DVB-S Media center

[ali_g]

Where I live it's very hard to get a strong DVB-T signal (Digital), so i'm currently using a freesat box downstairs, ideally i will have one PC in the loft with a DVB-S card in it to incorporate into Media-center enabling me to record TV to watch whenever.
Can anyone reccomend a reasonable card that's compatable with Windows XP, and is there any other media center software i could use rather than Microsoft ones?

[elootos]

In my kitchen HTPC I'm using the Compro VideoMate S350. Very good for the money and acts as good as any other DVB-S card I've used. I also live in a 'fringe' DVB-T area and get mixed channel layouts from 2 transmitters; a complete nightmare. If I had the time and patience I would roll over to DVB-S on all systems.

So you're still using XP are you? Why not jump on the Windows7 bandwagon? You can get a copy for about £80 at the moment and that will increase over the coming months so better now than never.

If you want to stick with XP, then I believe the best alternative to Windows Media Center is Media Portal. I used it way back and haven't touched it since. The only thing lacking with it is the 100% stability and 99% fuss-free setup you get with Windows Media Center.

BTW, the Compro card is single tuner, so if wanted Freesat+ capabilities, you'll need to buy two and also make sure your satellite has a dual LNB.

(11-02-2009 02:34 PM)ali_g Wrote:  Where I live it's very hard to get a strong DVB-T signal (Digital), so i'm currently using a freesat box downstairs, ideally i will have one PC in the loft with a DVB-S card in it to incorporate into Media-center enabling me to record TV to watch whenever.
Can anyone reccomend a reasonable card that's compatable with Windows XP, and is there any other media center software i could use rather than Microsoft ones?

[dunks517]

I have dabbled with a Compro S500? usb DVB-S TV card and have been able to get BBC HD which is a bonus however down came the caravan's dish and back to Sky HD for me. In fact I currently have the TV section of 7MC hidden in the start menu as the wife uses either Sky HD in the lounge or Den and a Freeview in the family room (Easier to start up apparently).
Duncs

[John180]

(11-02-2009 03:41 PM)elootos Wrote:  In my kitchen HTPC I'm using the Compro VideoMate S350. Very good for the money and acts as good as any other DVB-S card I've used. I also live in a 'fringe' DVB-T area and get mixed channel layouts from 2 transmitters; a complete nightmare. If I had the time and patience I would roll over to DVB-S on all systems.

does this card support HD channels, i'm looking to change my DVB-T card to a DVB-S card.

[elootos]

Welcome to the site!

The S350 supports the current first generation DVB-S signals, so anything that is currently broadcast on Freesat including HD. In the future signals will be second generation, DVB-S2, and this card will not support that, but that's far enough away to not worry about it.

In my lounge PC I've a Hauppauge Nova S2 (DVB-S2 obviously), but it's more money and still only single tuner. No difference to the S350 in Media Center.

(11-05-2009 03:52 PM)John180 Wrote:  does this card support HD channels, i'm looking to change my DVB-T card to a DVB-S card.

[John180]

Yes the Nova S2 was the one I was originally looking at. I have a Hauppauge now and i'm very happy with it. I will probably run both side by side if they will sit happily together.

(11-05-2009 05:54 PM)elootos Wrote:  Welcome to the site!

The S350 supports the current first generation DVB-S signals, so anything that is currently broadcast on Freesat including HD. In the future signals will be second generation, DVB-S2, and this card will not support that, but that's far enough away to not worry about it.

In my lounge PC I've a Hauppauge Nova S2 (DVB-S2 obviously), but it's more money and still only single tuner. No difference to the S350 in Media Center.

(11-05-2009 03:52 PM)John180 Wrote:  does this card support HD channels, i'm looking to change my DVB-T card to a DVB-S card.

[ali_g]

i think you're pushing your luck john :)

[John180]

(11-06-2009 11:22 AM)ali_g Wrote:  i think you're pushing your luck john :)

haha, if they dont work together i'm not too bothered as i very rarely record programmes any way. Just saves getting rid of the other card if they do work. I know 7MC can be used with a DVB-T card and a DVB-S card at the same time - again all depends on the drivers.