Questions about TV tuners

Felix Da Housecat · 16 Feb 2006 at 18:39

Hello,

I'm looking to use my desktop (spec in sig) as a way of watching TV, the problem is I dont have any slots available inside the pc for a card, so it looks like it's going to be a USB plug in Tuner.

What unit would you lot say I should go for.

I'm looking for good picture quality with some of the following features (if possible)

freeview
digital program guide would be nice
HDTV? (not sure if i'd need it)
pinture in/and picture

Any help would be good.

Thank you

Mujja · 16 Feb 2006 at 18:42

you'll only get PIP with dual tuners and i'm not sure which manufacturers software supports it.

a freeview tuner is the best option with MCE2005 which has a great program guide and UI.

Felix Da Housecat · 16 Feb 2006 at 19:27

I've been looking at this one Here

It seems to have the picture in picture features and also the program guide

does anyone have this tuner? what do you think to it.

Also it says digital is that freeview or is that just the signal type.

Many thanks

Mujja · 16 Feb 2006 at 19:49

That's freeview, DVB-T = Digital Video Broadcast-Terrestial.
Would have to check the manufacturerers website for detailed specs but I'm guessing by the PIP features they mean a window within your desktop, not 2 TV channels at the same time.

For the prgram guide you'll have to read some reviews of the card with screenshots to see if you like the look and features of the program guide.

Felix Da Housecat · 16 Feb 2006 at 20:03

Ok thanks for your help, i'll see what Google can do

Mujja · 16 Feb 2006 at 20:09

post back with your findings as i'd like to know if it's true PIP etc.

have you thought about MCE 2005 with and MCE compatible card? that way you'll only have to rely on the manufacturer for driver updates and get all the software support you need from the dozens of MCE user forums out there and have access to 100s of 3rd party apps developed for MCE.