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    High Quality External TV Tuner

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by pevelg, Dec 11, 2006.

  1. pevelg

    pevelg Notebook Geek

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    I am looking for an external TV tuner for my soon to arrive Asus G1. My biggest concern is quality of video and sound. Here is a list of needs and wants:

    Top Priority:
    -Good video quality
    -Good audio quality
    -External
    -Watch cable from direct line
    -Able to watch TV wirelessly (tv atena)

    Important, though not critical:
    -powered through laptop, not AC adapter
    -HDTV

    Minor issues:
    -Size: I prefer a smaller size, but would choose large for quality
    -Hardware based: Again, quality is most important. CPU is a Core 2 Duo 7200, so it should be able to handle software based decoding.

    Price range: $200

    I have read to review for the WinTV-HVR-950 and it seems to fit most my needs, but I am not sure as to its quality in audio and video. I prefer posts from owners, though any input would help. Thanks.
     
    pevelg, Dec 11, 2006
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  2. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I've found the quality on SDTV to be a little grainy, but I think that is just because my cable signal is garbage (I have similar issues on my TV). HDTV is beautiful though when I get a chance to view it. I really wish I could find some decent programming in HDTV that is OTA (over the air) ATSC.

    The best thing I can say is buy it and try it. If you aren't happy with it return the tuner to the store of purchase.

    FYI: Core 2 T7200 can handle just about any decoding, so I wouldn't worry about the hardware based decoder. I use my GPU's hardware decoder to help in the process since the HVR950 doesn't have one on board. However, if it did it would probably need an AC adapter, so I think it is a fair trade off for the portability.
     
    Greg, Dec 11, 2006
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  3. pevelg

    pevelg Notebook Geek

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    I think I've narrowed it down to three choices:

    Diamond XtremeTV PVR660 USB 2.0 Power Pack Edition:
    Pros:
    Cnet #1 external tv tuner
    Small
    USB powered
    Reportedly good quality
    Cons:
    No HDTV(?)

    WinTV-HVR-950
    Pros:
    based on nice review at NBR
    USB powered
    Size
    USB powered
    Cons:
    only found one review (NBR)

    WinTV-PVR-USB2:
    Pros:
    Cnet #2 external tv tuner
    same company as HVR.
    Reportedly good quality
    Free Orb.com
    Cons:
    AC powered
    size

    night_2004: I know that buying and testing would be my best choice, but that is not really an option for me if I wan't to avoid shipping and restocking fees. I like in a small town in Missouri, so I have no good technology stores other than staples, which does not carry tv tuners. I want't to use the tv tuner mainly at an university that I attend in a different town. I check out an office daily and the room offers a caple connection, thus come in the Tv tuner.
     
    pevelg, Dec 11, 2006
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