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    What do I need to record television?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Miller, Nov 25, 2006.

  1. Miller

    Miller Notebook Consultant NBR Reviewer

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    Rig is in the sig. What do I need to be able to record video? I had a Dish Network DVR and have since cancelled Dish for the time being, and gave my receiver to my parents. They still record my fav TV shows for me and I'd like to be able to get them recorded onto my laptop so I can burn DVDs.

    I'm guessing I'll probably need something aftermarket that works with WinXP. Any suggestions? Anyone have experience working with something like this on WinXP Pro (not MCE)?
     
    Miller, Nov 25, 2006
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  2. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I'd check out the Haupauge WinTV products. The HVR950 can do HDTV and SDTV, and they also have a few other TV tuners that can work with Pro as well. Check my sig for a review of a TV tuner (HVR950) that I really love.

    BTW, avoid ATI TV Tuners like the plague. I've had some very negative experiences with their TV tuners.
     
    Greg, Nov 25, 2006
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  3. madroxinide

    madroxinide Notebook Deity

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    what sort of tv tuner should i get? also, how do these work? how does the tv plug into the tuner? through the colored cables or through the one antenna wire? can someone fill me in on all of this please?
     
    madroxinide, Nov 25, 2006
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  4. Miller

    Miller Notebook Consultant NBR Reviewer

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    How is the HVR compared to some of the strictly analog TV tuners? I don't have an HDTV receiver so I wouldn't be getting any benefit of HDTV anyway, unless I just watched over-the-air broadcasts of CBS and NBC. If the ability to record suffers by going with the HD/Analog "Hybrid" (HVR) then I'd probably prefer just the analog.
     
    Miller, Nov 27, 2006
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  5. hydra

    hydra Breaks Laptops

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    I would suggest a Panasonic DMR-ES15, or same, $110. IMHO, inputing video in Mydvd or other is a PITA but a must have for heavy editing.

    I record 1 and 2 hour shows from my HDDVR (Moxi) direct to my ES15 in 480i widescreen or 4:3 depending on show. Simple but still 1 to 1 time wise. Hi Def to 480i looks very good!
     
    hydra, Nov 27, 2006
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  6. Miller

    Miller Notebook Consultant NBR Reviewer

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    Well, seeing as how I'm going to need to take the thing to my parents' house to get the video off the DVR periodically, I don't think that a standalone DVD Recorder would be the best option. Also, for about the same price, I get the additional benefit of a TV tuner if I go with something like the WinTV HVR.

    I like to comparison shop, though, so are there any more suggestions along the lines of the WinTV?
     
    Miller, Nov 28, 2006
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  7. Miller

    Miller Notebook Consultant NBR Reviewer

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    Along with the WinTV I'm taking a look at this Diamond XtremeTV PVR:
    http://www.diamondmm.com/PVR660RCUSB.php

    It's not as small a form factor, but it does include inputs for composite, s-video and coax. Getting video off of a Dish DVR, I could use the s-video for better quality.

    As for the WinTV, the HD antenna is only good for 10 miles and I live in a rural area. The closest television tower is 40 to 50 miles away. So, I'd likely need to hook up my outdoor antenna anyway.

    Anyone have experience with the Diamond XtremeTV PVR? Cnet rates it as the best external USB tv tuner, but sometimes I don't agree with their editor reviews so I'm looking for more opinions.
    --------------------------------------------------

    I've also just found this review on videohelp.com:
    http://www.videohelp.com/capturecards.php?CaptureCardRead=649#comments

    It's for the DViCO FusionHDTV 5 USB, which is the top rated there. It just came out on October 22 apparently. Here's the specs from the manufacturer site: http://www.fusionhdtv.co.kr/eng/Products/HDTV5usb.aspx
    This seems like it may actually be the way to go, since I can pick it up for $149 without even price shopping. It also runs without an external power adapter since it's run by a powered USB port.

    Any other opinions?
     
    Miller, Nov 29, 2006
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