Digital Tv Card/device Roundup, Read on about the new submission method - Add anything missing Options

[kenneth]

I haven't used the latest version mainly due to the card being in my brother's computer.

I will update that section now.

[kenneth]

I purchased one of these cards today, FusionHDTV DVB-T Plus.

I cant seem to get any HDTV channels. It searches but only comes up with :

Seven
Nine
Ten
ABC HDTV ( which is just a test )

I have had no problem with reception in this house, I currently have 2 sd stb's and no problems.

Im using a :

celeron 2.4gb
512mb ram
200GB HDD
Albatron 128mb fx5200 card.

i watch a channel for about 5 minutes and it freezes up, i need to change channel and then come back and all works again ???

Any suggestions ?

As I have noted on the first post in this thread, this topic is for the roundup. Asking help in here is not a good idea.

I suggest you ask this in a separate thread.

[brianp]

hi, i just bought this today, and it freezes on the first frame, ive tried installing latest VGA drivers and i have got dirext x 9.0c. The graphics card is a Radeon 9600 256mb, so i don't think that is the problem. If anyone can help it would be much appreciated.

[kenneth]

hi, i just bought this today, and it freezes on the first frame, ive tried installing latest VGA drivers and i have got dirext x 9.0c. The graphics card is a Radeon 9600 256mb, so i don't think that is the problem. If anyone can help it would be much appreciated.

As I have noted on the first post in this thread, this topic is for the roundup. Asking help in here is not a good idea due to posts being un-noticed. Also, if you create a new thread (ie. topic) to ask for help, you will get a better response.

I suggest you ask this in a separate thread.

[kenneth]

Updates:
-Re-worked Nebula DigiTV USB based information to provide current information.
-Fixed up and updated DVICO FusionHDTV device range information (may completly re-work it to just have general information but that's another day).

[Rico]

Somewhat newish... check it out.

EasyWatch Mobile DVB-T PC Card

[kenneth]

Digital TV Card/Device roundup changes

Just some information on the changes that will happen in the early new year

Each product will have it's own post with detailed information (where possible) on tuner, analogue inputs, drivers, software support and whatever else I decide on. I will also put a bit of a blurb saying product history (if I know of any) and general notes (sometimes stuff that doesn't fit into the other catagories)
The first post will be a general informaiton post. I am going to add general system specification information (along the lines of some cards work better than others with certain types of systems. Full product specifications will be with each product). It will also have the update information and links to each product (not in that order).
I will request that the topic does not get any posts in it to keep it clean. All modificaitons should be sent via PM.

[kenneth]

Proposed card/device roundup structure:

Card name
Manufractor website
Tuner/Demod (depending on information avalible)
Analogue inputs
Software (including extra features, timeshifting etc.)
System Requirements
Other features
Small bit of information (eg. for the Nebula range, "Nebula has proven to have a strong commitment for support in Australia compared to some of the other manufractors")

I am scrapping the "Where to buy" section as it is not an easy thing to update. I may just put a distributor section in for the card/devices that I know who the distributors are.

Any suggestions?

Also, I will create a new thread when this happens.

[kenneth]

Final list:
Card name
Manufractor website
Tuner/Demod (depending on information avalible)
Analogue inputs
Software (including extra features, timeshifting etc.)
System Requirements
Other features (depending on the card)
Third Party Applications
Linux Support
Small bit of information (eg. for the Nebula range, "Nebula has proven to have a strong commitment for support in Australia compared to some of the other manufractors")

In the next few days, I will start preparing information for each card/device.

Once I have done all of the card/device information, I will post each card/device in it's own post in this topic.

I will then get Coral to remove other posts including the changes informaiton and redo the first post.

I will also request that this thread be kept clean of any posts from other forum users. Requests for changes or additions are only to be receivced via PM now.

[hmoffatt]

An update for the Avermedia DVB-T cards. There are two models, the original being the 761 and the replacement being the 771. The replacement has a more sensitive receiver. Both are supported in linux.

I have not used their Windows software at all.

In general, support for HDTV is a software/pricing decision rather than something in hardware. So even an SDTV card can do HDTV with alternate software eg linux.

Hamish

[kenneth]

An update for the Avermedia DVB-T cards. There are two models, the original being the 761 and the replacement being the 771. The replacement has a more sensitive receiver. Both are supported in linux.

I have not used their Windows software at all.

In general, support for HDTV is a software/pricing decision rather than something in hardware. So even an SDTV card can do HDTV with alternate software eg linux.

Hamish

Please PM me in the future for updates for the roundup.

Thanks anyway (and I know about the HDTV software on an original SD card issue).

[Power_Surge]

Just some information on the changes that will happen in the early new year

It's early new year already. Exactly when is this going to be updated? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

[kenneth]

Just some information on the changes that will happen in the early new year

It's early new year already. Exactly when is this going to be updated? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

When I have time.

Wait guys. It will come.

[kenneth]

I am going to try and start the new structure this weekend.

Thanks to jarvil, the layout will be much better.

After going through his suggestions, here is the final draft layout

Table of Contents

Section One - Introduction
1.1 What is Digital TV?
1.2 So you want Digital TV on your computer/want to have a HTPC?
1.3 What technical level do I need?

Section Two - Configuration
2.1 Installation suggestions
2.2 Why your computer is not really off.
2.3 Protection from lightning

Section Three - Drivers
3.1 WDM
3.1.1 What is WDM?
3.1.2 Where should i use WDM
3.2 BDA
3.2.1 What is BDA?
3.2.2 Where should I use BDA?
3.3 WHQL
3.3.1 What is WHQL certified mean?
3.3.2 Is WHQL certified drivers important?

Section Four - General overview of Windows Applications


Section Five - General overview of Linux Applications

Section Six - Digital TV Cards/devices

Each card/device with have my layout for the roundup

Card name
Manufractor website
Tuner/Demod (depending on information avalible)
Analogue inputs
Drivers used
Software (including extra features, timeshifting etc.)
System Requirements
Other features (depending on the card)
Third Party Applications
Linux Support
Small bit of information

Section Seven - Recommendations
7.1 The simplest start
7.2 The tweakers heaven
7.3 The trial and error king

If I need help on the FAQ type questions, then I will ask for help in a new thread.

EDIT: jarvil forgot Section Eight: Troubleshooting which is now added.

This post has been edited by kenneth: Jan 25 2005, 10:51 AM

[mrpickle]

Here's another one.

V-stream/kworld Xpert DTV - DVBT PCI Card
http://www.kworldcomputer.com/product/DVBT-PCI/DVBT-PCI.html

looks quite good as it has analog inputs (eg: VCR Player input) and has a feature called S.R.P.O. (Scheduled Recording in Power-Off Mode)

Retails for around $159 here in Australia

[kenneth]

Compro Videomate DVB-T300
http://www.comprousa.com/products/vmt300.htm

Tuner supports analouge and digital TV. Uses Philips SAA 713X video decoder

Analogue inputs: S-Video in (mini-DIN 4 pins), Composite in (RCA Jack) and Audio in (Phone Jack, 3.5mm )

Drivers used: BDA drivers (can be used with MCE, webscheduler etc.)

Software:
-Supports SD and HD
-Ability to view analouge or digital TV
-Supports timeshifting
-Power Up your PC with remote control
-Supports analog Teletext (where available)
-View recorded video files
-Comes with ComproDVD 2 DVD player and Ulead PhotoExplorer 8 SE

System Requirements:
-CPU
Digital TV
- 600 MHz for TV viewing
- 866 MHz for MPEG-2 recording or Timeshifting
Analog TV and video capture
- 400 MHz for TV viewing
- 866 MHz for recording or Timeshifting
- 1.7 GHz for DVD-quality recording Memory: 128 MB

-Sound card with Line-In
-Open PCI 2.2 slot
-CD drive for software installation
-ATX power
-2-pin power switch connector from system case
-OS: Windows XP/2000
-Digital Terrestrial TV Antenna

Third Party Applications: Any BDA based application that supports any BDA driver (eg. Webscheduler, MCE2005)

Linux Support: Not aware of anything.

Related threads
http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?showtopic=13982

Some information is from the Compro website

[kenneth]

Avermedia A771
www.avermedia.com

Tuner/Demod: Samsung TDTC9251DH0 and Zarlink MT-352

Analogue inputs: yes, S-VHS (comes with composite -> S-VHS adaptor)

Software:
- Watch digital terrestrial TV and listen digital radio on your PC
- Support EPG/Teletext Functions (DVB Standard)
- Enhanced 16:9 wide-format display
- Fully Resizable TV in a window, or watch Full Screen
- Auto Channel Scan and Automatic Channel Name Recognition
- 16 Channels Preview
- Time Shift™ allows you to continue from where you pause the live show
- Record / Playback Live TV Programs and Video in MPEG1/2 quality
- Recording Scheduling
- Additional AV/S Input - connect other video sources such as DVD, VCD, VHS, Video Games or Camcorder.
- Support Single and Multiple Still Image Capture

System Requirements:
-IBM compatible PC
-Pentium III 800, 256M RAM or above
-PCI 2.1 compatible slot
-VGA CARD support Microsoft DirectX 8.0 or above (Hardware overlay support)
-SoundBlaster 16 compatible sound card
-1 GB free hard drive space
-UHF/VHF Antenna
-Windows© 98SE/2000/ME/XP

Third Party Applications: None

Linux Support: yes, built in to kernel v2.6.7 for both the A771 and the older A761.

Note that this card has no BDA driver support.

Thanks to Gizmomelb for this information


This post has been edited by kenneth: Mar 9 2006, 05:04 PM

[tvboy]

Lucky you, Kenneth, getting to update OPs indefinitely while the rest of us have to make do with a 24h limit. Does this privilege extend to all your posts or just in stickies? BTW, you’re a month in the future: "Updated 14/04/05" (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)


Edit:

Damn people posting in this topic

Kenneth,

Calling damnation upon a poster to your thread is hardly fitting for a privileged member of this forum. I obviously didn’t take note of your request in bold, but greyed out, font. I don’t see what the problem is, but I suggest you clearly make this request in the topic Title and Description, where you have only used 30 and 33 characters out of 50 and 40 available respectively.

This post has been edited by tvboy: Mar 18 2005, 03:18 PM

[kenneth]

Nebula DigiTV
Comes in USB and PCI versions
www.nebula-electronics.com

Tuner/Demod: Latest PCI cards (slimline version) uses the Zarlink MT 352 COFDM demodulator. Older ones use the ATI Nxt6000 COFDM demodulator. USB demodulator unknown (old USB version may of had the Nxt600 while the new micro-DigiTV USB might have the Zarlink Demodulator). Alps Tuner used

Analogue inputs: yes on PCI version, S-VHS and composte. Audio via your sound card

Software:
- Watch digital terrestrial TV and listen to digital radio on your PC
- Parental control
- Network streaming
- Fully Resizable TV in a window, or watch Full Screen
- Supports Logical Channel Numbers
- HTPC style interface
- Timeshifting support
- Record / Playback Live TV
- Recording Scheduling and support for DVD compatible MPEG fiels
- Fully integrated 7-Day EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) (note: needs a third party tool in Australia)
- Integrated MPEG I and II media player
- View in widescreen (16:9) or normal (4:3)
- Analog Video & Audio capture (from video camera, video recorder etc.)
- Integrated 50 programme Digital Video Recorder
- 'Point-and-Click' programme recording facility
- On-screen programme names, start times, duration and description
- Video Overlays for all menu options
- View in a window or in full-screen mode
- Support for included Remote Control
- Super-fast auto-tuning (typically less than 60 seconds)
- Support for DVB & VBI Subtitles
- MHEG-5 and VBI Teletext

System Requirements:
- Windows Operating System (2000/XP - NOT 98se or ME)
- Pentium III or AMD CPU running at 800MHz or higher (2.4GHz or higher processor recommended for HD viewing
- 64MB or more of RAM
- 20MB or more of free hard disk space **
- Graphics card (or onboard graphics) preferably AGP, capable of supporting 800x600 minimum resolution at 16-bit colour and hardware overlays
- Sound card (or onboard sound) and speaker combination.
- DirectX 7 or greater.

Third Party Applications: Any BDA compatible application. See the Nebula website for important information

BDA Drivers: http://www.nebula-electronics.com/Downloads/BDA_Drivers.asp (currently only for PCI)

Linux Support: Only for the original Nebula DigiTV PCI card. The USB Version and latest PCI card revision does not have Linux support yet as I know of

Some information taken from http://www.nebula-electronics.com/informat...o.asp?Code=0001

This post has been edited by kenneth: Mar 9 2006, 05:03 PM

[kenneth]

DNTV Live! DVB-T
Comes in various USB and PCI versions
www.digitalnow.com.au

Tuner/Demod: Various, depends on the device

Analogue inputs: Yes for the DNTV Live! LP

Software:
- Comes with DNTV Live! software
- Watch digital terrestrial TV and listen to digital radio on your PC
- Fully Resizable TV in a window, or watch Full Screen
- HTPC style interface
- Timeshifting support
- Record / Playback Live TV
- Scheduled recording
- Playback recordings and DVD's
- View in widescreen (16:9) or normal (4:3)
- Now and next information
- Remote control support


System Requirements:
- Windows Operating System (2000/XP - NOT 98se or ME) (XP Recommended)
- Pentium III or AMD CPU running at 800MHz or higher (2.4GHz or higher processor recommended for HD viewing
- 64MB or more of RAM
- 20MB or more of free hard disk space **
- Graphics card (or onboard graphics) preferably AGP, capable of supporting 800x600 minimum resolution at 16-bit colour and hardware overlays or DxVA compatible video card
- Sound card (or onboard sound) and speaker combination.
- DirectX 7 or greater.

Third Party Applications: Any BDA compatible application.

BDA Drivers: Included

Linux Support: Various.