What TV tuner should I get?

[LordJezo]

I want to get something like a TIVO going for my computer as I have the HD space to spare but not the cash to get a TIVO.

I have been looking around and that ATI USB one seems kinda snazzy but I dont have the USB port to spare. Can someone reccomend a good one that will let me record stuff, get TV listings (if that is even possiable) and all that kind of good stuff? I am getting tired of dealing with VHS tapes every time I want to record something.

Thanks.

 

[VBboy]

Dude, you do NOT want a USB TV tuner! Do you know what kind of crappy FPS and quality you'll be getting?! Just buy a PCI one, like Hauppauge TV Theater or any other internal TV tuner. Look for reviews online, just go see what Buy.com is selling and then find reviews on Google.com

 

[NotoriousJTC]

I agree, Hauppuage makes some very good TV tuners.

 

[LordJezo]

Which one do you guys reccomend? Hauppauge seems to make quite a bunch of them ranging from 45 bucks to over 200....

 

[VBboy]

LordJezo,

That's the part when you go to Google.com as recommended, and find reviews of the Hauppauge tuners you're interested in. Try ReviewFinder.com and NeoSeeker.com. Features range from mono to stereo to surround sound; I think the quality of the video itself is the same, but you probably get different features with each product.

You really need to do some research to avoid buying something that doesn't suit your needs.

** BestBuy and CompUSA stores carry these and other TV tuners; you can buy one and try it out.

 

[BrunoPuntzJones]

tigerdirect has the hauppauge for 39$+9 shipping. staples has the ATi tv-wonder ve for 53$ free shipping. i think the ati has better software (not 100% sure) and kinda leaning towards it. i dont know which one is better, it'll be going in a p133 with a 4 meg vid card, just for a tv.

 

[mikef208]

I have a question, is it possible to use the ATI software with a hauppague card?

 

[dieselstation]

I recommend getting the I/OMagic PC-PVR card from CompuUSA.. it's $39 which is a STEAL for a tv tuner card.. the box says you can't record from a VCR or DV input.. but trust me you can.. it's because the included software (Cyberlink Power VCR) is only the lite version. all the capabilities are there.. you just need to go buy the full version of the software if you want to capture Digital Video stuff.. but if you're just capturing from TV.. then it's perfect..

I should know.. i wrote the manual for it.