Re: TV Tuner Cards

"DG" <beri19@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:AeCcndYQIrGgwlHeUSdV9g@xxxxxxxxxx
| Just curious - my Dimension 9100 has a dual tv tuner, but, it only has 1
| coax input. It is my understanding that if I connect something else via
one
| of the other connections on the TV card, say my VCR, that is how I'd get
the
| "dual" function?? I guess I assumed that I'd be able to watch one channel
| and record another with whatever type of connection I have since it is a
| "dual" tuner.
|
| The reason I ask is because my sister just bought a Gateway with dual
tuner
| and there are 2 TV tuner cards installed.

You don't say so I'm guessing that you're talking about TV function in
Windows Media Center.

Windows Media Center requires two identical inputs to take advantage of the
dual tuner card. (or in the case of the single coax connector a straight
cable or terrestrial antenna input and it "splits" the signal internally for
each tuner) You can then watch one channel while recording another or record
two channels simultaneously.

If you want to use the dual tuner feature with settop boxes you connect
either a composite or an S-video cable from the cable TV box or satellite
receiver. The caveat is you need one box for each tuner (input) and they
must have the same channel lineup. (IOW you can't use satellite on one and
cable on another) The STB's are controlled via IR blaster(s) hooked to the
computers USB connected Media Center IR receiver.

Again you don't say which card you have. There is a guide for the Emuzed
Angel dual tuner @
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/acc/P74948/EN/index.htm .
It has the single coax/dual s-video arrangement so it should be similar to
yours as far as the physical connections go.

I'm sure there are third party applications (
http://www.snapstream.com/products/beyondtv/ perhaps?) that would allow you
more flexibility outside of the Windows Media Center interface. I haven't
experimented with any myself.

--
Doug

I'm not an MVP a VIP nor do I have ESP.
I was just trying to help.
Please use your own best judgment before implementing any suggestions or
advice herein.
No warranty is expressed or implied.
Your mileage may vary.
See store for details. :)

Remove shoes to E-mail.
http://spaces.msn.com/members/hillbillybuddhist/


.

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