On Tue, Nov 4, 2008 at 1:25 PM, Tony Houghton h@realh.co.uk wrote:
On Tue, 4 Nov 2008 01:26:44 +0000 "hudo kkow" 2manybills@gmail.com wrote:
On Tue, Nov 4, 2008 at 12:12 AM, Tony Houghton h@realh.co.uk wrote:
Is it OK to ask for card recommendations here or would it be better to ask in the DVB list? I want to build a new HTPC to watch "Freesat" and I don't know what DVB-S card to buy. They're actually a bit difficult to find, being a more obscure item in the UK than DVB-T receivers.
Working properly with Linux is obviously essential, and I'd like it to be compatible with DVB-S2 if that's a question of hardware, not just drivers. Ideally I'd like PCI Express rather than plain old PCI, for future-proofing and so that I can use both of my old DVB-T cards as well, on a new mATX motherboard. Having a good remote control would be helpful too.
Well, that's like asking what's your favorite ice-cream. ;) Everyone here as a preference. I for one like the Technotrend TT-3200. It's DVB-S2 compliant and very popular among linux users. There are others brands (like Hauppauge) and several models supported and supporting DVB-S2.
Thanks. I should have done more research before posting though; I found that PCI-e isn't usable yet so I'll have to stick to PCI (or USB if I desperately wanted to keep both old cards), at least initially. One thing I still couldn't find out is what are the practical benefits to me of DVB-S2? Is it necessary for BBC HD and/or ITV HD? If Freesat has no plans to use DVB-S2 for a few years I think I might be better off to get a used Hauppauge Nova S from eBay for £20 and hope that Linux supports PCI-e cards one day.
-- TH * http://www.realh.co.uk
Most HD channels still work on DVB-S. But if you want a future proof card, go for DVB-S2. To my knowledge, BBC HD and ITV HD still work on DVB-S. There are already some providers migrating to DVB-S2. And some, like MEO on 30W, broadcast only on DVB-S2.
It's your choice.