Tom's Hardware > Forum > Graphic & Displays > TV/Video Cards > "Cable Ready" TV Tuner Cards

"Cable Ready" TV Tuner Cards

Forum Graphic & Displays : TV/Video Cards - "Cable Ready" TV Tuner Cards

Tom's Hardware: Over 1.4 million members in 6 different countries available to answer all your high-tech questions. Sign up now! Its free!
Word :    Username :           
 

Hi, I have a question that I'm hoping is not too stupid. I'll try to be to the point, and any insights would greatly be appreciated. I recently built a HTPC with a HDHomeRun external tuner card. In short, my HTPC runs Vista Ultimate w WMC, and I have Cox as my cable provider. Also, I'm located in San Diego, CA.

Question relates to the number of channels that I could or should receive through my HTPC. My scan results using HDHomeRun and/or WMC results in only 15 channels, all of which are standard local channels (CBS, ABC, FOX). I regularly receive 700+ channels through my set-top box and approximately 70+ channels with a wall coaxial cable connected directly to my Samsung LNT5271F. The Samsung had to scan the channels just like the HTPC's process.

I understand that there are differences between encrypted/unencrypted channels and between analog and digital cable signals. But why is my Samsung able to receive 70+ channels (including MTV, Discovery, A&E, History) with its built-in tuner while my HDHomeRun can barely receive 15 channels? I know that HDHomeRun only picks up digital channels, but there's still a big difference between the number of channels that I'm able to receive.

In essence, what's the main difference between a high-end PC Tuner Card and a built-in cable ready TV tuner (in this case, the built-in tuner that came with the 5271F)? Is there anything that I could buy in order for my HTPC to capture more channels (i.e. Hauppauge 1600/1800?)?

Sponsored Links
Register or log in to remove.

I would contact Cox and find out just which channels are broadcast NTSC and which channels are broadcast ATSC. It seems weird that you're missing 55+ (apparently NTSC channels), but that's all I can think of off the top of my head.

I read an article from July 06 that stated Vista previously needed an analog tuner in order to pick up HD channels, but again, that was from 2006 and I assume it's since been resolved (unless you're running some sort of Vista beta still).

-Wolf sends

------------------------------ System Specs:
Gigabyte EP43-UD3L Intel Core2Quad Q8400 8 Gig RAM
NVidia Geforce 8800GTS-640/Creative X-FI Extreme Music/Dual-Boot XP-64&Server2008
Reply to Wolfshadw
- 0 +

Here in Colorado, Comcast only broadcast's the local channels in the unencrypted digital format (because they are required to do so)-- so that you have to either rent a set top box or have a compatible device.

By a recent law (FCC, i think) --cable providers have to offer some type of digital converter card but I have not seen any devices that support it.

I would call Cox and find out your options

Reply to bc4
- 0 +

i've been trying to get my new build up and running for tv as well and comcast in minnesota sounds similar. my understanding from dealing with them is that you have a monthly increase on your bill to get the hd channels, but you also need a second hd set top box. i don't know if you can just have the hd set top box instead of the regular box or how that works. we have a regular 27" tube tv we've always used that we'd like to continue to get regular broadcasts on but get hdtv for the new pc build.

not sure i added more information than my own questions, but as was stated, i think you have to pay extra for hd and pay extra for an hd box with comcast.

Reply to axlrose
Tom's Hardware > Forum > Graphic & Displays > TV/Video Cards > "Cable Ready" TV Tuner Cards
Go to:

There are 549 identified and unidentified users. To see the list of identified users, Click here.

Please mind

You are about to answer a thread that has been inactive for more than 6 months.
If you still wish to proceed, please ensure that your posting is original and does not duplicate or overlap any prior responses to this thread.

Add a reply Cancel
Sponsored links
  • Ask the community now
  • Publish
Ad
They won a badge
Join us in greeting them
  • 01:00 sighQ2 won the Freshman badge
  • 09:06 ulysses35 won the CPUs badge
  • 01:00 fleeb won the Freshman badge
  • 01:00 jaymoney61 won the Freshman badge
  • 07:06 amdfangirl won the Watchman badge
  • 01:00 benw won the Freshman badge
  • 01:00 anmjoven won the Freshman badge
  • 01:00 dpnaugle won the Freshman badge
  • 01:00 ayeohx won the Freshman badge
  • 03:58 sanchz won the Sophmore badge