[mpeg2] Re: mpex experience

[rettw@rtwnetwork.com]

Hello:

>> yes, it is. Haupauge also sells cards with an mpeg2
>> encoder (and one with
>> en- and decoder). Are there drivers available for these
>> cards under linux?
>
> Sorry, I don't know about that.

There are Open Source drivers for linux for the Hauppauge
WInTV PVR 250 and 350 only (not the original PVR) at
ivtv.sourceforge.net.  They work very well, and are very
stable.  The 250 model runs about $150 US.

I have been using this card for a PVR system for several
months and have had great success with it.  It has an
onboard tuner, supports V4L2 API, and S-Video/Audio
inputs.  The 350 version has video out and an onboard
decoder, as well as FM radio support.  I regularly record
20 hrs of 8 Mb/sec MPEG2 (Full D1) video a week - it will
run for over a month for without issues.  Perfect A/V
sync, fully programmable capture parameters (bitrate,
Frames per Gop, VBR/CBR, Stream type, etc) all dynamic (no
driver load/reload) to change parms, and are available in
PAL versions as well.

I highly recommend these cards.

Rett Walters