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General discussion

RE: TV TUNERS

May 6, 2005 4:15AM PDT

I scoured www.cnet.com for the editor's choice for tv tuners, for computers, and could not find it. I wanted to buy a tv tuner for my laptop. Does anyone have any suggestions as to which tv tuner I should buy and why.

Specifics: Windows XP,512 MB RAM, 3.06 Ghz, 2 MB L2 cache

Discussion is locked

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No why.
May 6, 2005 5:18AM PDT

Just what I've used. No review either, sorry.

The ATI and Hauppauge TV USB units do work fine. Go with USB 2.0 units if you can find them.

Bob

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why USB
Oct 8, 2005 11:54PM PDT

So you would recommend a USB to an enternal TV tuner? Why..

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Yes.
Oct 9, 2005 12:09AM PDT

But I will not explain why. Why, depends on your need and as such needs no explanation.

Bob

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Reason...
Oct 9, 2005 1:06AM PDT

The original poster, chat6196, had a laptop, which means his only real option is an external TV tuner, which are almost always USB. Those with desktops, however, are usually most benefitted by an internal TV tuner (usually PCI-based), which typically cost less and produce slightly higher-quality video feed. (The tuner is plugged directly into your motherboard rather than by a fairly long cable to a slower USB port, which can cause quality loss. USB 2.0 helps narrow the gap, but I still prefer an internal tuner.)

Hope this helps,
John

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Thanks
Oct 11, 2005 9:54PM PDT

Thanks John for your post. I actually did need an explanation that's why I made the post in the first place. I have a laptop and will look for a USB TV Tuner. Again thanks for taking the time.....

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Any external units for Apple ?
Oct 12, 2005 1:31PM PDT

I was just looking at the Hauppauge external usb unit and noticed it was only designed for pc... is there any external units I can use with my mac iBook?

grim

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Sure...
Oct 12, 2005 2:35PM PDT

They're not as common due to the Mac's relatively low market share, but they're still available. The 'major' supplier of such is, in fact, Hauppauge, which sells five TV tuners designed specifically for Macs. You can view their entire selection by clicking here. Just be sure to click ''where to buy'' at the top of the page for information on which stores currently carry the Eskape Labs line.

Hope this helps,
John

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(NT) (NT) yes, found it thanks.
Oct 12, 2005 3:17PM PDT