Advice needed on DVB-S2.

[RattyDAVE]

Hi all,

Currently I have 2 x PVR 500 and 1 x PVR 150 .. And looking to replace with 2 DVB-S2 tuners.

It is for Free Sat HD in the UK.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

I was looking at the WinTV-HVR-4400 but that has Analog and Digital over the air that I don't need. They are also not cheap at all. But if they are the best with no hassle then they are worth it. (The PVR 500s were not cheap but never had a problem and worked flawlessly).

Thanks in advance.

DAVE

[imilne]

You don't (yet) need DVB-S2 for Freesat HD, as all the channels - both SD and HD - still broadcast using just DVB-S. Only the encrypted transmissions from Sky use DVB-S2 for HD.

Note however, that all "real" Freesat HD boxes have DVB-S2 tuners in them, so there's nothing to stop them switching the transmissions to S2 at some point in the future.

Personally I use a Pinnacle 7010ix (dual DVB-T, DVB-S) but they're very hard to find now. If you really wanted an S2 card for future proofing, then the recommendation is usually to stick with something from Hauppauge.

[RattyDAVE]

I do want it for future proofing.

You may be in the same boat as me and not allowed to "play with the TV".

Just to add more info that I missed out.

I was also looking at the WinTV-NOVA-HD-S2

[sub]

Of the three Hauppauge DVB-S2 products, the HVR-4400 is slight better than the other two, in that it can auto detect the Pilot/RollOff. Some apps may require this auto detection functionality.

[RattyDAVE]

Sub glad to have to have you onboard on this thread.

Well out of the DVB-S2 cards you have you what would you use?

As for the product I am going to use... I was thinking Microsoft Media Centre.. Unless you know anything better? LOL ...

[sub]

I have all three of the Hauppauge devices. I dont use them for DVB-S2 though, since we dont have any free to air S2 transmissions in this part of the world. I have however confirmed they find channels in the scan results. This is usually a pretty good sign data is being delivered though, and playback of the channels within those streams is largely the same as all the other DVB standards.

As for the product I am going to use... I was thinking Microsoft Media Centre.. Unless you know anything better? LOL ...

Right...

[RattyDAVE]

I have I ruined my chances of help now? LOL

Of course they are going to be used with NPVR! Would not even think about using anything else.

So the in order...

1) WinTV-HVR-4400
2) WinTV-NOVA-HD-S2
3) ???? I cant find that on the hauppauge site...

[sub]

The HVR-4000 is the third device.

[RattyDAVE]

Thank you.

The 4000 was not on the Hauppauge site. I found it tho.

Cheers again for you help.

I am still open to suggestions of other cards tho.

DAVE

[RattyDAVE]

I got the WinTV-HVR-4400 and put it in this morning. I have it working on on one of the dishes. Very easy and works perfect. (I do have some config issues with my odd setup but I will have to have a play.)

Thanks Sub!