The only bit that's unique is the T2 compatible demod, the other two chips (or variants of them) are used in many other USB receivers.
I think it's small because of the PCB sandwich they've gone for... not sure what affect that will have had on the BoM, however.
I would just like to point out how spot on my remarks in the opinion piece I wrote were with respect to the required components to build such a device.
PHP Code:$s = new signature();
$s->sarcasm()->intellect()->font('Courier New')->display();
Oh, and there's more, shipping next month:
http://shop.blackgold.tv/BGT3620 - Dual tuner!
Same Sony demods, of course. And not economical if you already have a legacy DVB-T tuner, but it is pretty loaded up in terms of capabilities.
PHP Code:$s = new signature();
$s->sarcasm()->intellect()->font('Courier New')->display();
some people on the MediaPortal forums have been arguing over the tuners on that one. some think it is dual DVB-T2, some say it's just a single DVB-T and a single T2.
"dual digital terrestrial including both DVB-T and DVB-T2"
I think it's the former personally.
It's got a pair of Sony CXD2820R demods, as far as I can tell from the full-size shot on that site... compare that pic to the last pic on my page, posted earlier in the thread. That demod can do DVB-S, DVB-T and DVB-T2, and there's two of them...
No idea what tuners are in the can, and whether only one accepts terrestrial frequencies, but I doubt it - it wouldn't be worth them forking out for two Sony demods otherwise, I wouldn't have thought.
PHP Code:$s = new signature();
$s->sarcasm()->intellect()->font('Courier New')->display();
baius (30-11-2010)
Thanks for that Steve, I'll post that over on the MP forums when I get a chance
I have one of the Blackgold cards pre-ordered.
Will post my experience with it when it arrvies. It'll be the first PC tuner I've had for about 12 years.
I would be interested to see decent pics of the that card when you get it, if you're willing to provide them. I want to know what controller chip is on it.
Alas, I don't think any PCIe tuners are supported in Linux, so I can't imagine corroborating data snooped from the blackgold would help me develop a driver.
PHP Code:$s = new signature();
$s->sarcasm()->intellect()->font('Courier New')->display();
Ooo £90 seems expensive but then it isn't much different to a Freeview HD box i guess.
On the otherhand, F1 and Wimbledon in HD along with some CL games is very appealing.
Kalniel: "Nice review Tarinder - would it be possible to get a picture of the case when the components are installed (with the side off obviously)?"
CAT-THE-FIFTH: "The Antec 300 is a case which has an understated and clean appearance which many people like. Not everyone is into e-peen looking computers which look like a cross between the imagination of a hyperactive 10 year old and a Frog."
TKPeters: "Off to AVForum better Deal - £20+Vat for Free Shipping @ Scan"
for all intents it seems to be the same card minus some gays name on it and a shielded cover ? with OEM added to it - GoNz0.
Not a problem at all - you might need to remind me however. I have a decent 14mp digitial camera with a good macro mode on it so should be able to get you some good hi-res snaps.Originally Posted by Steve
As you no doubt know, it's expected to ship in December - though I have no idea when.
A brief review here: http://usingwindowshomeserver.com/20...tt2-tuner-card
It does state that both tuers are DVB-T2 which is good for some claification at least, and it does highlight the shortcomings of WMC in this area too.
I do wonder why the reviewer is getting 103 channels when there are only 4 extra HD channels it should be picking up over the 80 he gets with any other card or his STB. I would have tracked that one down, but he doesn't seem to care. After all, it could be a problem with the BGT3620 that is giving him the extra channels.
I've also pre-ordered and will post back as well - although I hear BlackGold's customer support is legendarily thin, so it could be something of a silent wait for it to be arrive. Email is marked "December delivery", and the cards are already appearing in some pre-built (Tranquil) HTPCs, so at least we know they exist.
Thanks for the review, Funkstar. Hopefully my card will drop through the post soon, though as carlosp_uk says, the Blackgold site still just lists December delivery.
I guess the fact they're starting to appear is encouraging. My only issue now is that I'm in a flat, and it's possible the aerial isn't configured to receive Freeview HD broadcasts - I've contacted my factors, but no reply as yet.
EDIT: Interestingly/annoyingly, this is now on the BG site:
This product has attracted a huge amount of interest from prospective customers. Taking this onboard, we are now taking pre-orders for delivery in December for our OEM customers. Full retail release and availability to all customers will follow shortly afterwards.
Last edited by Skinleech; 06-12-2010 at 05:09 PM.
If you can get freeview, as far as I know, you shouldn't need anything else aerial wise for Freeview HD, it's all in the card and software not the VHF broadcast level.
That's true, unless for some reason the DVB-T2 mux is out of the band your aerial receives, which it isn't likely to if you already get all the other muxes.
PHP Code:$s = new signature();
$s->sarcasm()->intellect()->font('Courier New')->display();
http://www.freeview.co.uk/freeview/R...want-to-get-HD
Am going by the info above.
I'm also fuming with Royal Mail. I've been in all day waiting for delivery of the item (got an email will driver downloads from Blackgold yesterday so queried the delivery date - yesterday they said & gave me the tracking number, but it was delayed no doubt due to weather which is acceptable). I've just checked the tracking number, and they've allegedly tried to deliver at 12:46 today, leaving a card.
No delivery attempt, no card left, the instructions to follow if you have no card left are to call an 0845 number that's auomated and as asks you for your card details.
I want to throttle the lot of them.
OK, got it earlier today but have yet had time to install & check it out.
Here's the front of the card, along with a USB stick for size comparison purposes - it's pretty tiny:
Here's the back:
Here's the box contents (driver link was emailed to me as I noted earlier):
Here are the chips on the unit:
SonyCXD2820R
N2A47300 -3
1018
NXD
SAA7231GE/1
P2M846.00
ESD10181
Will be installing it once the Missus gets off the HTPC.
baius (15-12-2010)
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)
SCAN.care@HEXUS
Posting Permissions
LinkBack URL
About LinkBacks
Reply With Quote
