TV Tuner for Mini-PCI slot

I'm hoping for some input from the OEM guys that lurk around here on this one, but welcome all input, as well.

I've got the NP9262, and a few upgrades are either in the works, or on the way as I type this. One of the options that I'd like to add is the tv tuner/remote option. With the output and antenna port already included in the base configuration, all I'd need to do is install the mini-PCI card, and link the card to the antenna input on the side of the chassis, hook up the antenna, install my purchased copy of BeyondTV, and away I go. My question is...

If I want to use the mini-PCI slot to keep the tuner internal, so that I don't have to keep track of another piece of equipment, and I want to make sure that I get all of the supported transmissions that I possibly can, and I want a remote (prefer one that fits into the ExpressCard slot), and I don't want to pay Sagers price. What TV Tuners fit the bill? Which one does Sager/Xotic/others use if the laptop is initially configured with the internal mini-PCI card, and remote? Keep in mind, I don't need software for it, other than drivers, because I have long owned BeyondTV 4.x. I'd also like to hear if anyone knows whether such a tuner would support input from an HDTV receiver, such as my DirecTV H21-100, either through use of an IR Blaster control and via component, etc (should the tv tuner support such inputs, even via dongle).

If someone could point me in the right direction, it would be of great help. Also, please do not recommend USB solutions, as the primary concern is in keeping the device internal. Requirements:

mini-PCI
capable of receiving OTA HD signals in multiple transmission standards
capable of receiving SD signals
comes with antenna
comes with cable to link antenna port on side of chassis to the card
comes with remote (preference to a remote that fits into ExpressCard slot)
drivers support Vista x64 and XP 32bit
possibly support input from external devices, such as HD receivers
under $100

Thanks in advance guys. I have a feeling all I need to know is what the OEMs put into the laptop when it's purchased with the internal tuner from the get go. All input appreciated.

 

still looking for an answer on this issue. anyone?

 

Bueller....Bueller?

 

I just called Sager Tech support. for those of you wondering, like I was, the internal TV Tuner is an AverMedia 788 series model, and comes with a non-MCE remote. If you intend to use Vista, you will need the MCE compatible remote. I have not obtained pricing on either the tuner, or the MCE remote, because the mini-PCI tuner that they are using does not do HDTV. I will continue the search, and update this thread as I get more information. I know someone, somewhere makes a mini-PCI HDTV tuner...just have to find it. If anyone has information, posting it would be helpful.

 

i do hope that you find this card, I want one too.

 

Mine was MPC 788 hybrid and a small antenna with remote.I dnt know if it's MCE compatible.But the system has a remote and it works with Cyberlink Power Cinema which looks same.

 

Friendly advice: long posts are threatening and boring to read, you will get much more/better responses if you keep your topic starter short and sweet, and let posters ask you questions if they need further info; rather than putting it all out there to boggle people's minds.

 

Hello bigjohnsonforever,

I notice you own the NP5793 with the TV Tuner. I just ordered the NP5793 (it's in build status) and I debating whether to add the built-in TV tuner but it's been near to impossible to get information on it except that is made by Yuan.

I'm hoping you can provide some advice such as whether the that Sager card is worth purchasing, or if I should look for other aftermarket options such as AverMedia.

Also, is there any benefit in using the internal MiniPCIe card versus one that goes into the express card slot (aside from using the alreay bulit-in antenna)?

 

Hi onel;
If you think you won't use it,then don't get it.You can add in later.And the quality is not that good.

 

If you hook cable up to it you will get fairly good pictures, but there are more powerful external adapters out there. Considering I only had two options for the slot (turbo memory-useless if you got 4gb ram, and the tv tuner), I chose the tuner because I don't use it a whole lot, but in the event I do use it, I don't have to take an external with me everywhere, and my express slot/USB ports are free for other things. It was pocket change relative to how much I was already paying for the notebook so I just threw it in, and got both the remotes for other media uses besides watching tv.(if you get the MCE express card remote, you still get the standard MCE remote, and you don't have to use the receiver because of the on-board IR)