Hauppauge PVR-150 or PVR-150 MCE Kit

[Andy99]

I started to build my first HTPC (Windows XP Pro based) and intend to use MP after trying it on another computer - without a TV card.
I decided that I want a Hauppauge PVR-150 card, but I am unable to decide which variant will work better for me (I will work with a digital cable set-top box).
With both I will have a remote which works well with MP and IR blasters.
My question is which will offer me more comfort and options, the one with the Hauppauge remote or the one with the MCE remote, since the price difference is minimal?
Thanks in advance for your opinions.

[Dale#1976]

Definately go with the PVR-150, not the MCE version. The standard version is built into MP but I've been fighting, along with many others, for months to get the MCE version to 'blast' the channel change to my satelite receiver. If you go with the MCE version you will have to use a plugin to make the blaster work. MyBlaster didn't work for me but I haven't tried it for a couple months.

This is the only one that has worked for me ....

(original thread) MCE Replacement Plugin v1.0.0

Hope this helps ... Dale

[warlock350]

The Hauppauge PVR-150 MCE Kit with MS Remote is great have been using it for about 6 months without any problems and the remote can even control the Xbox 360

[Jimi]

Nowt wrong with the MS remote, just set it up with my Sky STB using the MyBlaster plugin. All I had to do was open Blaster.exe select a number, click on learn then press the corresponding number on the remote for the STB.

Go for the MCE version!

[Deco]

I have PVR-150 MCE and MCE remote (bought separately - before Hauppauge pack was available!) all working fine on Win XP Home. So, I've voted for MCE version (natch).

Confirm that MyBlaster works perfectly with MCE remote blasters. Very happy with it.

One other thing. I believe regular PVR-150 does not have radio tuner, whereas PVR-150 MCE definitely has.

Deco.

[xemumanic]

I too have the 150MCE with the remote. Its just as everyone here has said, it works great, even outside MP, and even with the Xbox 360. My Blaster is useful too, my brother uses it with great success.

Deco says it has a radio tuner. I must have gotten ripped off because mine doesnt have one.........unless he got them reversed, and the plain 150 has a radio tuner, and the MCE doesnt.

[gxtracker]

Im using the 150MCE with the Microsoft remote. Great remote in my opinion. My vote goes for the 150MCE with remote because it does work pretty flawlessly in MP without any setup.

and the 150MCE definitely comes with an FM radio tuner - as FM radio is a requirement for MCE certification for devices. A tuner can't be labeled MCE without an FM radio in it. the standard 150 does not include the radio.

[Andy99]

Thank you all for your opinions and tips . I decided to go with the majority and got a Hauppauge PVR-150 MCE Kit. The remote looks really cool and the learn feature for the TV button is a welcome extra to switch off my LCD TV. Tomorrow I'll receive my new HTPC and then there will be a new Media Portal user. I'm sure I'll be back in the forum with other questions and it will take time until I'll be able to help others.
Since I studied the whole FM tuner issue, here is the explanation:

• The standard PVR-150 has no tuner. This is the link to Hauppauge's Product Page
• The PVR-150 MCE (which comes without any remote) has a tuner and is intended as second tuner in a MCE HTPC. See this link which says it has an FM tuner
• Now Hauppauge is selling the PVR-150 MCE Kit which includes the MS Remote, but should not have a tuner, but somehow it has an FM antenna input, at least mine (I read also the thing about MCE certification requiring a tuner, so I don't unterstand how it was certified) See this link which says nothing about an FM tuner
• BTW, there is also a PVR-150 MCE l.p. version, low profile for small HTPC cases, which comes without remote but with an FM Tuner. This is the link to Hauppauge's Product Page

Thanks again