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    xps m1710 usb or express card tuner

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by twohats, Feb 14, 2007.

  1. twohats

    twohats Newbie

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    Hi
    im after a dvb-t tv tuner (uk) for my new xps 1710 laptop
    and i dont know which way to go
    usb2 or express card slot
    any one know which is the best format and why?
    have been looking at this card from terratec
    http://www.komplett.co.uk/k/ki.asp?sku=319484
    which is just beening released over here
    any thoughts thanks
     
    twohats, Feb 14, 2007
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  2. Gautam

    Gautam election 2008 NBR Reviewer

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    I don't think there is a best format - although ExpressCard has the better transfer rates over USB, it doesn't matter since they are 'crippled' by other factors.

    You should choose the format that best suits your lifestyle. USB will be less portable than ExpressCard. You can leave your ExpressCard in the slot all the time. Do you currently have something else in the EC slot that you need always? Then get USB. It's a convenience thing.
     
    Gautam, Feb 14, 2007
    #2
  3. PhoenixFx

    PhoenixFx Notebook Virtuoso

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    Bandwidth of USB 2 is enough for even transfer uncompressed RGB 24 NTSC video at 640x480/29.97 fps or RGB 24 PAL video at 768x576/25 fps. So I really don't think that is an issue anymore. Besides most of them uses MPEG compression, so you can even reach higher resolutions without a problem.

    There are more choices, options and support for USB cards. And I think they are cheaper too. Only drawback is size/portability compared to express card tuners. Read few reviews before buying, because in my experience TV cards have the most number of software and driver comparability issues.
     
    PhoenixFx, Feb 14, 2007
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  4. twohats

    twohats Newbie

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    thx for that info
    probably going to go with the more asthetic express card tuner
     
    twohats, Feb 15, 2007
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  5. PCModifiers

    PCModifiers Notebook Consultant

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    even with the express card the aesthetics go out window as soon as you hook up a coaxial cable and or other video connections to it. Personally I would save the express card port for something else. If you just want to watch basic TV and such capturing is not really what you want to do. The Dell Angel is the best answer.

    http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Dell-Angel-US...oryZ3761QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD2VQQcmdZViewItem

    It will save wear and tear on your express card port too.
     
    PCModifiers, Feb 15, 2007
    #5