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[pqcgebxm]

Hi All,

Can anyone recommend an external digital (broadcast) TV capture device for use in Australia? It would need to at least support:

* DVB-T
* BDA
* USB 2
* HD recording (up to 1080i)
* Single tuner (but more would be a plus)

I'm looking for something which I can connect to my Mac Mini via USB (I run Windows/Media Center on the Mini), and which will perform all of the capture & encoding, so that the Mini's processor is free for playback. I'd rather not use one of those thumb devices that attach directly to the USB port, as I'm worried about the strain on the port caused by the antenna cable.

Any advice?

[Scolex]

Only external capture device I know of that does 1080.
http://hauppauge.com/site/products/data_hdpvr.html

[imugli]

Hauppauge are generally rock solid.

Have the internal one in my setup and it's flawless.

Cost a bit extra but worth it IMO.

[pqcgebxm]

Only external capture device I know of that does 1080.
http://hauppauge.com/site/products/data_hdpvr.html

I think this model requires a separate receiver (satellite or cable). I need something with a tuner to record HD broadcast TV.

[imugli]

Hauppauge Nova TD

http://www.newmagic.com.au/products/Hauppauge/External-Products.asp#fragment-2

Dual HD Tuners
USB2
HD Recording

[pqcgebxm]

Does anyone know if the Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-1900 will work?

http://www.hauppauge.co.uk/site/products/data_hvr1900.html

I find Hauppauge's website to be quite poor -- does this device have an antenna input? Is it compatible with the DVB-T signal in Australia? Is it compatible with Media Center?

[Yaobing]

Does anyone know if the Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-1900 will work?

http://www.hauppauge.co.uk/site/products/data_hvr1900.html

I find Hauppauge's website to be quite poor -- does this device have an antenna input? Is it compatible with the DVB-T signal in Australia? Is it compatible with Media Center?

It would be best if you can get some responses from users in Australia who have direct experience with this device.  Short of that, here are my guesses:

DVB-T part most likely will work fine in MC.  We have many Australia users using various DVB-T devices in MC.  However, it might be better if you look for a device that is sold in Australia, in case there is any compatibility issue (which I do not expect).

Analog channels via cable or over-the-air may require us do some tweaking in code, but that can certainly be worked out. Cable and satellite channels can be received through A/V inputs.  MC supports this via "STB" channels.

Regarding antenna, here is a quote from Hauppauge site you linked:

We recommend a high gain roof top digital antenna for use with this product. Some viewers will need to replace their aerials to receive digital transmissions if the installation is old or in poor condition. Digital Terrestrial coverage is improving all the time as digital terrestrial television transmitters are continuously being updated. However it may take some time for coverage to reach particular areas of the country. To check if you receive a digital transmission in your area, input your Post Code at: http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/

[imugli]

A couple of things, Sinnerman...

UK Channels are 8mhz, Australia are 7mhz.

Also, UK use UHF, while in Oz we use predominantly VHF.

You may want to contact Hauppauge support in UK and ask if the hardware can support those, otherwise Hauppauge are distributed in Oz by

http://www.newmagic.com.au

Cheers,

J