Two 1 tuner cards (Hauppauge PVR 150)

Rhico · 2006-08-26, 01:06

I'm thinking to buy some hardware to try Media Portal. I want to use two 1-tuner hauppauge PVR-150 cards, because I read some bad review of the dual tuner version PVR-500 (bad image quality).

I found the patch on the forum and some posts where it's confirmed MP works fine with two tuner cards, but I have still a question. Is it a good idea to use two the same tuner cards (driver conflict or other problems ??) or better to use two different brands of tuners (I found some posts with such a config)

Can someone tell me also the difference between the PVR-150 and PVR-150MCE ?
Is it just the remote control they add to the MCE package or also some additional functionality ?

TIA everyone !

Regards,
Rhico

Rhico · 2006-08-26, 01:21

I found already an answer on my last question :-)

There are some important differences between the models !!
Superb explanation :
http://www.diy-pvr-dvr-htpc.com/inde...auppauge_cards

Elconejo · 2006-08-26, 11:41

I think its better to use the 500 because it has an internal splitter of the signal. If you use two separate card it will cost more and you will have a worse picture (not 100% sure).

I got a Hauppauge PVR USB2 at the moment and i'm also thinking to buy a Hauppauge PVR500.

Rhico · 2006-08-27, 03:25

I've changed my mind and will try the PVR-350 because it has a scart out connector (in fact a s-video out with included converter cable to scart)
It's a little expensiver than a 150, but it has a mpg2 decoder (so to show the image), which will save me CPU power (= heat) and save me a descent VGA card to output the signal to my TV (because I will use the scart out).

If everything turns well, maybe I will buy a second card (PVR-150) later just to have the dual tuner functionality

note : a nice site with interesting information :
http://www.cask-of-amontillado.com/htpc.html

Brocklander · 2006-08-27, 06:35

None of the added 350 functionality works with Media Portal (video out, decoder). Get a 500MCE, I love mine!

NLS · 2006-08-27, 18:29

I have PVR-350 and I have never used it's tv-out (and hardware decoder for that port). I never missed them. Hardly any program can use them.

Don't expect to see MP menu on it. You will still use your VGA card tv-out.

Better save for a better TV. You'll think you were on a different planet when you connect your HTPC to a nice LCD with DVI/HDMI.

Rhico · 2006-08-28, 02:11

Quote:

None of the added 350 functionality works with Media Portal (video out, decoder)

Damn, good to know. Thx for the info.

Elconejo · 2006-09-01, 13:31

Yesterday i got my new haupauge 500MCE. Together with my Hauppauge PVR USB2, i got now 3 analog tunercards. I installed the 500 in 5min and it worked perfect !
This card rocks !

2006-08-26, 01:06	#1 (permalink)
Rhico Portal User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Two 1 tuner cards (Hauppauge PVR 150) I'm thinking to buy some hardware to try Media Portal. I want to use two 1-tuner hauppauge PVR-150 cards, because I read some bad review of the dual tuner version PVR-500 (bad image quality). I found the patch on the forum and some posts where it's confirmed MP works fine with two tuner cards, but I have still a question. Is it a good idea to use two the same tuner cards (driver conflict or other problems ??) or better to use two different brands of tuners (I found some posts with such a config) Can someone tell me also the difference between the PVR-150 and PVR-150MCE ? Is it just the remote control they add to the MCE package or also some additional functionality ? TIA everyone ! Regards, Rhico

2006-08-27, 06:35	#5 (permalink)
Brocklander Retired Team Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Wellington Posts: 346 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post Country: My System	None of the added 350 functionality works with Media Portal (video out, decoder). Get a 500MCE, I love mine! __________________ My HTPC \| Wiki Page for New Zealanders

2006-08-27, 18:29	#6 (permalink)
NLS Portal Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Age: 34 Posts: 879 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Country: My System	I have PVR-350 and I have never used it's tv-out (and hardware decoder for that port). I never missed them. Hardly any program can use them. Don't expect to see MP menu on it. You will still use your VGA card tv-out. Better save for a better TV. You'll think you were on a different planet when you connect your HTPC to a nice LCD with DVI/HDMI. __________________ NLS ...never thought I would advertise MP around that much, so soon... (and when some dev adds better menu handling, multiple calls to modules and plugins with different options and much better dbase handling, it will be love... ah and a nice 3D front end and inter-module messaging system and...) Don't argue with the founder of Greek Off-Topic Community about taking a thread off-topic. I cannot help it! My webshots album (contains the old version of my HTPC setup too)

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2006-08-26, 01:21	#2 (permalink)
Rhico Portal User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I found already an answer on my last question :-) There are some important differences between the models !! Superb explanation : http://www.diy-pvr-dvr-htpc.com/inde...auppauge_cards

2006-08-26, 11:41	#3 (permalink)
Elconejo Portal Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Belgium Age: 25 Posts: 129 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts My System	I think its better to use the 500 because it has an internal splitter of the signal. If you use two separate card it will cost more and you will have a worse picture (not 100% sure). I got a Hauppauge PVR USB2 at the moment and i'm also thinking to buy a Hauppauge PVR500.

2006-08-27, 03:25	#4 (permalink)
Rhico Portal User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I've changed my mind and will try the PVR-350 because it has a scart out connector (in fact a s-video out with included converter cable to scart) It's a little expensiver than a 150, but it has a mpg2 decoder (so to show the image), which will save me CPU power (= heat) and save me a descent VGA card to output the signal to my TV (because I will use the scart out). If everything turns well, maybe I will buy a second card (PVR-150) later just to have the dual tuner functionality note : a nice site with interesting information : http://www.cask-of-amontillado.com/htpc.html

2006-09-01, 13:31	#8 (permalink)
Elconejo Portal Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Belgium Age: 25 Posts: 129 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts My System	Yesterday i got my new haupauge 500MCE. Together with my Hauppauge PVR USB2, i got now 3 analog tunercards. I installed the 500 in 5min and it worked perfect ! This card rocks !