[mythtv-users] Confirming tuner choice

[Richard Shaw]

On Thu, Sep 24, 2009 at 9:55 PM, Jeff Jensen <jjensen at apache.org> wrote:
> Hi, I'm about to setup my first DVR PC system (replacing an existing DVR).
> I've decided to use MythTV, and need to choose the tuner.  Currently mainly
> for ATSC reception.
>
> My server is a 3.3G hyper-threaded CPU, 1G RAM, has no PCI Express slots,
> and runs Fedora 11.  So I need either a PCI or network option.
>
> I'm a noob to these cards...I've been learning from the Myth docs, wiki,
> googling, and user maillist archives.  From that, I've been focusing on the
> Hauppauge HVR 1600, pcHDTV 5500, and HD HomeRun.  As usual with most
> products, some of the doc info seems to be a bit outdated compared to
> writings in the user list, so I am not fully sure...
>
> With the more recent user archive messages, I've concluded that most people
> would choose HD HomeRun over most other options.  It seems there were
> earlier problems (well, problems with them all actually!), but it was
> strongly recommended "lately".
>
> Is that a fair conclusion, or arguable?  I am willing to spend up to about
> 250 for the tuner - would you get that or recommend something else?

I've got an HDHomerun and wouldn't get anything else at this point. It
just works. The only widespread problem was a batch of bad
transformers which they replaced on request. One of it's best
attributes for me is not having to co-locate the tuner and the PC. I
have the coax from my antenna in the attic going into my data closet
with all my other network gear (dsl modem, router, 16 port switch,
patch panel etc). Also, a more recent benefit. My recording drive died
for the 3rd time and while it's back at Segate and I'm waiting on the
warranty replacement I just setup my desktop machine as a slave
backend and setup the tuners on it without having to move any tuner
cards from one computer to the other.

Richard