Tuner card for HTPC

ben62670

OK I would like a tuner card for my PC. I am almost positive I should get an ATSC/QAM card. There are a bunch of cheap ATSC cards out there, but I am thinking I would like to be able to hook up to cable when I get it. How does sat work. Can you view free satellite stations via a PC?
Thanks guys.
Ben

engtaz

Look for ones that support Vista. Most of them don't, so, when MS forces us to go to Vista you still have a card that works. Also look for HDTV cards but refer to previous statement.

engtaz

ben62670

Thanks E. I am also taking a serious look at the usb models. The heat in my case with the quadcore, 8800, and 5hd's is pretty high as it is, and the PCI-PCIe models through off some heat too.
Ben

ben62670

Well I messed up, and bought this card locally for $80. The card sucks so bad it is not funny. I have no radio, real system, or TV here. Just my puter.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815144018
It's going back, and the one below is on it's way!
MCE remote, and all the formats I could want including QAM!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815116015

I know better than to buy stuff without at least reading the reviews on newegg:o

engtaz

Hauppauge makes the most supported TV cards out there. They are the standard bearers but, vista is a major problem with most TV cards. Verify vista support on package and the manufactures site.

engtaz

olilugo

I been using Hauppauge for the longest time. I love the TV in my PC.
Since everything is going HD I was also looking to update my card and I found the Hauppauge WinTV-HVR 1800. I was about to buy it when I realize the following:
1. just because it says that they support NTSC, and ATSC/clear QAM, they all need cable.
2. QAM is just over the air HD channels (local channels)
3. all cable providers have scramble the HD signals, now you need a cable box to decode the signal.
4. if you are using the regular cable (not the HD cable) then you will get all 125 channels without a cable box.

All and all I think this card is probably the best in the market, but to get the HD channels you will need a cable box.

olilugo

I found that frys has it for 79.00 after a 40$ mail in rebate...
http://shop2.frys.com/product/5409619?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

ben62670

I have plenty of HD OTA here, and I do realize that scrambled is scrambled, but for my situation this card is going to do me just fine. The vista support is not an issue with this card, and the MCE remote is just that an MCE remote that works with Vista's MCE:)

Thanks Guys.
Review soon.
Ben

ben62670

reported