Which DVB-T USB to get (1 Viewer)

[mpab]

Hello all.

I have used an AverMedia Volar Black HD for a long time (at least since 2008, in which I used it on an Athlon 64 laptop over USB: back then it was even able to broadcast TV over my network). In the last 2 years it's been giving me problems on my current setup (i3, W7-64, MP 1.3 and on) regardless of using the latest drivers. It would work briefly with MP or its own TV software and the next time the TV tuner would not be detected. Somehow WMC was able to reset that and make it work, but since a few months ago it doesn't get a signal anymore. I have tried it on another computer, where it installs but doesn't get any signal. I have an external antenna and everything else works perfectly.

I'm looking for a replacement. My setup only has one free PCI-E port which is covered by a drive right now. I'm looking for another USB DVB-T tuner and - of course - I need it to be compatible with MP. I got a Lifeview from the computer store in my neighborhood and MP didn't detect it (don't remember the model), so I gave it back.

I'm looking at options in Amazon.es (Spain) and this store. My budget tops at €50. It's very difficult to make a choice because most cards brag about the shape or the software and say nothing about DVB drivers, for example.

I would appreciate any advise about this, out of experience or general knowledge. One of my options is the Haupauge WinTV Mini Stick HD.

Thank you very much.

 

[mm1352000]

Hello mpab

I'm looking for a replacement. My setup only has one free PCI-E port which is covered by a drive right now.

Have you considered the possibility of a riser?
If you google PCIe riser, you'll see you can get cables that can be used to "move" the PCIe slot.

I'm looking for another USB DVB-T tuner and - of course - I need it to be compatible with MP. I got a Lifeview from the computer store in my neighborhood and MP didn't detect it (don't remember the model), so I gave it back.

Did you post log files? This would be the first DVB-T tuner that I've heard of that would not work with MP.

I'm looking at options in Amazon.es (Spain) and this store. My budget tops at €50. It's very difficult to make a choice because most cards brag about the shape or the software and say nothing about DVB drivers, for example.

99% of all modern PC tuners have BDA drivers. In the advertising, look for any tuner that says "WMC compatible".
For example, with this one you can see the WMC logo on the box in the picture:
http://www.appinformatica.com/tarjetas-tv-tdt-lifeview--usb-tdt-dab-+-fm-+-hd-mpeg4-w7.php

(Would be interested to know if that is the one you tried - if it is, it should have worked.)

I would appreciate any advise about this, out of experience or general knowledge. One of my options is the Haupauge WinTV Mini Stick HD.

Should work.

mm

 

[mpab]

Thanks for your answer. As for the PCI card my issues are both space (I have this case and it's housing 3 hard drives) and the fact I may want to upgrade with something that cannot be connected via USB (graphics card, sound card).

I didn't get any log files while I had the USB card, because I took it back to the store ASAP. I think it's the same one you sent me. I may ask for it again and make a new test, though.

I have read good things about the Hauppauge and it's nice to hear it should work.

Thanks again.

 

[mm1352000]

I have this case and it's housing 3 hard drives...

Ahhh, nice.

I didn't get any log files while I had the USB card, because I took it back to the store ASAP. I think it's the same one you sent me. I may ask for it again and make a new test, though.

Okay. Well, whatever happens, please don't hesitate to post log files and ask for help if you have problems with any tuner. I'm here to help (and very interested in all topics related to tuners)...