[mythtv-users] Hauppage Quality comparison question

Nick Rosier nick.rosier at gmail.com
Sat Jun 11 16:46:38 UTC 2005


On 6/11/05, Robin Smith <1canuck2 at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi,
> 
> I currently have a MythTV box with a PVR-250. I am happy with its
> quality for capturing SD cable TV.
> 
> Is there any noticeable quality difference between the PVR-250 and the
> newer 150/500 models? Does anyone have a Mythbox that has both a 250
> and a 150 (or 500) in it that can give a direct comparison (since all
> other variables should be identical).

I've got a PVR-350 and 2 x PVR-150MCE (PAL).
Quality is about the same if you're using one of the latest
development releases; i.e. I don't see a difference anymore; it used
to be different up until a couple of weeks ago where the image wasn't
as sharp. If you plan on using the stable (0.2x) branche, you'll have
to wait till all the changes get backported. If you don't mind using
development drivers (which are imvho pretty stable) you'll get much
better support.
 
> I am planning on building my second Mythbox and want to know if I
> should spring for a PVR-250 again or is the 150 equivalent in quality.

The 250 is better supported (as older); I couldn't find any around
over here so I went and bought a 150-MCE. After the initial struggling
(development had just started on those) I finally got a stable setup.
In the meantime I've even added a 2nd 150. And quality for me is the
same as my 350 since I switchted to the 0.3.6 branche.

> I can get PVR250MCE locally for $171 (Canadian) or for $184 I can get
> the 500MCE. $13 for dual tuners is tempting, but not if the quality is
> poo. In fact, two 150MCEs would be $172.

Watch out! The 250MCE is not the same as a regular 250. Don't know
about support of those. Haven't seen much traffic on the mailing list
about these.

> Are there any issues making two 150s work in the same box? Is there
> any advantage/disadvantage of two 150s over one 500?

For the moment, I have the impression there are more issues with the
500MCE than with the 150MCE. Check the IVTV-mailing-list. Got a 350 +
2 x 150MCE in 1 box so I guess no known issues. Advantage of 2 150's?
If the card breaks, you still have another one. Disadvantage: 2
PCI-slots which is a problem if you go mini.

> I can't seem find much on the list comparing the quality of each card
> which surprised me.

If you care to sponsor me and buy me one of each cards (150, 150MCE,
250, 250MCE, 350 and 500MCE), I'll be glad to make that list :-)

N.


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