Digital Quality Video, Easy Setup, Works with Microsoft Media Center
Disadvantages:
Drivers can be a pain
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
I recently purchased this card to accompany my Home Theatre PC (HTPC). I friend of mine has a similar setup and suggested this card was the way to go to accompany my High Def Ready TV.
This card does exactly what it says on the tin, Digital Video through your aerial direct to your PC - GREAT
Setup ````````` The card comes in the usual anti-static bag well packaged alongside a CD, Remote Control & even batteries!!, To setup just open up your PC slap it in to a spare PCI port, fire up your PC and put the CD in the drive. All sounds to easy doesnt it? Well providing you have a Windows XP setup your on a winner especially with the WINTV application, however if you have a Microsoft Media Center 2005 your going to struggle.
Let me explain
There are multiple drivers out for this card and in order for the card to function in MCE 2005 you must download the MCE drivers from the Hauppauge site (http://www.hauppauge.co.uk), it is advisable to have these drivers ready on your PC BEFORE!! you install the card in your PC. Point the drivers to the location were you unzipped them to and your away. All thats left to do is go in to TV Setup Wizard and put in the necessary details and Scan for Services you should expect to get at least 65 channels and providing you have installed the latest MCE Rollup this will also include all digital radio channels.
Of course the problem with Digital TV is you must have a rather good aerial to get the quality without any disruption so ensure you have a good quality picture before you start - if you have a slightly weak signal try purchasing a cheap TV signal booster.
Quality ````````` Well once you have got over the hurdle of getting it to work in your desired setup the quality is just amazing!! I have rather a large TV (50" Rear Projection HD Sony Bravia 3LCD) and it looks the dogs!
Overall Value For Money `````````````````````````````````` Definately worth every penny it works great with MCE 2005 and the recordings look perfect!
Price Tag ````````````` Expect to pay in the region of £35 to £50.
Thanks for reading
More details
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Adequate
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