Which USB tv tuner is best?

johnny_adidas

Ive recently bought a dell C521 as a media pc for the living room. because of the size of the case i am unable to install an internal tv tuner so opting for a usb model. im after peoples opinions on the best model or will any old one from ebay do what i need.
I will be connecting to a subscribed sky digital box
Running Vista home premium and will probably use WMC to handle the recording/EPG etc. (as a side question, will WMC list a sky epg and will i need an IR blaster)
Want to be able to record/pause live tv
and the PC is connected to LCD tv.
if there is any more info needed just ask
ive found two options from my own research but obviously if something cheaper will do the job i need it to do im open to suggestions
-Diamond XtremeTV PVR660 USB 2.0 Power Pack Edition
-Hauppague WinTV PVR USB 2 MCE

the magician

you could try one of these. http://www.elara.ie/products/detailsfull.asp?productcode=MME6510256&productID=S3427803
I just got a c 521 as well with the same intentions and i reckon the pvr 150 low profile is the best value option.

johnny_adidas

thanks for taking the time to suggest. looks like it could be perfect for my needs and at a decent price
although i do notice the max res capture isnt great. have you bought it and if so how good is the picture?

SouperComputer

although i do notice the max res capture isnt great

Its probably best if I dont tell you how low the res is of TV then (think 576 interlaced lines!)! The res is perfect for TV anything higher will make no improvement.

Combine the card above with this remote. Ebay is another good source for one. It should come with IR blasters solving your blaster issue for the sky box.

The EPG for SKY is supported.

KTRIC

I opted for the E521 myself last week, I couldn't be bothered with sourcing low profile PCI cards everytime I wanted to add something. The C series looks the biz though.

McSandwich

I'm looking at getting a Saber 2020 tuner card - it has a low profile option, so would suit your case:

http://www.computerpoweruser.com/editorial/article.asp?article=articles%2Farchive%2Fc0702%2F11c02b%2F11c02b.asp

http://www.computerpoweruser.com/editorial/article.asp?article=articles%2Farchive%2Fc0702%2F11c02b%2F11c02b.asp

One problem - I can't find a Eurpean supplier, all those listed are US:

http://www.vistaview.tv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13&Itemid=43

johnny_adidas

thank for the opinions guys but in the end i went for the hauppage usb mce edition one. got it for 120 inc p+p on ebay. working perfectly here now. delighted with it. does exactly what i wanted and very simple to set up. only thing annoying me about it is the speed of the mce remote but ill get over that. thanks again