PVR USB2 vs PVR USB2 MCE

[moymike]

I currently run Windows XP pro (non-MCE) with a PVR 150 and a PVR 500 MCE. The 500 is using the 150 drivers as I understand.

I am thinking about getting a PVR USB2, since I dont have any free PCI slots available. I emailed Hauppauge a week ago with a few questions, and still have had no reply.

I also have a few curiousities for GBPVR's handing of the USB version.

#1. Does the PVR USB2 MCE use the 150 drivers?

#2. Might it conflict with a 150 and 500 installed?

#3. Will it run on a non-MCE windows machine?

#4. Does it receive as well as the 150? (my 500 tunes noticably worse the the 150)

As for GBPVR... I'm mostly curious about how it handles plug-and-play.

#5. If the PVR USB2 turned on or plugged in AFTER GBPVR recording service starts, will it use the PVR USB2?

#6. If the PVR USB2 is unplugged or loses power AFTER the recording service starts, will GBPVR realize and adjust for the missing tuner?

And generally...

#7. Is there any hardware advantage to purchasing the MCE version over the non-MCE version? It looks like the non-MCE comes with the same remote I have x2 from purchasing my PVR 150 and MVP.

I can guess at the answers to most these questions, but I'm afraid to guess and have to deal with making a return...

[sub]

#1. Does the PVR USB2 MCE use the 150 drivers?

#2. Might it conflict with a 150 and 500 installed?

I'm fairly sure its a 'no' with both of these, but you might find some issues with the remote not working on the PVR150 after adding the PVR USB2.

#3. Will it run on a non-MCE windows machine?

Yes

#4. Does it receive as well as the 150?

I think its as good.

#5. If the PVR USB2 turned on or plugged in AFTER GBPVR recording service starts, will it use the PVR USB2?

Yes, assuming its turned on and connected prior to a recording due to start, then it should be ok - or a shorter than expected recording.

#6. If the PVR USB2 is unplugged or loses power AFTER the recording service starts, will GBPVR realize and adjust for the missing tuner?

If this happens during a recording, then you'll probably just end up with a bunch of error messages in the logs and no recording present on the disk.