[mythtv-users] Researching USB tuner

[Harry Orenstein]

On Tuesday, February 22, 2011 11:04:36 am Devin Heitmueller wrote:
> On Mon, Feb 21, 2011 at 8:16 PM, Harry Lists <holists at optonline.net> wrote:
> 
> I did the driver work for most of the devices in that list, so I would
> probably be the appropriate person to comment here.
> 
> > http://wilsonet.com/jarod/kworld-hacking/kworld-ub435-q-v2.patch
> 
> My experience with the Kworld hardware has been generally poor, but I
> do this stuff for a living so I have unusually high standards.
> 
> > Most other QAM capable USB HD sticks seem to cost $70-$100.  The Kworld
> > seems
> > to be the lowest priced supported stick.  The Hauppauge HVR-850 model
> > 1200 (is
> > QAM really supported for this one?),
> 
> There are multiple HVR-850 variants, depending on when you bought it.
> From a Windows standpoint none of them support QAM, but the underlying
> hardware may support it depending on the hardware revision.  Basically
> the 850 in some cases ended up being the same hardware as the 950q but
> with the QAM being defeatured in the Windows driver.
> 
> Also note, the latest version of the HVR-850 requires a relatively
> recent kernel (2.6.37), and has not been burned in against MythTV yet.
>  The LinuxTV Wiki has all the gory details with regards to the
> different versions.
> 
> > Pinnacle 801e SE
> 
> This device is supported, but for digital only.  The analog support is
> unimplemented.
> 
> > and Pinnacle 80e
> 
> I have drivers for this device (it's on kernellabs.com, although I
> don't have the URL right in front of me), but they haven't been merged
> upstream (and since the kernel subsystem maintainer can't seem to get
> his head out of his ass, it is unlikely to happen anytime soon).
> 
> > (not
> > sure if there really is support for this one) also seem to be
> > lower-priced and
> > supported.
> 
> If you are unfamiliar with MythTV and tuners, do yourself a favor and
> don't buy the cheapest thing you can find.  Your setup will go much
> smoother if you spend a few extra bucks and buy a reliable tuner.
> 
> Cheers,
> 
> Devin

Just to give some feedback, I ended up ordering an HVR-950Q.  Based on the 
answers I received it seems to be a safer choice.  It only ended up costing me 
a few bucks more, so I'll see how it performs when I get.

Thanks all!

-- Harry O.