WinTV-PVR-USB2 user opinions?

[Shortcut]

I have a laptop, and would like to record TV shows with it. So I'm thinking of getting this:

Text

It seems to provide the key features I'm looking for:
on-board encoding, so my laptop won't need to do it
usb interface

Could any owners comment on the video quality and ease of use of this product? Are there better products that you would recommend?

 

[Shortcut]

/bump for the night crew

 

[housecat]

i dunno but this recent thread talked about tuners

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=31&threadid=1603683&enterthread=y

 

[firerock]

Well, I bought one from Amazon and I have the same idea as you do, to use my laptop as DVR. The result...not too great. I read and read many forums and there's no solution to this problem, the turner will not always function on some USB ports (particular usb chipset). It will work sometimes, and when it works, it works great; the video capture is clear and crisp. But if my Dell 8500 wouldn't recognize it (don't even see it as plugged in), there's no way around the situation, other than keep on restarting your laptop and keep on reinstalling the driver. Some suggested to leave the turner on all the time, but that doesn't work as well. You can take your chance and keep your receipt handy.

 

[housecat]

really.. hmm have you tried updating your bios and chipset drivers?

 

[Shortcut]

thanks, all. i'll give this product a try!

 

[firerock]

Originally posted by: housecat
really.. hmm have you tried updating your bios and chipset drivers?

Well, I updated all of my drivers and bios when I had the product (Jan 2005). As I said, I returned it back to Amazon before the 30 days warranty.