[mythtv-users] USB tuner advice for UK DVB-T

[Gordon McCrae]

On 21/09/12 10:37, Damian wrote:
> Hello all,
>
> I have only used internal DVB-T cards previously for TV tuners. I have 
> just bought a backend system with very little room inside, so want to 
> get USB tuners this time (if they will work ok).
>
> I currently only have a 480p projector, so SD input is fine. I'll 
> probably not be going to HD until this projector actually dies.
>
> There was a dual input Hauppauge device that I saw last night, but the 
> last comment on it was in 2009 and it said it had problems 
> (http://linuxtv.org/wiki/index.php/Hauppauge_WinTV-NOVA-TD-Stick).
>
> Ideally, I'd really like something that I can expect to plug in and 
> just work. I'll be using a headless server for the first time and the 
> idea of having to manually set up drivers etc sends a shudder down my 
> spine.
>
> What are you all using and what can you recommend?
>
> Thanks
> Damian
To get this device working you need to either have just the right signal 
strength from your aerial (a low one), or buy an RF filter to knock a 
couple of DB off the signal. This is due to the internal amplifier built 
into the device which sometimes over-amps that signal to the point where 
you can't pick up the channels.

I have one of these that I use, but only for my test rig, as it's less 
reliable than the single tuner version 
http://linuxtv.org/wiki/index.php/Hauppauge_WinTV-NOVA-T-Stick which I 
have loads of. The single tuner version is rock solid reliable and I 
really can't say anything bad about them. I have them running with 4 
virtual tuners and to be honest never utilize more than the first three 
physical sticks.

As for HD, well I can't get a decent Freeview-HD signal so far, so it's 
a moot point from my perspective.

Cheers
Gordon