Some advice please, on DVB-S2 on a PC! (1 Viewer)

[bcummins]

Morning Folks,

I've just ordered through scan a complete build for my upcoming HTPC,

This includes an mITX board which has a PCI-e slot.

Since I've opted for a non IGP SB chip, I'm going to have to use the PCI-e slot for a graphics card.

After putting my order through, I gave some thought to running my freesat HD via the PC, with the added benefits of PVR and streaming Live TV to other PCs in the house via MediaPortal.

I am in an awkward spot however. I don't really know the answer to a few questions which I'd like to ask:

1) Have I made a bad choice not taking up an IGP - should I have left the PCI-E slot free in anticipation that the card solutions are dramatically better than the USB version and therefore:
2) Is there a noticeable performance difference between USB and PCI-e cards supporting DVB - S2? I am already aware I'll have to pay a fair bit more for the external solution to get the same quality.
3) Are there any known implications to streaming or PVR that would cause you to consider PCI-e over USB?
4) Can anyone recommend a good USB (or if it really is a must, PCI-e) solution?

I'll also give you the full HTPC spec:

Silverstone SG06B (with 300W PSU)
Corsair 4gb DDR3 1333
Asrock H67 M-ITX HT
Pentium SB G850 2.90Ghz
Asus Geforce GT 430
Corsair Force 3 60gb
Using another 750gb sata 2 drive for storage.

Note I've gone with a graphics card to avoid this apparent issue with SB and 24p playback.

Thanks for reading, if I get some feedback soon enough I can RMA the parts in decent time if it's truly a necessity!

 

[tompa]

Hi!

Shouldn't be any different in performance.
I don't think there are that many USB DVB-S2 cards out there(?), and I think that has to do with LNB power (current/voltage to the front end in the dish) that has to be converted or fed externally. Then you add extra cost in mechanics etc.

Hopefully some one has more experience of such device here on the forum!
/tompa

 

[onetoomany]

Hi!

Shouldn't be any different in performance.
I don't think there are that many USB DVB-S2 cards out there(?), and I think that has to do with LNB power (current/voltage to the front end in the dish) that has to be converted or fed externally. Then you add extra cost in mechanics etc.

Hopefully some one has more experience of such device here on the forum!
/tompa

I've just put in a PCI-E quad DVB-S2 tuner from TBS - very pleased with it as it resolves a load of issues I was having on my old tuner. However, they also do USB ones:
USB DVB S2 TV Tuner Box- External TV tuner box with USB connection

You can buy direct if you can't find it locally. It took a couple of weeks to ship across the world with free postage.

 

[bcummins]

Hi!

Shouldn't be any different in performance.
I don't think there are that many USB DVB-S2 cards out there(?), and I think that has to do with LNB power (current/voltage to the front end in the dish) that has to be converted or fed externally. Then you add extra cost in mechanics etc.

Hopefully some one has more experience of such device here on the forum!
/tompa

I've just put in a PCI-E quad DVB-S2 tuner from TBS - very pleased with it as it resolves a load of issues I was having on my old tuner. However, they also do USB ones:
USB DVB S2 TV Tuner Box- External TV tuner box with USB connection

You can buy direct if you can't find it locally. It took a couple of weeks to ship across the world with free postage.

Hi and thanks both for replying.

I've seen this one - a little concerned about some reports the USB unit gets quite hot - other than that though, I assume there is no marked difference between them?

Also, can i use these units in conjunction with mediaportal to stream my live tv to a PC upstairs? I won't be using it at the same time as the main one.

 

[tompa]

Also, can i use these units in conjunction with mediaportal to stream my live tv to a PC upstairs? I won't be using it at the same time as the main one.

Yes!
And you can use them at the same time.

/tompa

 

[bcummins]

Ah I have heard you need a dual input card to do this? Is it possible on a single input card?

 

[tompa]

Yes, if channels are on the same transponder.

/tompa

 

[Paranoid Delusion]

Must say that if I was going to do your build, would go for i5 HD3000 graphics, plus dual dvb-s2 internal card

Cannot see intel not fixing the 24hz bug and too be frank, have not seen anyone really complaining about it.

 

[bcummins]

I'm now debating going down the route of sending back the intel bits and gfx cardm getting an AMD A8 with the HD6550 IGP and getting an internal pci-e card

Any thoughts?

 

[porky996t]

I can't comment on the board and processor, sorry, but I do have a TBS6980 DVB-S/S2 card and it has been absolutely flawless. The HD Freesat stuff changes very quickly and gives a great picture and many other forum members have TBS cards. They seem well built and reliable.

I think you would get more flexibility with internal TV Tuners due to their greater availability. I have 3 x dual tuners; 2 PCI and one PCI-E and feed two clients (one in bedroom and one in kitchen) in addition to the main unit in the lounge.

This setup is working great at the mo'.



M.