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    USB TV with hardware decoder/digital/pvr

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Naptime, Jan 30, 2007.

  1. Naptime

    Naptime Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi,
    Anyone recommend one that contains all the options in the title?Need it to have decoding etc. in hardware so as not to sap the laptop's resources.I'll use it for UK digital terrestrial TV but US model recommendations'd be good too as I then just have to find the UK equivalent.
    Ta,Si.
     
    Naptime, Jan 30, 2007
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  2. Naptime

    Naptime Notebook Enthusiast

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    I might possibly use it for receiving NTL cable TV too if anyone knows if this has any special requirements.
     
    Naptime, Jan 30, 2007
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  3. Naptime

    Naptime Notebook Enthusiast

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    Naptime, Jan 30, 2007
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  4. RogueMonk

    RogueMonk Notebook Deity

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    To my knowledge, no such device exists. But I'm sure they are coming.
     
    RogueMonk, Jan 30, 2007
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  5. Naptime

    Naptime Notebook Enthusiast

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    I found two: neither one useful as the first I found for sale but ntsc(I need PAL) also Japanese so the instructions would be fun - http://www.elsa-jp.co.jp/products/tvtuner/exvision_1700tv_usb/index.html.
    This next one I just can't find for sale anywhere though there are a couple of reviews saying it's great but a bit expensive - http://www.leadtek.nl/nts/uk/products/tv/index.php?pronameid=239&tab=1&sid=81 .Planet X review - http://www.planetx64.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=105&Itemid=36 . Bjorn 3D review - http://www.bjorn3d.com/read.php?cID=879 both from early 2006 though the manufacturer lists as a new product so maybe it's being reissued/revamped.
     
    Naptime, Jan 31, 2007
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  6. Naptime

    Naptime Notebook Enthusiast

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    Seems the Walkie TV is not a complete divx/mpg4 encoder as it doen't do audio(I think that's what they're saying).The Japanese thing definitely claims hardware mpg4 and there are a few other mentioned at http://www.tv-cards.com/messageboard/viewtopic.php?pid=51675.Er not sure how I got into the mpg4 thing except it does save a lot of space without large quality drop..
     
    Naptime, Jan 31, 2007
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  7. ez2remember

    ez2remember Notebook Evangelist

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    In the UK Nebula electronics digital TV tuner is highly rated. I'm not sure you'll find one that has hardware decoding because most of them are done on the software side. This saves on cost and anything recent is powerful enough. If you have dual core machine you should be fine for multi-tasking while watching TV.

    http://www.nebula-electronics.com/

    I've used quite a few Digital TV tuners including, AverMedia, Freecom and currently using KWorld.
     
    ez2remember, Jan 31, 2007
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