Best TV Tuner for Vista

[crazyfool]

Hey guys,
I currently have a Happauge Nova T 500 dual tuner which in both Vista and XP media centers hasn't detected any channels. The software for it did detect some channels but there was no sound. I am using an indoor ariel although it is quite a good one and it detects digital, analog and hd. I would like a tv tuner that i can use in vista and that has is good at detecting channels from a weaker signal such as my indoor ariel. I would prefer dual digital by if its single i could just get 2. Can anyone recommend anything or a make that would be good?
Thanks for your help...
Also does anyone know of a guide of setting up a set top box in vista media center...

[rob4001]

If your using an indoor ariel its not vista that is the problem I have this card works fine for me in xp and vista indoor ariel is a no no for getting a good signal.

[Thorsson]

Just like with TV, indoor aerials work fine in areas with good enough reception. I have no idea how many that is - I've never been fortunate enough to live in one. But I have seen others who have been able to get quite good reception from one.

[Toobad]

I think your money should go towards improving the signal strength received by your aerial. Firstly, can you reposition the aerial so less things get in the way of the signal? Walls cause attenuation so you want to place the aerial as close to the outside world as possible. Consider extending the coaxial cable but be sure to use low loss double screened 75 ohm coax such as CT100 as long cable runs of the cheap stuff will also attenuate the signal you are trying to receive.

I assume your aerial is already specifically designed to receive Freeview as it has to be resonant at the digital frequencies and not the old analogue ones for maximum efficiency. Does it have an integral signal amplifier? If not, you should consider either adding a plug-in one or buying a dedicated Freeview aerial with integral amp. Argos is your handy friend here, look at their site in the "Television Aerials and Boosters" section.

If you still feel you need a different TV Card, I have had excellent results with the Compro Videomate E700. It is PCI-e, twin tuner, Vista WHQL certified and does cool Picture in Picture with up to 6 channels at once with the included software. I just use Media Center as my front end and it has no issues with my copy of 64-bit Home Premium.

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[will101]

I was reading this just yesterday: linky (paras 3 & 4)

Sounds like it's not the TV card or at least I hope as just bought the very same one on the strength of this article!

[dangel]

There's no substitute for a good aerial and boosting a bad signal isn't a solution by comparison.

[crazyfool]

Thanks for the advice... I am gonna go for this one because if it doesn't work i can plug a freeview box into it which is just as good
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however it says media center compatible no...does this mean vista media center wont detect it or that the remote wont work...if i cant use it with media center then i'll probably go with this one...
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what do you guys think....

[Thorsson]

Never heard of the make. Hauppage products definitely have Vista drivers. Many even have 64 bit drivers.

This one is Vista compatible too: Leadtek WinFast DTV2000H. Computer hardware and software at amazing prices, available online from Scan Computers UK