No live TV and only zero length recordings on second attempt

[mad-marco]

Latest update, I installed into a different PC with Windows 7 x64, NextPVR version 2.6.2 with pvrdiy's updates and had the same results as before.

Driver version 5.18.0.2 is very shaky, I tried 5 recordings and it failed on 4 out of 5. The 3rd recording was successful in this case BBC2.

Driver version 3.12.4.0 was much better, I got 4 out of 5 recordings. This might just be down to chance so I'll have to do some more testing.

I did try johnsonx42's suggestion, but it didn't seem to make a difference. My next plan is to buy a PCTV NanoStick 290e and to give the 73e to my girlfriend so she can watch TV on her PC, the PCTV bundled software works very well for viewing.

[Zeb]

My next plan is to buy a PCTV NanoStick 290e

If I had such problems with a tuner, I would be very reluctant to purchase another product from the same manufacturer. I've had no problems with my old Hauppauge tuner card, but of course we have no DVB-T in the U.S. Perhaps one of our British members would be good enough to share a short list of dependable DVB-T USB devices?

[sub]

Yeah, I'd agree with that advice - don't go for another PCTV device. They seem to have flaky drivers. Just get a Hauppauge device.

[Lao Pan]

Yeah, I'd agree with that advice - don't go for another PCTV device. They seem to have flaky drivers. Just get a Hauppauge device.

If you need a DVB-T2 USB Tuner for Freeview HD, the PCTV 290e is about the only one available. There are PCI-E Cards available from other manufacturers - Blackgold, TBS etc. but Hauppauge don't seem to be bothering.

The only problem I have had with the 290e - had it working for over 2 years now, was that the Motherboard USB Sockets could not supply enough Power - a powered hub solved that problem.
On Vista the drivers occasionally hung on stopping live playback, but since going to W8 the automagically installed drivers have been rock solid.

I thought Hauppauge own PCTV?

[martint123]

I have the 290e DVB-T2 stick and I find that it needs a powered USB hub to work well with HD T2 broadcasts and worse, it locks up at times after recording HD/T2 with the blue light stuck on and not recognised as being present unless you unplug and replug the damn thing.

[sub]

I thought Hauppauge own PCTV?

Yep, they did, but they're still entirely separate with their own devices and drivers etc. I have all Hauppauge devices, and I'm well placed to support them. I don't have any PCTV devices.

Fair point about DVB-T2 though. There isn't a Hauppauge option.

[Zeb]

Thanks Lao Pan and martin123, I clearly spoke too soon. Does every transmitter in the UK have DVB-T2 now? Regarding 290e drivers, mad-marco and sub might be interested in this: "Also positive is PCTV's decision to adopt BDA drivers, instead of a proprietary one so we were successfully able to partner the capable DVBViewer with the nanoStick T2." (http://www.techradar.com/us/reviews/pc-m...011/review)

[Lao Pan]

Thanks Lao Pan and martin123, I clearly spoke too soon. Does every transmitter in the UK have DVB-T2 now?

Since the completion of Digital Switch Over last year all the Main Transmitters have one mux out of six that is T2 with 4 HD Channels on - there are local repeaters that only provide a reduced service. For the next 5 years there are plans for a further 3 T2 muxes on most transmitters after that I think the DVB-T muxes will be phased out.

[martint123]

Does every transmitter in the UK have DVB-T2 now?

All main transmitters do. Not sure about relays (have a look here with your postcode http://www.ukfree.tv/txdetail.php?a=TF218836 )
If you are not too worried about Freeview HD then you can safely forget T2 at present - but who knows what the future holds.

"Also positive is PCTV's decision to adopt BDA drivers, instead of a proprietary one so we were successfully able to partner the capable DVBViewer with the nanoStick T2."

That article is dated two years ago. Anything without BDA drivers is a non starter with NPVR and probably anything other than manufacturers software.
I check every couple of months in the hope the driver has been updated, but no sign as yet.

[mad-marco]

I'm stuck with a USB device, the uATX mobo in my HTPC doesn't have any free slots once the GFX and Creative sound card are installed. Haven't picked up the new NanoStick yet, I had it delivered to work then had to work away all week...