2008-03-31, 02:29 AM
@QAMsimodo... There are 2 styles of 650 pci cards -- an earlier version out around the end of 2006 had an obvious electronics patch on the back of the card... I'm not aware of anyone reporting on QAM capability one way or another with that earlier model. At any rate, do you have one of those cards & could that be the difference causing problems?
In response to Sub's post: "Does the software supplied with you ATI card pick up any QAM channels?"
The 650 pci cards come with a modded version of Cyberlink's Power Producer [I think -- or one of their apps anyway]. They have a newer version out that ATI tech's say might be released to the general public if/when they get it working fully -- right now the only way to get it is with a new card. It's been confirmed to do QAM in XP & Vista.
"No, it does NOT and ATI never claimed that this card could receive QAM!"
I beg to *almost* differ... :p ATI never updated the original sales copy re: the 650 pci on their site. They did however have 2 versions of the comparison grid up that listed QAM for the cards. I asked tech support about this and was told that yes the 650 pci does indeed support QAM. The original box however, which I still have, does not list the word QAM at all, so in the context of original packaging, QAMsimodo, you are correct.
Personally I didn't see anything that would make a difference IMHO, but I'm dual booting between vista & XP SP3 RC2, and like the original poster it does work in XP with QAM. In another forum another 650 pci owner tried GB-PVR in XP as well, and was able to receive QAM.
As already posted it is necessary to go thru the Config program to add the card, selecting the digital plugin -> the 650 QAM -> your EPG info -> then do the channel scanning/mapping. The tuning assistant WILL NOT pick up QAM channels, and will use the analog tuner on your 650 pci. The card is a hybrid, and you can only use one tuner at a time, so anything using the analog tuner disables the digital - something else to check for, particularly if you have CMC installed...
CMC has one app & at least 3 services that will start with XP otherwise. CMC can also interact with any other Cyberlink software installs you have. When you choose your decoders in Config, you might try another one besides what it shows in your logs -- I've never had luck with that one anyway in WatchHDTV or anything else...
If as in the other thread you think it's signal problems, run a jumper coax if possible right from where the cable enters your home. That would eliminate any splitters, especially the non-digital freq. variety you need to avoid. Personally I can attest that it's very possible to have a good enough analog signal & not enough digital signal strength for the 650's tuner -- the card needs a fairly strong signal. Assuming there's a Best Buy close by (you mentioned you got the card there), they have a couple of RCA branded amps that seem to work OK, or hit up Radio Shack.
Good luck!
In response to Sub's post: "Does the software supplied with you ATI card pick up any QAM channels?"
The 650 pci cards come with a modded version of Cyberlink's Power Producer [I think -- or one of their apps anyway]. They have a newer version out that ATI tech's say might be released to the general public if/when they get it working fully -- right now the only way to get it is with a new card. It's been confirmed to do QAM in XP & Vista.
"No, it does NOT and ATI never claimed that this card could receive QAM!"
I beg to *almost* differ... :p ATI never updated the original sales copy re: the 650 pci on their site. They did however have 2 versions of the comparison grid up that listed QAM for the cards. I asked tech support about this and was told that yes the 650 pci does indeed support QAM. The original box however, which I still have, does not list the word QAM at all, so in the context of original packaging, QAMsimodo, you are correct.
Personally I didn't see anything that would make a difference IMHO, but I'm dual booting between vista & XP SP3 RC2, and like the original poster it does work in XP with QAM. In another forum another 650 pci owner tried GB-PVR in XP as well, and was able to receive QAM.
As already posted it is necessary to go thru the Config program to add the card, selecting the digital plugin -> the 650 QAM -> your EPG info -> then do the channel scanning/mapping. The tuning assistant WILL NOT pick up QAM channels, and will use the analog tuner on your 650 pci. The card is a hybrid, and you can only use one tuner at a time, so anything using the analog tuner disables the digital - something else to check for, particularly if you have CMC installed...
CMC has one app & at least 3 services that will start with XP otherwise. CMC can also interact with any other Cyberlink software installs you have. When you choose your decoders in Config, you might try another one besides what it shows in your logs -- I've never had luck with that one anyway in WatchHDTV or anything else...
If as in the other thread you think it's signal problems, run a jumper coax if possible right from where the cable enters your home. That would eliminate any splitters, especially the non-digital freq. variety you need to avoid. Personally I can attest that it's very possible to have a good enough analog signal & not enough digital signal strength for the 650's tuner -- the card needs a fairly strong signal. Assuming there's a Best Buy close by (you mentioned you got the card there), they have a couple of RCA branded amps that seem to work OK, or hit up Radio Shack.
Good luck!
]... The converter has I think a 6th generation LG chip, and it works flawlessly with the antenna, where using the 650 I had to adjust the antenna positioning for every channel, & then the video froze so often it was barely viewable -- you certainly couldn't record anything worthwhile.