Hauppauge USB TV Tuner
Hauppauge USB TV Tuner
Hauppauge makes a range of USB TV tuners. Two of the currently most popular and distinctly
different models of Hauppauge USB TV tuner are the Hauppauge 1200 WinTV HVR-850 Tuner Stick and
the Hauppauge 1192 WinTV HVR-1950 External USB HDTV Tuner.
Hauppauge 1200 WinTV HVR-850 Tuner Stick
This model of Hauppauge USB TV tuner is actually a hybrid USB TV tuner. Compatible with
PC platforms, this model can pick up both digital and analog TV signals, as well as analog cable (but not digital
cable or digital satellite). It is also capable of pausing, fast-forwarding and rewinding. Recording is another
feature of this stick-sized Hauppauge USB TV tuner; the recording format is MPEG-2. Users are impressed with its
ability to correctly pick up the channels by auto-scanning; however, when viewing TV there can be a small delay
when switching between different analog channels. In general, installation is easy and doesn't pose problems for
most users.
This Hauppauge USB TV tuner comes with a telescoping antenna and a USB extension cord. Some
users note that in areas with poorer TV signals, the included antenna isn't sufficiently helpful and a better one
may need to be purchased by viewers in these types of areas.
The software bundled with this tuner is called WinTV and is the recommended viewing platform,
but surprisingly, most users find that the free Windows Media Center actually works better. (Windows Media Center
comes bundled with the Windows operating system and therefore is already installed on virtually all PCs that would
be using the Hauppauge tuner.) The main problem with the Hauppauge-supplied WinTV is jerkiness and choppy video
streaming; this is not a problem with Windows Media Center. Users also report that the TV guide and ease of
recording is better on Windows Media Center.
This Hauppauge USB TV tuner offers the advanced features of a hybrid tuner for a relatively
modest price. It performs well and installs easily, but for best viewing performance users are recommended to use
the free Windows Media Center rather than the supplied WinTV.
Hauppauge 1192 WinTV HVR-1950 External USB HDTV Tuner
The Hauppauge 1192 WinTV HVR-1950 External USB HDTV Tuner is one of the larger models of USB
tuner; about the size of a CD cover but much thicker, and comes with a USB cable to attach it to the computer. This
Hauppauge USB TV tuner is a hybrid model, capable of picking up both analog and digital TV.
As well as analog and digital TV, this Hauppauge USB TV tuner can also wirelessly pick up QAM
unencrypted digital cable (digital cable channels which are broadcast 'in the clear'), and analog cable, digital
cable or digital satellite via a connection to the set-top box. This impressive functionality comes with a
corresponding higher price tag, but a comparison with other tuners shows that it is priced fairly relative to other
models and other levels of functionality.
Most importantly, this Hauppauge USB TV tuner has the extremely helpful IR blaster functionality, which
really sets it apart from a lot of other makes and models. This means that this Hauppauge USB TV tuner can
change the channel on the set-top box via a cable which is provided with the product. The IR blaster function is
essential for any user who plans to record cable or satellite shows (which otherwise would require manually
setting the channel on the set-top box each time a new recording is desired).
This Hauppauge USB TV tuner installs easily, and most users have been very satisfied with what
the product delivers. One point of note is that users preferred to use the Windows-supplied Windows Media Center
already on the computer as the viewing platform, over the WinTV software that comes with the tuner. Overall, this
model of tuner is great for cable and satellite TV users who wish to record shows, because this Hauppauge USB TV tuner is one of the few tuners able to change the
channel on a set-top box. This USB TV tuner is one of the best at being able to pick up channels from a range of
sources.
Diamond USB TV Tuner
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