HDTV Tuner Card Questions

[ENDContra]

Ok, so Im looking for a TV tuner card, and possibly considering getting a myHD or FusionHDTV card. In regards to the HDTV card, I want to know if 1) I could use a HD/digital cable box (such as from Time Warner digital cable) to receive HD channels, and 2) If I wanted to burn some video I captured to DVD, would it be possible to drop the quality so that I could fit a decent amount of video onto a disc, yet still have a quality picture (I realize that it wont be HD or look nearly as clear), and 3) how well do these capture non HD, even analog sources?

The main thing I want is a clear picture without interference that will be good enough for archiving (Ive recorded a number of sporting events in the past, but VHS just isnt doing it anymore). But, I work at WRAL in Raleigh (the first television station to offer a 24 hour high definition broadcast), and being around HD at work all the time makes me realize how much I really want HD at home, even if its only on a 19" computer monitor...not only is the picture quality so incredible, Im a sucker for widescreen .

So should I stick with a good, solid, much cheaper card that will work for me just fine considering Im mostly looking to record, or should I up the ante (either of the cards is definitely above what I planned to spend) and get one of those two cards?

 

[rbV5]

1) I could use a HD/digital cable box (such as from Time Warner digital cable) to receive HD channels,

No, OTA signals only.

2) If I wanted to burn some video I captured to DVD, would it be possible to drop the quality so that I could fit a decent amount of video onto a disc

Sure, you're working with a perfect digital copy of the original transport stream, so it is excellent source material for encoding. The resulting file quality depends greatly on the amount of compression and video resolution you retain...it can certainly look stunningly good, and also bring a powerful machine to its knees playing it back in higher resolutions.

3) how well do these capture non HD, even analog sources?

I'm not impressed with MyHD on analog sources, my AIW cards are MUCH better at analog.

The main thing I want is a clear picture without interference that will be good enough for archiving

Usually with digital broadcast its all or nothing, its either great or crap. But it is also in its infancy. Early adoptors need to have quite a tolerance for glitches to avoid frustration. Software is still developing on and on. If you are in an area that can recieve good signals from OTA broadcasts, the picture is great as you know.....the "captured" file looks exactly like the original, because it is.

Look for a deal on a MyHD 100 since they have a new model out, might save you some bucks.

 

[SUOrangeman]

www.avsforum.com -> HTPC

-SUO