What's the deal with QAM and internal tuners?

[Loomy]

I was looking at the Vista View and ATI 650 Pro PCI tuners, and there is a lot of sketchy documentation surrounding them. Some places say they support QAM, some say they don't. Some people on assorted forums even say that QAM with internal tuners doesn't work at all in Windows. I guess HDhomerun devices work because they send the signal in a different way.

Do any of you guys really have QAM + GBPVR + vista view / ati / hauppauge PCI internal tuner working? I am confused!!!

[sub]

Do any of you guys really have QAM + GBPVR + vista view / ati / hauppauge PCI internal tuner working

The Hauppauge HVR1600 definitely works with GB-PVR with QAM. The ATI might might work with GBPVR with QAM, but no one has tested it yet. The VistaView doesnt currently do QAM with GBPVR - they've supplied a test card and some beta drivers to enable it, but its not working yet.

[Loomy]

The Hauppauge HVR1600 definitely works with GB-PVR with QAM. The ATI might might work with GBPVR with QAM, but no one has tested it yet. The VistaView doesnt currently do QAM with GBPVR - they've supplied a test card and some beta drivers to enable it, but its not working yet.

Well golly I want to frame this because it is only the second straight answer I've had from anybody on this topic

What is the problem that makes QAM tuners so difficult to get going anyway? Windows, the driver, the card, the player...?

[whurlston]

What is the problem that makes QAM tuners so difficult to get going anyway? Windows, the driver, the card, the player...?

There is no standard way to implement QAM tuning in drivers. Each manufacturer does it differently so applications must be coded to handle each manufacturers driver specifically.

[sub]

Well golly I want to frame this because it is only the second straight answer I've had from anybody on this topic

You're asking the wrong people then

What is the problem that makes QAM tuners so difficult to get going anyway? Windows, the driver, the card, the player...?

Whurlston is correct above.

[mvallevand]

I think the cableco and STB box manufacturers are at fault for not creating standards

With analog there were about 120 channel frequencies to test all mapped to channel numbers we know and love. With QAM that it is not simple

1. The cable companies are free to use most of the 0-1000 Mhz spectrum however they want and they do. I have some non standard channels right in the FM Band.

2. On any frequency in this range there can be 40 Mbs of data sending as many channels as fit.

3. Most of the channels found in the scan are encrypted this is not standard so we have to select the channels we want manually.

4. Even after selecting the channels we have to map these channels to a TV guide listing but the cable companies don't provide this information. It's like QAM is a disease.

5. Cable companies move QAM channels at their discretion

6. The regulation on what has to be carried is limited in the States and non-existent here in Canada.

Martin

[zaphod7501]

It would almost seem like they want to force you to use their cableco supplied rental boxes.

[rant]And the Movie Industry and TV Networks don't want anybody recording anything anyway. They lost the BetaMax case but they are using technology, encryption, and the DMCA to find new ways to deny "Fair Use" rights.[/rant]

[Loomy]

You're asking the wrong people then

Yeah tell me about it. The worst is how random people on internet forums are a lot like big company customer support. They are both similarly bad!!!

After trying a PVR500 and a HVR1600 I have decided to bet on Vista View. I did my research and decided that the Saber DA-1N1-I is best in its class. So bring on the new version of GBPVR

[sub]

After trying a PVR500 and a HVR1600 I have decided to bet on Vista View. I did my research and decided that the Saber DA-1N1-I is best in its class. So bring on the new version of GBPVR

Whilst I'm hopeful the next version will support it, I cant say it definitely will - thats up to VistaView supplying the info I'm waiting on.

Personally, I'd go with the HVR1600.

[mvallevand]

Yeah tell me about it. The worst is how random people on internet forums are a lot like big company customer support. They are both similarly bad!!!

I'm taking this personally since you PM'd me and I replied including this

I don't think you can even compare between users comments, it is a local thing.

I do trust sub's recommendation on the Hauppauge HVR 1600/1800 if you want analog. Main works ok, but it is not perfect and I don't think they (the drivers) are good right now, which is one of the reasons why there are problems. There are a lot of HDHR fans but it doesn't do analog, but it does do ATSC and QAM which the Hauppauges can't do.

You need to find someone with both to really get a good answer.

I didn't notice you were from Canada before, so I would have added that if you have the same luck I do with Rogers QAM is a waste of time, because so little television is offered.

So twice I've replied to you, and you didn't even have the decency to thank me for the PM. The problem with the internet isn't the support forums like this one where there is a lot of valuable help, it's the user that under the guise on anonymity feel they can act as rude as they want to. You came got some good personal suggestions but instead of thanking the forums you basically attack it.

You had preconceived ideas anyway, good luck with the Saberview. Maybe you will support new users if you have the time.

Martin