Theater 650 Pro Discussion

[Super XP]

This is what I found out, but it still does not tell me anything LOL

TV Wonder 650

Full PVR functionality - Stop, pause, and rewind live TV on the PC
Combines with ATI graphics cards to deliver an outstanding 3D user interface
MulTView® functionality(1) - Record and watch two shows at the same time, or watch one show in a picture-in-picture window while watching another full-screen
Advanced video compression and conversion settings - Record or convert to DivX, H.264, MPEG2, MPEG4, WMV9
Capture video from VCRs or camcorders
ThruView™ - Translucent video window over other desktop applications
Multifunction/triple-function tuner support - Access analog TV, digital TV, or FM stations with one card
Advanced electronic program guide (EPG)

Theater 650 Pro

Technical Specifications

* 125 channel TV tuner with stereo audio
* New worldwide video decoder
o NTSC, PAL, SECAM support
o 5-line 2D comb filter
o Motion adaptive 3D comb filter
* Worldwide audio decoder
* 3:2 pull-down
* Motion compensated noise reduction
* Edge enhancement
* Hardware MPEG compression engine
o MPEG-2 720x480 compression
o CBR and VBR from 1 to 15 Mbps
* FM radio reception
* Digital audio processing
* Hardware DRM engine
* VBI slicing
* Audio/video input support
* ATSC digital TV support (optional)
* DVB-T digital TV support (optional)
* PCI and PCI-Express 1X bus interfaces

[SHSPVR]

Super XP

TV Wonder 650 vs Theater 650 Pro

No difference between the two
TV Wonder 650 = Is the PCI or PCIe card name it self
Theater 650 Pro = Core Processors chipset name
It no difference between the two
TV Wonder 550 = Is the PCI or PCIe card name it self
Theater 550 Pro = Core Processors chipset name but min Manufacturers called by this name with the card it self.

[Super XP]

So, I should just invest in the TV Wonder 650 then. If they are the same thing. It looks like you get more stuff in the package with the Wonder series. I could be wrong though?
Thanks.

[Nitestorm]

ATi's TV Wonder 650 is just the brand name for their Theatre 650 Pro card, so same thing. As you say, only real difference between it and other manufacuter's Theatre 650 Pro cards is probably price and what it comes bundled with (software, remote control, etc.)

[SHSPVR]

I'm not aware of any 3rdparty manufacuter's that is saling a Theater 650 Pro
By the way that Theater not Theatre

[modin]

ATI just released a new set of drivers (6.14.10.231) on Feb 21 2007 for the Theater 550/650 chip. Does anyone know where ATI puts the changelog for their Theater chip drivers so you can see what the changes are?

[denyart]

It's in the ether, you just have to untie Gordian's knot and you can read the changelog.

[herrdoktor]

I'm running the 650 PRO in Vista using the Kram drivers. First show I tried to record tonight was 24. Turned out choppy as hell and the lip sync is way off.
Anyone having luck in Vista?

[dabl]

Can anyone comment on the version of Cyberlink PowerDVD that is (apparently) included on one of the two discs in the 650 'TV Wonder' version package? IE is it version 7,8 or earlier etc.

Also, is it possible to *only* install this application ie not along with a bunch of other stuff I don't want.

[Super XP]

I'm not aware of any 3rdparty manufacuter's that is saling a Theater 650 Pro
By the way that Theater not Theatre

No, here in Canada it is Theatre & Theater, they are both right. The same goes for Centre & Center. They are both right, but the funny one French based.

Take Care,

[Super XP]

ATI just released a new set of drivers (6.14.10.231) on Feb 21 2007 for the Theater 550/650 chip. Does anyone know where ATI puts the changelog for their Theater chip drivers so you can see what the changes are?

Should be on there website the last time I looked?
http://www.start64.com/index.php?opt...d=9&Itemid=105

[SpaceCadet]

If anyone from ATI is still monitoring this thread, I'd like to see the TV Wonder 650 support clear-QAM. Mine has the Theater 312, so I know it has QAM64 and QAM256 capability. (I bought an HDHomeRun last year, but another QAM tuner would be nice).

[Octavean]

If anyone from ATI is still monitoring this thread, I'd like to see the TV Wonder 650 support clear-QAM. Mine has the Theater 312, so I know it has QAM64 and QAM256 capability. (I bought an HDHomeRun last year, but another QAM tuner would be nice).

I would second that request earnestly. Although I don’t really need QAM support it would be nice to have.

Having said that, even if 650 cards typically have the necessary components for QAM support it doesn’t necessarily mean that the design of the card itself is conducive to take full advantage of said components.

[herrdoktor]

I'm running the 650 PRO in Vista using the Kram drivers. First show I tried to record tonight was 24. Turned out choppy as hell and the lip sync is way off.
Anyone having luck in Vista?

Fixed the problem. Updated to the latest Nvidia driver and now even the video that was recorded is no longer choppy.
Sure wish they could get final drivers out. I want to hook up using Component cables for true HD but the drivers don't support it yet.

[Octavean]

For those interested in alternatives and in the UK, Hauppauge has presumably lunched a new Quad tuner!!!

The Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-4000

http://www.hauppauge.co.uk/pages/pro...a_hvr4000.html

[Tempest]

I just feel the need to post a precision over the 100-703261 vs 100-715331 part number. I purchased a TV Wonder 650 a few days ago and when I received a card with the part number 100-703261, I was a bit disappointed since I thought it wasn't the "fixed version". I contacted ATI and apparently the two product numbers has nothing to do with the card itself: the 100-703261 is for the Canadian market (with packaging in French and English) while the 100-715331 is for the US market (packaging in English only). So if you live in Canada and see a 100-703261 on the box, it's normal.