XP to be more stable than 2000. But what do I know, I'm only a professional software engineer :rolleyes:...
Yes I'm starting to realize my limitiation of choices, but I'm glad I'm asking and reading so I don't make the wrong choice, if any choice at all. Thanks!
The Fusion card that supports QAM is your only option, AFAIK. But I doubt you'll be happy with the software.
[QUOTE=gsr]HD content comes to you already encoded - no encoding is needed like there is for NTSC material.[/QUOTE]
Another gem for my education - thanks!
[QUOTE=gsr]You're experience is completely against the experience of most people. The vast majority of people (including me) have found XP to be more stable than 2000. But what do I know, I'm only a professional software engineer :rolleyes:...
[/QUOTE]
So am I actually. The Win2k forum folks don't think that about XP, but that's another forum. If one is happy with the OS he/she has, so be it.
[QUOTE=gsr]The Fusion card that supports QAM is your only option, AFAIK. But I doubt you'll be happy with the software.[/QUOTE]
I'm looking at the Fusion HDTV 5 now. SageTV supports it so I can get that app. if need be. I've also been successful in hacking my Hauppauge remote app. to work with other apps. (thanks to another thread here) so I can use that too.
[QUOTE=Zilla]The Win2k forum folks don't think that about XP, but that's another forum. If one is happy with the OS he/she has, so be it.[/QUOTE]
Not to beat a dead horse, but even if we both concede the stability of either OS (though I stand by my statements), XP is far more suitable for HTPC use as it is much better supported in terms of drivers and applications for said use. If you were willing to upgrade to XP or MCE your HDTV tuner card options would expand, though not much given your QAM requirement.
BTW, something you may want to consider as a possible option (though I believe it would force an XP upgrade) is looking into recording off of a HD cable set top box with firewire output. See the How to record via IEEE 1394 (Firewire) to Windows XP (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=403695) thread in the HDTV Recorders & Players forum for details. You'd still be limited to recording only non-encrypted channels (generally only the OTA equivalents), but it's another option. To my knowledge, drivers to do this in Win2K don't exist.
[QUOTE=gsr]... If you were willing to upgrade to XP or MCE your HDTV tuner card options would expand....[/QUOTE]
Agreed on this one. I'm looking at Fusion HDTV5 / SageTV combo now since it runs in Win2k.
[QUOTE=gsr]BTW, something you may want to consider as a possible option (though I believe it would force an XP upgrade) is looking into recording off of a HD cable set top box with firewire output. See the How to record via IEEE 1394 (Firewire) to Windows XP (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=403695) thread in the HDTV Recorders & Players forum for details. You'd still be limited to recording only non-encrypted channels (generally only the OTA equivalents), but it's another option. To my knowledge, drivers to do this in Win2K don't exist.[/QUOTE]
Been there done that, but I am trying to get away from having yet another box also. The cable company charges enough already and I don't want to give them any more $$$; hence I built an HTPC. Don't need XP to record via Firewire since 3rd party s/w, e.g., Ulead, can do the recording, though probably not "timed" recording with Ulead.
[QUOTE=Zilla]Been there done that, but I am trying to get away from having yet another box also. The cable company charges enough already and I don't want to give them any more $$$; hence I built an HTPC. Don't need XP to record via Firewire since 3rd party s/w, e.g., Ulead, can do the recording, though probably not "timed" recording with Ulead.[/QUOTE]
You would still need device drivers for the set top box, which to my knowledge are not available for Win2K, hence the XP (or Server 2003 requirement).
gmanning
12-21-05, 10:04 AM
[QUOTE=Zilla]Agreed on this one. I'm looking at Fusion HDTV5 / SageTV combo now since it runs in Win2k.[/QUOTE]
I have a Fusion 5 Gold card, and Dvico's software is less than robust, to say the least. I am not using it right now, as I am trying to get it working in MythTV under Linux. Before that, I looked at Sage, but I don't think it supports QAM. You might want to double check that.
If MythTV does not work out, I may go back to Windows and use Dvico's software to record, and MediaPortal for playback.
Gary
Thanks for the heads up. I did try to make SageTV work with the Kworld (not currently supported by SageTV), and it did have an option to setup the video source from "cable" in addition to "antenna". Does this imply QAM support?
gmanning
12-21-05, 11:55 AM
"Cable" support does not necessarily mean QAM support, and I would assume not unless QAM or "unencrypted digital" is specifically mentioned. When cable support is listed by itself, it is probably analog only. QAM is digital, and not widely supported.
Gary
IIRC, there were 2 SageTV fields for setting the source - one alluded to "signal type" and the other to "antenna type"; the exact names were different. The "signal type" had "cable" and "digital cable" as options, and the "antenna type" had "antenna" and "cable" as options. I inferred, and maybe wrongly, that "signal type = cable" meant analog and "signal type = digital cable" meant QAM. However, point taken and I will read more.
gmanning
12-21-05, 04:43 PM
I never got to the point of trying Sage due to muliple forum posts that QAM did not work, which so far has been the case with MCE, MediaPortal, and everything else but Dvico's own software. That is why I went with Linux and Mythtv.
I would love to hear there are QAM options under Windows other than Dvico.
Gary
Yep, no QAM in SageTV v4.0 (latest). The waiting continues...
RalphArch
12-21-05, 06:19 PM
[QUOTE=gmanning]
I would love to hear there are QAM options under Windows other than Dvico.
Gary[/QUOTE]
I use a MyHD MDP-130 for QAM in windows
gmanning
12-21-05, 10:55 PM
[QUOTE=RalphArch]I use a MyHD MDP-130 for QAM in windows[/QUOTE]
I have a Dvico Fusion card... It's a good card in search of good software.
Gary
[QUOTE=gmanning]I have a Dvico Fusion card... It's a good card in search of good software.
Gary[/QUOTE]
Did you not like BeyondTV, or did it not come with your package (Lite?).
Ahh, I just read BeyondTV does NOT support QAM. (sigh)
gmanning
12-22-05, 10:16 AM
[QUOTE=Zilla]Ahh, I just read BeyondTV does NOT support QAM. (sigh)[/QUOTE]
The only QAM support for the Fusion card in Windows is Dvico's own software. That is why I went to Linux and Mythtv.
Gary
jgwinner
12-28-05, 06:14 PM
I'm trying to pick an HDTV card - I just read through all 19 pages ...
So are there any QAM cards that will work with MCE?
From the last few posts it sounds like if you want to do QAM (unencrypted) you need to use XP, not MCE. Is that correct? What a bummer.
If SageTV doens't support QAM does any PVR?
I'm trying to put a HTPC in the family room instead of the Time-Warner POS HDTV cable box ... I really wanted the MCE to work for the ease of use and SAF (WAF).
Thrash Video
12-28-05, 08:23 PM
As far as I know, MCE is Windows XP pro just with the MCE front end.
Though I would like to know if anyone has been successful with a QAM card and MCE as well
gmanning
12-29-05, 12:01 PM
[QUOTE=Thrash Video]As far as I know, MCE is Windows XP pro just with the MCE front end.
Though I would like to know if anyone has been successful with a QAM card and MCE as well[/QUOTE]
My Dvico Fusion 5 Gold works with XP using the Dvico software, but that software leaves a lot to be desired. QAM recording and timeshifting are not supported by any third-party software (MCE, SageTV, Media Portal, etc.) in Windows, so I went with MythTV and Linux. I am still working out configuration issues, but it is working. It can be a real hassle to set up for some people, me included.
Gary
sengsational
12-29-05, 12:45 PM
[QUOTE=jgwinner]So are there any QAM cards that will work with MCE?[/QUOTE]Work under the control of MCE, no. Work "with" MCE, I think you should be able to use the MyHD board/software on an MCE computer (at least that was the conclusion I recall from another board here - not personal experience). Likely the same could be said for the fusion board.
--Dale--
I have a accessDTV card but have a Athlon XP2 dual core processor and according to information on web will not work with dual core.
I am wanting to record HDTV off my antenna and possibly Anaolog off the same antenna, a channel master 3671. Do I just split the cable and send one to the digital tuner and one to the anolog tuner?
Looks like best option is to get a seperate anolog tuner card like the ati theater 550.
What about the HDTV Card? Would like to be able to put straight on DVD from hard drive and also watch it with my Buffalo LinkTheater.
Any help? Anyone want to buy the accessDTV card?
[QUOTE=mrtbig]I have a accessDTV card but have a Athlon XP2 dual core processor and according to information on web will not work with dual core.[/QUOTE]
Correct - dual core and hyperthreading are not supported.
I am wanting to record HDTV off my antenna and possibly Anaolog off the same antenna, a channel master 3671. Do I just split the cable and send one to the digital tuner and one to the anolog tuner?
Yes, but the accessDTV software doesn't support recording analog at this time.
Looks like best option is to get a seperate anolog tuner card like the ati theater 550.
Correct, though most people would probably choose a different analog card, such as one of the Hauppage WinTV cards.
What about the HDTV Card? Would like to be able to put straight on DVD from hard drive and also watch it with my Buffalo LinkTheater.
You'll have to be a bit more specific that "put straight on DVD from hard drive" (and I'm not familiar with the Buffalo LinkTheater). Do you want to just copy the recorded file(s) onto a DVD or do you want to transcode HD to a DVD that can be played in any DVD player? For the first case, some of the HD tuner card software support recording to configurable file sizes to make it easier to copy to DVD. The other option take a bit of work and isn't something I've bothered exploring how to do.
Anyone want to buy the accessDTV card?
This isn't the forum for buying and selling...
I have a Sony VaioPCV-RZ24G what kind of card that is reasonable in price would you all recommened. I want to have another source of watching HDTV programming over the air OTA when the TV is in use. Or would it be just as easy and cheaper to get a HDTV Converter and mount it or put it on a shelf behind the computer and hook the computer up that way? About the only place around here is Radio Shack but I will go to another one. Because the Owner is a Loud Mouth and IF you are not very Knowledgeable he treats you like Dirt or a Moron to that effect.
The K-world ATSC-110 may be what you want for HDTV OTA (i.e., no clear QAM), but the bundled s/w only works in WinXP.
sengsational
05-13-06, 03:33 PM
Has anyone figured how the Norwood Micro™ Digital/Analog PCI TV Tuner Card (Manufacturer: Norwood Micro Mfg Part #: 080745) fits into the mix? It's $99 at CompUSA. Is it more like the Fusion (software playback) or more like the MyHD (hardware playback)?
--Dale--
[QUOTE=sengsational]Has anyone figured how the Norwood Micro™ Digital/Analog PCI TV Tuner Card (Manufacturer: Norwood Micro Mfg Part #: 080745) fits into the mix? It's $99 at CompUSA. Is it more like the Fusion (software playback) or more like the MyHD (hardware playback)?[/QUOTE]Its a software decoding card. Its produced by Twinhan (see here (http://www.twinhan.com/product_D%2BA_2.asp)) and, like with some of their other products, is rebranded by others. Currently, I'm only aware of it also being sold as the Fujiplus FD-3250 (see here (http://fujiplus.com/detail.asp?sku=FD-3250) or here (http://www.minmaw.com/TVCARD-FD-3250.htm)), but wouldn't at all be surprised to find others.
jgwinner
05-15-06, 09:54 AM
The real question is "when does a Cablecard solution come out"? I'm getting tired of the really good content going through the crappy little Time Warner cable box. Sure, I get OTA but would like the premium content.
Anyone know of a viable solution?
sengsational
05-15-06, 05:22 PM
The MyHD board can tune unencrypted QAM, but you won't get premium because that's encrypted. You might wander into some free pay per view though. But for your real solution, I'm afraid you'll be waiting a long time. And when you get your dream, it will be a nightmare because the cable company will be renting the board to you for $toomuch per month.
--Dale--
benrico
09-07-06, 04:13 PM
Im trying to select a ota/qam tuner for my windows xp setup and I need to choose one quickly so I can judge the hd quality on my new 1080p set before I pass up the return date. From what I gather the myHD130 doesnt work well with dvi/1080p passthrough- is this still true.
The other issue is that I would prefer a single card solution so I can keep my sound card in place(i can use onboard if necessary), as I only have 2 pci slots. (why are there no pci-e cards, cmon now)
What I value most in a tuner is stability.
Thanks, time is of the essence...
OldGatorDelt
09-07-06, 04:25 PM
I've got a MyHD-130 feeding 1080i into my Mitsubishi 1080p and all is just dandy.... While advertised as having a picture of 1080p, highest input allowed is 1080i on the set.... 62" DLP.... Oh, actually the 130 daughter card does the HDMI feeding....
benrico
09-07-06, 04:53 PM
[QUOTE=OldGatorDelt]I've got a MyHD-130 feeding 1080i into my Mitsubishi 1080p and all is just dandy.... While advertised as having a picture of 1080p, highest input allowed is 1080i on the set.... 62" DLP.... Oh, actually the 130 daughter card does the HDMI feeding....[/QUOTE]
I had read some posts about noise issues when doing 1080p passthrough, but could never find the source of that information.
Also if I send a 1080i (myHD)signal to my 1080p (westy 37w3) the tv does the deinterlacing. Is there an advantage to buying a card that will allow the pc to do the deinterlacing and send a 1080p signal directly to the tv?
Bigjohns
09-13-06, 01:16 PM
Hello all... looks like I get to wake up a sleepy thread...
I have an Athlon 3000+ based system that I want to put an HD card into.
I run WIN2k. 1gb ram
Requirements:
Works with above system
Clear QAM tuner - scheduled recordings
Saves as Mpeg program stream (for conversion to Replay TV format...)
Cheap.
I've looked at some specs, and it seems that the Divico Fusion5 will suit - perhaps? I've seen some caviats about the software...
This machine is primarily a media server for "replay tv" content to the other replay TV units in my home, so completly re-working it with some media center type software is not an option.
The Mpeg file will be batch processed and then viewed via Replay TV. I know, I know... Replay is not HD. That's ok, the downconverted recordings will look fabulous on our televisions...
John
sengsational
09-13-06, 06:22 PM
[QUOTE=Bigjohns]Saves as Mpeg program stream (for conversion to Replay TV format...)[/QUOTE]The Fusion, and others, save the data in transport stream, which, in brief, a wrapped mpeg. Your stream may have many concurrent shows. I'd make sure my conversion plans were workable before getting too far. The full transport stream is 8GB/hr, so downrezzing won't be quick. You might save yourself tooth enamel by using your media server to play to a Show Center 2000 or something, and forget converting to Tivo bitrates.
--Dale--
Bigjohns
09-13-06, 06:53 PM
Thanks for that - According to an email I have from Divico, they allow saving just the program stream for a single subchannel recording. Bitrate for Replay TV (high quailtiy) is:
Video: 720x480 @ 29.97 fps --Encoded 8000 kbps, Observed 5600-5800 kbps --Audio: 32 khz / 224 kbps
Of course, without data, and a recommendation of the right card to tune my QAM cable, I cannot determine if it IS workable...
John
[QUOTE=Bigjohns]Hello all... looks like I get to wake up a sleepy thread...
I have an Athlon 3000+ based system that I want to put an HD card into.
I run WIN2k. 1gb ram
Requirements:
Works with above system
Clear QAM tuner - scheduled recordings
Saves as Mpeg program stream (for conversion to Replay TV format...)
Cheap.
I've looked at some specs, and it seems that the Divico Fusion5 will suit - perhaps? I've seen some caviats about the software...
This machine is primarily a media server for "replay tv" content to the other replay TV units in my home, so completly re-working it with some media center type software is not an option.
The Mpeg file will be batch processed and then viewed via Replay TV. I know, I know... Replay is not HD. That's ok, the downconverted recordings will look fabulous on our televisions...
John[/QUOTE]
Do you require HD? If not look at the Hauppage WinTV cards; if so look for the MyHD MD-130. Both can be had on eBay for a <<< retail...
Bigjohns
09-14-06, 09:57 AM
[QUOTE=Zilla]Do you require HD? If not look at the Hauppage WinTV cards; if so look for the MyHD MD-130. Both can be had on eBay for a <<< retail...[/QUOTE]
Thanks Zilla... does MD-130 save direct program stream? (HD QAM 98.1 for example...) or does it record the entire transport stream (I hope not! that would be a ton of HD space....).
I am going to use this for HD.
Thanks.
RalphArch
09-14-06, 11:51 AM
[QUOTE=Bigjohns]Thanks Zilla... does MD-130 save direct program stream? (HD QAM 98.1 for example...) or does it record the entire transport stream (I hope not! that would be a ton of HD space....).
.[/QUOTE]
Why would you hope not? That way you can record two HD shows at once on some occasions.
In any event you select whether to record the whole channel or just a subchannel in the software; so it does either
Bigjohns
09-14-06, 01:38 PM
Great information... thanks. I've been reading the MD-130 thread here too... dang ton of information... I think I'm going to order one today since I've found it online for about $150 shipped!
gopalag
09-14-06, 03:07 PM
Hi,
I am building a HTPC and need reco for HD tuner card. My display is 50" DLP (native 720p) and I plan to build a budget HTPC with these specs:
CPU - AMD Athlon 64 3200+ 2GHz - $85
Mobo- ASUS M2NPV-VM AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6150 Micro ATX -$85
RAM- OCZ 512MB X2 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) - $55x2
Case- Antec nsk2400 -$100
My real motivation from my HTPC are as follows:
1>Able to download HD content (TV serials, movies..etc) from internet and watch on my HDTV
3>Able to record HD content for OTA using antenna (eg. TV series lost or 24...) and save in MPEG4
I plan on running MCE. Dual tuner is not a real requirement. Is Avermedia A180 a good budget choice?
-Gopal
sengsational
09-14-06, 06:47 PM
[QUOTE=Bigjohns]Thanks for that - According to an email I have from Divico, they allow saving just the program stream for a single subchannel recording.[/QUOTE]If it works like the MyHD, then what you get is a transport stream that drops the unwanted sub-channels (not a true mpg, but maybe close enough for some tools). I use HDTV2DVD to down convert with good results (but not when I'm in a hurry). But converting is not for the faint of heart or impatient. Most tools operate on "elementary streams" meaning they do sound and video separately, and that just doesn't work too well because they are throwing away the synch information. If you can make your converted shows magically appear on your Replay TV with synchronized sound, untouched by human hand, that would be something to brag about. And please, brag to me!
--Dale--
sengsational
09-14-06, 06:49 PM
[QUOTE=Zilla]Do you require HD? If not look at the Hauppage WinTV cards...[/QUOTE]Do the Hauppage cards really have a digital QAM tuner now?
[QUOTE=sengsational]Do the Hauppage cards really have a digital QAM tuner now?[/QUOTE]Um, sengsational, read zila's comment again - he is stating nothing of the sort. :)
But speaking of Hauppauge getting back into the HD market, someone mentioned a short while back (in the e164 thread, IIRC) that they had received an email from H that stated something along the lines that H intended to release a new HD tuner near the end of the year....It'll be interesting to see if that proves true or not.
Paradox-SJ
09-14-06, 08:06 PM
Anyone try runing RC1 of Vista with any of these cards?
[QUOTE=gopalag]3>Able to record HD content for OTA using antenna (eg. TV series lost or 24...) and save in MPEG4[/QUOTE]I'm going to hazzard a guess that you when you said "save" you didn't mean transcode.
What I'm getting at is that you don't save digital streams in real time to a particular format ... they are delievered to you in a particular format already. In this case, MPEG2. ... If you so desire, you can transcode the MPEG2 content to another format later on, but expect accomplishment of such a task to take a good long while ....and for the amount of compression savings, its really not worth the while ... and, as many will argue, nor the quality loss endured.
sengsational
09-15-06, 07:49 PM
[QUOTE=CityK]Um, sengsational, read zila's comment again - he is stating nothing of the sort. :) [/QUOTE]
The OP had this:
[QUOTE=Bigjohns]Requirements:
...
Clear QAM tuner - scheduled recordings
...
[/QUOTE]
Then Zilla answered "WinTV" if the OP didn't need HD.
My assumption was that QAM was used exclusively for digital signals over cable, and that it could be HD or SD resolution. Maybe it can be used for analog too?
Or maybe Zilla meant if the OP didn't need a digital tuner?
[QUOTE=sengsational]Or maybe Zilla meant if the OP didn't need a digital tuner?[/QUOTE] Bingo! :D
My assumption was that QAM was used exclusively for digital signals over cableNo. QAM is just a modulation scheme. It can be (and is) used for a number of applications. Anyways, the point being is that digital cable doesn't have to use QAM, nor is QAM restricted to use in digital cable systems.....but it is pretty fair to say that, these days, QAM is the predominent or defacto modulation scheme of choice for digital cable systems, and in particular, the QAM256 flavour.
and that it could be HD or SD resolutionQAM is not the signal itself -- it is just a method of conveying the actual signal on a carrier wave (RF). Like all digital video transmissions systems, the actual video data for digital cable is encapsulated in a Transport Stream. Within that TS will indeed be video material that is of either SD or HD resolution.
On a technical level, different modulation schemes do indeed have different baud/symbol rates and different bit representations per symbol ... and, hence, are capable of different data rates. As one can easily surmise, HD resolutions require a greater data rate then SD resolutions. But for practical purposes of our discussion, the modulation scheme employed has no bearing upon the video resolution contained within the signal.....simply because the various schemes used (such as 8PSK, QPSK, 256QAM ...) have more then sufficient capabilities of delivering the required data rates for HD type material....So, if you followed that, then to draw a crude analogy - to say that "it uses QAM and that it could be HD or SD resolution" is in effect akin to saying something like "the engine uses unleaded and that it could be a black or red car"
Maybe it can be used for analog too?Indeed it is (example - NTSC also makes use of QAM for a portion of the chroma signal).
[QUOTE=CityK]Bingo! :D
(snip)
[/QUOTE]
Thanks for clarifying this for me!
No problem :)
[QUOTE=CityK]But speaking of Hauppauge getting back into the HD market, someone mentioned a short while back (in the e164 thread, IIRC) that they had received an email from H that stated something along the lines that H intended to release a new HD tuner near the end of the year....It'll be interesting to see if that proves true or not.[/QUOTE] link (http://www.hauppauge.com/pages/products/data_hvr950.html) ... which bears just a slight likeness of being to Elgato's EyeTV Hybrid (http://elgato.com/index.php?file=products_eyetvhybridna) :p
And speaking of repackaging, I noticed on the weekend that MSI is now selling one Digital@nywhere-ATSC (http://www.msicomputer.com/product/p_spec.asp?model=Digital@nywhere-ATSC&class=vga) ... of course, the red pcb makes it leaps and bounds different then the Kworld 110 (http://www.kworldcomputer.com/product/digital/001/atsc_110.htm)
akron05
12-15-06, 11:19 PM
HELP!!! I have a Norwood Micro Digital/Analog PCI TV Tuner Card. I installed it, used my rotor w/antenna, got several stations I didn't even think I would. It was great.
Then, tonight, for no reason at all, it suddenly STOPPED being able to "read" the ATSC signals. Analogs still worked fine, so I don't think it was an antenna issue. But ALL digital stations said "no signal" no matter where the antenna was pointed (and yes, I went outside to make sure it was still on my roof and rotating as it is supposed to w/the rotator), even the station 7 miles away. NOTHING, ZILCH.
I uninstalled and reinstalled the ATSC program that came with the card, still, nothing.
What happened??? HELP!
I did delete my username's temp folder in C/Documents and Settings/My Name/Local Settings/Temp but I've done that before w/no issues. I did that before it quit but it may be a conincidence. Everything else works just fine.
I deleted my temp folder before and it somehow screwed up my CW_EPG.exe for MDP-130. Wish I had a solution for you.
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