Which is better? USB or PCI TV cards?

[nrishiraj]

USB or PCI TV cards?

[rkr1958]

Define "Better".

I recently upgraded from an AVER TV Media PCI TV-tuner to a Hauppauge WinTV-PRV-USB2 tuner. The results were like night and day and not really a fair comparison. With the AVER TV tuner I could only capture at 1/2 D1 (352 x 240) at CBR of 3000 kbps (or so). With the Hauppauge I can capture at full D1 (720 x 480) and VBR bit rates with an average of 6000 and a maximum of 8000. When taken to DVD the results are stunning. However, this camparision is like comparing apples and oranges. The AVER TV media card cost me $35 over 3-years ago and is older technology compared to the Hauppauge. I suspect you could get similar results to the Hauppauge USB2 TV tuner using a similar PCI TV tuner card.

The Hauppague USB2 TV-tuner definetly is "better" than my AVER PCI TV-tuner ... is it better than other PCI TV-tuners? I don't know. It took some tweaking to get it working like I wanted but so far I'm exteremly satisified with the results.

[mats.hogberg]

When I have the option, I always go for the internal device instead of something that's connected with a cable.
Unless you intend to use the same peripheral on different computers, that is.

/Mats

[ROF]

When I have the option, I always go for the internal device instead of something that's connected with a cable.
Unless you intend to use the same peripheral on different computers, that is.

/Mats

That's usually the deciding factor for me too no matter what type of device we speak of. A better TV card would be one that has the options you desire.

[jameshgross]

I also use the Hauppauge WinTV-PRV-USB2. I think this is a really great product.
Never had a bit of trouble with it. Hauppauge's tech support has always been able to answer my questions.

[mats.hogberg]

Never had a bit of trouble with it. Hauppauge's tech support has always been able to answer my questions.

Aren't these 2 sentences contradicting?

/Mats

[oldandinthe way]

I have mixed feelings on internal vs. external.

I hate having a desk full of little boxes. I usually like the fastest bus I can get my interface on.

BUT

If the speed on the USB is adequate - I would go EXTERNAL. There is a great deal of Radio Frequency Interferance inside a computer. I haven't seen a internal board with tin shielding in many years.

If the USB fast enough and it isn't obvious that the PCI board is shielded, I would go USB. It is more likely to provide a clear signal.