Overpriced & problematic
Written: Sep 08 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: MPEG2 Encoder, S-Video input, Remote Control.
Cons: Expensive, Bad for watching live TV, pain to install, unresponsive support.
The Bottom Line: Not bad, but not as good as it should be for the price.
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| FekIhr's Full Review: Hauppauge WinTV PVR-250 (980) TV/Video Input |
I've had a few different TV cards over the years - and I decided it was time to "move up a notch" and get something better. The PVR-250 seemed to have the right balance of features and performance - plus - the price "looked like it was better than the competition." What Hauppauge doesn't count on is me owning the competition side-by-side with their card.
Installation was a chore. Hauppauge uses Intervideo decoders for their drivers. Guess what? They're not compatible with Intervideo WinDVD drivers - so - if you use the #1 dvd playback software ... your WinTV PVR250 isn't going to work for a while - until you bang your head against the wall a few times and play around with drivers for a half hour (or longer). Now - after you get it working - here's the lowdown.
This card is a video capture card, not a TV card.
Why do I say this? Because it has a hardware MPEG2 encoder, and a HUGE delay in display/playback. You have a full 2-3 second lag between the picture processing by the card, and it coming up on your screen.
If you want to experience this for yourself - just hook up a Digital Cable converter OR a Video Game system up to the PVR. Watch and weep.
On the other hand, if you're recording your TV shows and just doing that with the card, no problem. However - watching live TV, using a variety of different devices hooked up to this thing - is a nightmare.
Not to mention, this comes with a remote. Yep. But I'm the guy that loses the remote - and I don't have a universal remote code for this. :(
I also attempted to contact Hauppauge about a replacement remote, but they never answered my e-mail! Hmm... is this an indicator of their level of customer service? (I mean, come on! If I ask the cable guy for a replacement remote ... he hands me THREE!)
It's a decent card - and basically, a pure software card can't compare with this card's video capture ability. But, video capture and TV don't mix. I truly can't believe that Hauppauge made such a good product with such a big handicap (the display delay).
And for the competition?
I have an ATI TV Wonder – the basic vanilla PCI one.
It has no display lag.
It displays better color.
It cost me $120.00 LESS.
And it integrates with the ATI Radeon Software suite.
As for my WinTV PVR 250 – It’s headed to eBay. I’m sure I can fetch enough to buy TWO ATI TV Wonders from the auction.
The PVR is a BIG disappointment from Hauppauge’s old WinTV cards
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
FekIhr
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Location: New Britain, CT
Reviews written: 37
Trusted by: 2 members
About Me:
Run of the mill IT professional. Nothing to see here (I guess.... )
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