Thinkpads Forum

Hi,

I'm thinking about purchasing a TV tuner card to use on my T61 running windows XP pro.

I wanted to know if anyone has had any experience using such a card on a thinkpad before.

If so, is there anything I should know before buying and using one on my thinkpad?

My understanding is that the only ones that I would be able to use are usb versions. There doesn't seem to be any PC card tuner cards.

Does anyone have any good ones that they could suggest?

Thanks,

Have a look at AverMedia - they have a product range that covers USB, PCMCIA & Express cards etc - I'm using one of their USB sticks - AVerTV DVB-T Volar X A815 here in the UK plugged into a set-top aerial with excellent results.

I'm using a Hauppauge HVR-950 USB HD tuner. Works great, other than the fact that analog channels don't have stereo sound.

I'm also using a Hauppauge but would call it less than stellar. There are three different "viewer" programs and no real clear instructions about using which one, or why all three installed.

It has also BSODed the Vista system, otherwise stable.

The included IR remote never worked--and can't be used with the T61P, since the IR eye on the stick faces BACK, away from the user and remote. No way to fix that on this computer.

It installs an "HDA monitor" application that runs at start-up, with no explanation of what that is or why.

And the tuner itself is fairly weak. I'm within 5-10 miles of major HDTV and analog TV transmitters. Some of the HDTV signals don't come in clearly (using the supplied whip antenna) and the VHF/analog signals are much poorer than a rabbit ear on the TV. Part of this is the small supplied antenna, which must be intended for UHF (which HDTV is). Still...less than a stellar impression overall.

I don't like vague docs and think BSODs are inexcusable today.

I've used a generic USB D-VBT unit in my T42 and with some success.

Most tuner modules demand the input of a good external (roof mounted) antenna to get the best out of them. The USB ones are quite bulky and will probably prevent using any ports close to them when plugged in. A short USB A to A plug and socket cable makes life a lot easier if you can source one.

The hardware is often not an issue, most of the units are very capable. But, the software is an important consideration.

My generic unit came supplied with Blaze HDTV version 2.5, and whilst it works well enough, it has flaws.

I'm looking to use it with a coaxial input from a local cable provider not using the included antenna.

How has been your experiences with this setup?

I have done some research and I think I have decided on this one http://www.aver.com/mpd/hybrid_ultra_usb_mce.html
I just am not certain that it allows me to use a direct coaxial cable input.
Does anyone know if this can be done?

Ok I'll add my view with respect to hellosailor's more detailed response.

I'm using version 6 of WinTV which is decent. I think other tuner programs will also work. I'm trying out the Avermedia one from their website which has smoother video but running into issues with it. Two commercial ones (cost money) are suggested on Hauppauge's website but I don't feel like paying more money. I know at least one of them has pretty good reviews though. Like Stan said, software/user interface is probably the most important consideration.

Haven't used it under Vista.

Didn't receive the IR remote, but I have a wireless keyboard and several keys correspond to most of the controls which works fine.

I disabled the HDA monitor startup program which doesn't seem to do anything, some things I read made it sound like an abandoned Microsoft extension for TV.

I'm also 5-10 miles from DC metro stations. Using a Terk amplified indoor antenna picks up most stations (13 digital, 20 analog) though a few digital stations sometimes stutter.

As for using it with a cable signal, I believe it needs a QAM tuner.

"I disabled the HDA monitor startup program which doesn't seem to do anything,"

I got a reply from Hauppauge's tech support. That program is supposed to allow the TV software to work after the computer has been suspended and resumed. They say it can be deleted with no consequence--as long as you don't expect to use the software after the computer has been suspend/resumed.

hellosailor wrote:"I disabled the HDA monitor startup program which doesn't seem to do anything,"

I got a reply from Hauppauge's tech support. That program is supposed to allow the TV software to work after the computer has been suspended and resumed. They say it can be deleted with no consequence--as long as you don't expect to use the software after the computer has been suspend/resumed.

Interesting, I use suspend and hibernate all the time and haven't had issues... <shrug>