USB or FIREWIRE Tuner

[queonda]

All- I have a software tuner card. I'm looking for a hardware encoder tuner (firewire or USB2). I found Digistor TV Tuner/PVR [USB 2.0] : http://www.digistor.com/index.asp?Pa...dID=53#related

But I don't know if its a hardware or software encoder (i think its software).

Anyone can direct me in the write direction?

[imf4]

As far as I know the only USB hardware encoders supported are the
Adaptec VideOh! Media Center
Hauppauge WinTV-PVR USB2
Pinnacle PCTV Deluxe
Someone will have to confirm but it is possible there will be more in 3.5

[queonda]

Hauppauge and Pinnacle runs about $200 retail
Adaptec runs about 180.

So has anyone had any experience with one of the above and an ATI 9700 AIW?
Does anyone know where for find a matrix comparision for the 3 external tuners listed above (or/and others)?

[imf4]

Beyond did a review over at his site on the Hauppage one. Here is the link. http://htpcnews.com/main.php?id=wintvpvrusb2_1
I don't really know of any other reviews.

200 is retail. If you look at buy.com the PVR-USB2 is 130.
http://www.buy.com/retail/product.as...dwt=31001&sp=1
I think the other ones can be had for much cheaper too if you look around. I know it isn't as cheap as the one you where looking at, but the hardware encoders are worth it. Do you really need a USB one. The internal PCI ones are cheaper and work the same.

[Bryce]

opps wrong thread...

[queonda]

Thanks IMF4.

I am using a shuttle box. and do have one PCI slot available but my box is working perfectly and am concerned I may have a heat issue having a PCI tuner right next to my AGP AIW. Just looking at all my options.

Yeah, I know I'm going to need a hardware encoder cuz I already have a AIW (software encoder, right?) to use with the BTV 3.5.

[imf4]

Originally Posted by queonda

Yeah, I know I'm going to need a hardware encoder cuz I already have a AIW (software encoder, right?) to use with the BTV 3.5.

You don't "need" a hardware encoder. You can keepusing your AIW. Remember if you don't like the hardware card you can always return it. I don't know if you ever saw this thread. A lot of people who switched from software based cards to the hauppage ones posted. It is a good read. Who has UPGRADED from ATI to PVR250?