USB TV Tuner/Capture Device?

jimmygates

Platinum Member
Sep 4, 2000
2,134
2
81
I'm looking for a USB TV Tuner where I can capture TV shows on to my computer (I want to burn Family Guy episodes to CD :)). At the moment I'm looking toward Pinnacle Systems or Happuage. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks



-Jimbo
 

jimmygates

Platinum Member
Sep 4, 2000
2,134
2
81
JohnnyPC,


I acutally saw one of these at CompUSA. Have you had any experience with it? I was tempted to get it but really didn't know anything about it. LMK, Thanks




-Jimbo
 

Ryan

Lifer
Oct 31, 2000
27,519
2
81
The hauppauge is the best, hands down! I have it, and it works wonderfully :)
 

jimmygates

Platinum Member
Sep 4, 2000
2,134
2
81
rbloedow,


Which model of the Happauge you own? How are the drivers? How is the quality when capturing shows off TV? I want to capture shows at full screen and at the highest possible resolution.



-Jimbo

 

DSTA

Senior member
Sep 26, 2001
431
0
0
The problem with the USB TV Tuners is the limited USB bandwith. Really high quality is not doable.

If it's got to be USB, IMO your best bet is to get something like the or the Pinnacle Bungee or the Hauppauge WinTV PVR USB. More expensive, but those two come with hardware MPEG2 encoding.
 

Vincent

Platinum Member
Oct 9, 1999
2,030
2
81
I have a Hauppauge Win TV USB. If you're serious about capturing TV, I would go for a PCI card. The image quality on a USB device is just not up to par.