Hauppauge WinTV HVR-1800

INTRODUCTION

If you live in the US, you have probably seen TV commercials about the analog TV signal being switched off in February of 2009.  For old home TV sets, there is a converter that can be purchase and the government is even stepping in to help subsidize some of the expenses for the converter.  However, for thoes users who mainly use their computer to watch TV via a TV tuner, they may be out of luck unless they upgrade their old TV tuner to a new one that supports digital signals.

Actually, upgrading to a new TV tuner may not be as bad as it sounds.  If you have watched a digital TV image, you will surely not want to go back to an old analog image.  In addition, many new TV tuners on the market come with newer technologies which offer better images and features.  Furthermore, many TV tuners use PCIe, which means  that you can finally put your PCIe slots on your motherboard to good use.

We have reviewed a few TV tuners in the past, VisionTek (ATI based) HD 650, AutumnWave USB HDTV-GT, and WinFast Leadtek PxDTV2300H.  Today, we are going to take a look at Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-1800. 

HAUPPAUGE

Hauppauge Computer Works has been bringing TV to the PC since 1992. The Company is the worldwide leader in developing and manufacturing PC based analog and digital TV tuners and data broadcast receiver products, with an estimated worldwide installed base of over 2.5 million. Hauppauge's products allow PC users to watch television on their PC screens, videoconference and create both still video images and digital TV recordings. Hauppauge's flagship product, the WinTV, is the leading branded TV tuner card for PCs.

WinTV Family

The WinTV family consists of over six high-end to low-end WinTV models that include features from FM Radio to Dolby Surround Sound. All models work with a remote control, with the exception of one. Although each model has distinct features, this family of products shares the same basic functionality. The boards are installed in PC’s to display video in a resizable window. They enhance the usefulness of professional and consumer PC’s by allowing users to watch television, view video images from cameras and video conference through their PC, while simultaneously allowing traditional PC applicants to be run. In addition to allowing PC users to “watch TV on their PC,” the WinTV boards can be used to receive data broadcasts worldwide. Hauppauge Digital, Inc. has been the market leader in bringing TV to the PC since 1992. This focus has enabled the Company to achieve world class know-how and innovation in this market segment. The brand is recognized worldwide and has an industry-wide reputation for quality and reliability.