Has anyone used/heard about this tv tuner and encoder?

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ehZn

[H]ard|Gawd
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Jun 9, 2004
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Didn't know where else to throw this thread, but does anyone know anything about this particular tv tuner/encoder? http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=15-116-602&depa=1


I'm looking to watch cable on my lcd and record some of my favorite shows with the least amount of hassle, but I've never heard of this company. All the reviews I've read so far say this is a great product.

If you have other suggestions, I'm looking for a pci tv tuner with hardware mpeg2 quality encoding. Price is not a huge issue (as you might have guessed by the $130 tag on this card). Thanks :p
 
Thanks for the reply. It is indeed a better card and price, but I got 2 questions for ya.

1) Since this is the OEM version, it does not come with software. If all I want to do is watch tv and record some of the tv and maybe encode some video input, what program would you suggest?

2) I have heard that the new drivers automatically recognize your sound card and encode audio with the video without any extra work. Is this true? I would like to avoid having to sync audio and video encoding myself.
 
ehZn said:
Thanks for the reply. It is indeed a better card and price, but I got 2 questions for ya.

1) Since this is the OEM version, it does not come with software. If all I want to do is watch tv and record some of the tv and maybe encode some video input, what program would you suggest?

2) I have heard that the new drivers automatically recognize your sound card and encode audio with the video without any extra work. Is this true? I would like to avoid having to sync audio and video encoding myself.
Click to expand...

Mine came with the software but it's pretty much junk, much better apps out there for freeware. No need to sync audio and video.
 
Big help on the info. Looks like I will be getting this card, now I just have to decide what software to use.

Any further suggestions on this would be appreciated.
 
Read everything I could find on your great FAQ and guide. Looks like I definitely want the PVR 250, but is there a 250MCE with a remote? The remote would be nice...but I would be sacrificing the cooler running encoder chip, correct?

One of the sites also recommended finiding a retail boxed version of the 250MCE to avoid getting an OEM version that won't be recognized by the software. Apparently this happened to a few people :rolleyes:

Thanks again.
 
There are a few versions of the 250MCE out there but I'll do a simple explaination.
You have the regular 250MCE which is just a better 250 card and then you have what is called a "Rosyln" card. The Roslyn is a 250MCE that is made with a new chip design, basically it's made so that it can be manufactured cheaper. The quality is still the same as the regular 250MCE but you need special drivers for it (since the chipset is different) which is also why some apps don't work with it. The good retailers (like PC Alchemy) will identify if the card is a 250MCE or a Rosyln though.

It's an OEM only product so the only way you get one is by either buying a Windows MCE box or buying a software package like this one:
Heres a Rosyln package

As for the remote I would suggest starting out with something alittle better:
http://www.pcalchemy.com/product_info.php/cPath/38/products_id/53
http://www.pcalchemy.com/product_info.php/cPath/38/products_id/35
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=80-100-551&depa=0
Or you could use an ATI remote wonder (If so I know a great remote app for you)
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=list&catalog=283&DEPA=0&order=price&sort=asc
I have a similar remote to this one that I really like but I had to get mine second hand since it's now no longer made. I''ll probably pick this one up to replace it.

But the best thing could probably be getting a combo package (card, remote, and some quality software).
http://www.pcalchemy.com/product_info.php?products_id=58

I have both the Streamzap remote and this remote BTW. The Streamzap is a nice remote, something I'd suggest for first time users.
As you can see you have alot of options for a remote. :)
 
Wow you just answered every question that I even considered asking. I think to be complete I will go with the great complete software/hardware/remote bundle.

You have been so helpful. I really appreciate it. Maybe someone should hire you to go out and sell HTPC's :D
 
lol, thanks. lord knows I need something like that right now (reminder: start looking for another job, lol) :)
Fell free to ask any questions you might have, I'm sure some one here will know it or that I can find an answer pretty quickly.

Something to remember about HTPCs they are 20% hardware and 80% software so spending the cash for good software is a good investment.
 
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