HDTV PC Tuner Guide

[Lima]

Hi guys,

I found this site -> HDTV PC Tuner Guide a while back and just thought I'd post it to see what y'all think.

I might be in the market for a tuner card soon and wanted to know if I could trust this sites recommendations and all.

[sswilson]

Just keep in mind that (AFAIK) we don't have cable cards for digital TV here in Canada yet.

[Lima]

Originally Posted by sswilson

Just keep in mind that (AFAIK) we don't have cable cards for digital TV here in Canada yet.

As is, available for purchase?

[sswilson]

Originally Posted by Lima

As is, available for purchase?

As in... you won't be able to find a card to replace your digital set top box for decoding the digital signal from the wall, so keep that in mind when you're looking at things like setting up a proper PVR.

[Lima]

aha!

Gotcha

and thanks.

I had a feeling it would be a good idea to post.

[Lima]

o.k, decided to bump this thread instead of starting a new one. Need help finding a TV tuner, first time buyer.

I'm going to be plugging my cable directly from the wall, so no HD. I am mainly gonna be using Windows Vista Ultimate x64 and Windows XP Pro 32 bit. Just need something good and cheap. Being able to play HD well and Windows 7 compatibility would be a plus.

[Cadence]

bump, would like some opinions on this too, i was JUST thinking how I wanted a TV tuner for my pc today. HD capabilities or upscaling would be nice, but that would i mean I need to pay for another digital cable line possibly?
anyways, running windows 7 32-bit. update us on this! =P

[lowfat]

If you use a STB, don't bother. They all suck

[Canzara]

I've tried a few different tuners, had the best luck with hauppauge.
Currently using the 950q, it works with Win7, I'm running x64. Also used it under vista.
I added the Antec Multimedia Premiere? something like that for remote and it all works with windows 7 MCE and I love it. Full PVR functionality, searchable tv guide. Worked without a hitch, Windows update even offerered a win7 driver update for it recently.
I've also used ATI tuners. Have had a couple but most recently my system crashed while watching tv (was running vista 64 then) and after reboot the tuner card was no longer recognized. It never worked again.
I still have it sitting here, it was a diamond and not having much luck getting anything in regards to RMA possibilities, but I haven't put alot of effort in either, filled out a form on the webpage and let it go. I bought the hauppauge 950q because I saw it on sale a few days after this event and never looked back.
Good luck. hope this info can help someone.

[Lima]

Originally Posted by lowfat

If you use a STB, don't bother. They all suck

What does STB stand for?