[mythtv-users] OTA/DTV tuner-card related questions, recommendations

[Mike Perkins]

On 20/01/11 17:03, James Miller wrote:
>
>> The SiliconDust HD HomeRun is a stand alone device that sits on the
>> network. They have two models in production for the ATSC (primarily
>> US) market, a single tuner and a dual tuner. And with their redesigned
>> tuners announced (much smaller footprint), the original design may be
>> dropping in price. MSRP on a new dual tuner, older beige design, is
>> $149.99 US dollars, with the single tuner at $79.99 (street prices are
>> usually lower). They occasionally go on sale as well. Up front, it may
>> seem to be a bit more expensive than a PCI/PCIe tuner, but if one
>> looks at what the HDHR offers, it's the better bang for the buck.
>>
>
> Again, thanks for the helpful pointers. I did, after reading last
> night's response to my query, take a look at the HDHR. I think the model
> of which you're speaking was priced at $105 on newegg.
>
> I'm not too hot on adding a new device to my network, since all four
> wired ports on my wifi router are presently occupied--meaning I'd have
> to add a switch or something. And yes, like my other outdated equipment
> this is a wireless G router, so I doubt its wireless throughput would
> suffice for the device of which we're speaking--presuming that device is
> capable of connecting via wifi. As may also be evident, my network and
> devices--even the wired side--are not capable of gigabit speeds: will
> traditional 10/100 provide sufficient throughput for the HDHR?
>
You may not have to upgrade your switch/hub/router. The HDHR only needs to speak 
to your backend and only your backend needs to speak to the HDHR, so if you have 
a spare PCI port on the motherboard just buy a $5 network card and plug it in. 
Then use a simple cable* to connect it to the HDHR. You'll need to run the HDHR 
on another subnet thus some ethernet configuration changes needed but in 
practice they aren't that difficult.

*OK, you may need a crossover cable or dongle. No biggie.

-- 

Mike Perkins