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General => Users => Topic started by: tux-box1 on November 10, 2011, 07:51:38 pm

Title: Need help understanding tv capture cards choosing one.
Post by: tux-box1 on November 10, 2011, 07:51:38 pm
I've been researching tv capture cards. From what I understand that only clear non encrypted (Is it possible to record encrypted cable channels?) channels can be displayed. I'm hoping some one who more experience with this can direct me in the right direction.

I'm looking at the cards here on this site. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380047%201685342847&name=Tuner%20Card&cm_sp=tvtunersubcatstore-_-flashstorefront-_-tvtunercard (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380047%201685342847&name=Tuner%20Card&cm_sp=tvtunersubcatstore-_-flashstorefront-_-tvtunercard) more specifically http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815116037 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815116037) I'm hoping this will be the best fit for use in the USA..

I also hear that I can install more than one, having the availability to combine their abilities to watch different channels effectively increasing the number of channels one can use at a time. Is this correct?

If some one has had great success with a different card. Could you let me know what it was?

Thank you.
Title: Re: Need help understanding tv capture cards choosing one.
Post by: JoakimL on November 10, 2011, 08:02:16 pm
Each tuner can handle one channels at a time, meaning you can watch and record several channels simultaneously if you have enough tuners. There are also cards with more than one tuner onboard.

/Joakim
Title: Re: Need help understanding tv capture cards choosing one.
Post by: trippleg on November 10, 2011, 08:18:50 pm
I am new to Linuxmce, But I have been using Mythtv for years.  I like using the HDHomerun device.  It plugs directly into your network and currently has one or two tuners depending on what you choose. I am not sure if it is plug and play with LinuxMCE, but I will be researching that as soon as I can get my Insteon gear working.

-Gregg
Title: Re: Need help understanding tv capture cards choosing one.
Post by: tkmedia on November 10, 2011, 08:34:41 pm
Each tuner can handle one channels at a time, meaning you can watch and record several channels simultaneously if you have enough tuners. There are also cards with more than one tuner onboard.

/Joakim

That used to be true but now with Digital Tuners you can record / watch multiple shows per tuner ... provided they are on the same mux ... if you notice mythtv now sets up virtual tuners for this purpose.

Tim
Title: Re: Need help understanding tv capture cards choosing one.
Post by: tux-box1 on November 11, 2011, 12:14:24 am
So which of the products I referenced should I go for??
Title: Re: Need help understanding tv capture cards choosing one.
Post by: Kezza on November 11, 2011, 12:33:10 am
Not sure what the cards are like but my pick is the HDHomerun http://lmcecompatible.com/#ecwid:category=280106&mode=product&product=839061 (http://lmcecompatible.com/#ecwid:category=280106&mode=product&product=839061), I've had for a year or so now and never had an issue plus the big benefit is that it does not takeup space in the box.
Title: Re: Need help understanding tv capture cards choosing one.
Post by: tux-box1 on November 11, 2011, 02:55:45 am
Thanks I'll keep that as an option. I was really hoping to do this with a TV tuner card.
Title: Re: Need help understanding tv capture cards choosing one.
Post by: tux-box1 on November 11, 2011, 07:36:00 pm
Can any one recommend a tv tuner card form the list I posted?
Title: Re: Need help understanding tv capture cards choosing one.
Post by: kyfalcon on November 11, 2011, 07:50:21 pm
If your provider has the CCI flag set to 0x00 the the Ceton Infintv is a great card. In one expansion slot you get 4 tuners. 2 providers that I am aware of that set the CCI = 0x00 are Cincinnati Bell Fioptics and from what I have read Verizon Fios.
Title: Re: Need help understanding tv capture cards choosing one.
Post by: tux-box1 on November 12, 2011, 12:29:20 am
I would be getting my signal from charter. More closely Clear over the Air. I have cable internet and get some channels by splitting the signal and connecting my HD tv to the same line. I don't have "tv" or "cable tv" service, but I'm able to get a few Clear over the air channels and what ever channels a few miles of coper cable pickes up as an over sized Athena.  8)
Title: Re: Need help understanding tv capture cards choosing one.
Post by: tkmedia on November 12, 2011, 03:30:07 am
I think your picking up clear quam signals


Tim
Title: Re: Need help understanding tv capture cards choosing one.
Post by: tux-box1 on November 12, 2011, 03:53:03 pm
That's probably correct. The question I have is, which of the cards I posted would work best for me.
I'm looking at the cards here on this site. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380047%201685342847&name=Tuner%20Card&cm_sp=tvtunersubcatstore-_-flashstorefront-_-tvtunercard (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380047%201685342847&name=Tuner%20Card&cm_sp=tvtunersubcatstore-_-flashstorefront-_-tvtunercard) more specifically http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815116037 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815116037) I'm hoping this will be the best fit for use in the USA..
Title: Re: Need help understanding tv capture cards choosing one.
Post by: macro on November 13, 2011, 01:49:33 am
I have got the same doubt, thanks for sharing it!
Title: Re: Need help understanding tv capture cards choosing one.
Post by: tkmedia on November 13, 2011, 08:26:24 am
I think your better of with digital only depending on the version of myth they have dropped support for analog cards...
This will just cause you grief, I believe others are having issues with the 2250.


Tim
Title: Re: Need help understanding tv capture cards choosing one.
Post by: tux-box1 on November 13, 2011, 03:48:35 pm
A digital card you say. Would the card state this in it's details? Also if the card has both a digital tuner and an analog tuner. would the digital tuner work and the analog not or would both not work?
Title: Re: Need help understanding tv capture cards choosing one.
Post by: tux-box1 on November 17, 2011, 07:25:31 pm
not a double post, their has been no answer to my question.
If the card has both a digital tuner and an analog tuner. Would the digital tuner work and the analog not or would both not work?
Title: Re: Need help understanding tv capture cards choosing one.
Post by: kyfalcon on November 17, 2011, 09:07:26 pm
I think that depends on the specific card. Take a look at the vendors website or forum for card specifics.