Plextor PX-M402U -- no RF/Coaxial & TV Tuner

[johnb41]

I just bought the Plextor ConvertX PX-M402U to use with SageTV. It's still in the box, waiting for my new PC to arrive (hopefully in a week). Why this model? Because it's the only one Best Buy had, and i really wanted to use up my Xmas gift cards! So it didn't cost me anything at all.

Anyway, i looked a the ConvertX product comparison (http://www.plextor.com/english/produ...nvertXComp.htm) and it is missing 2 things, when compared to the PX-TV402U:

1) RF/Coaxial Input
2) TV Tuner

But this product is listed as compatible in the Requirements list on the SageTV site. The cheaper model PX-AV100U also doesn't have these things, and SageTV is recommending it on their site.

My question is: (please forgive me, but i'm very non-technical w/ hardware)
Doesn't Coaxial Input mean the "Cable" line for Cable TV? If Coaxial Input is not supported, does this mean I can't record "Cable" TV?

Also, what exactly is a "TV Tuner"? What am I missing if it has no "TV tuner"?

Sorry for the extremely newby questions. And thanks for your help!

John

[JUC]

Well, the analog input appears to be RCA. So if you only have coaxial to go into it you can get a converter from Ratshak fairly cheap. The TV tuner would be if you do not have either a satellite receiver or a cable set top box. I think some people just have coaxial running out the wall and can hook straight to the tv and use the 'tv tuner' or the one supplied with the plextor. So, if you have a cable box or use satelilte--you don't need the TV tuner. If you don't have either of these and need a tv tuner---then you can't use the plextor you purchased. And if you only have coaxial--just get a converter. Hope this helps
JUC

[johnb41]

Still not sure I understand the Coaxial part... but about the TV tuner: My cable line comes out of the wall and into the TV. No cable box at all.

So just to confirm, what I bought will NOT work, right? If so, i'll be sure to return it right away, and i'll just order a compatible hardware from this site.

Thanks,
John

[JUC]

If you do not have a cable box and only a coaxial running out of the wall I believe this unit will not work. Basically, you need some sort of tuner to tune the channels to and since this unit does not have a tuner--you will have no way to change the channels. You can possibly get a box from the cable company but I am not sure about that.
JUC

[johnb41]

Can't you change the channels via the software interface of SageTV?

John

[stanger89]

Yes, but only if you have a tuner, either on your capture card or via an external device (like a cable box).

Sage does not require a card with a tuner (eg the M402U), however to use a card without a tuner you need to use an external box (ie cable box) to do the tuning.

[johnb41]

Thanks stanger. It's very clear that i now bought the wrong thing!

As i'm on a budget, i'm now interested in the cheap WinTV-PVR-150 Card & Remote... only about $85.00.

Should I spend more on a higher end model, or will this be fine?

Thanks,
John

[JUC]

That will work fine, but i believe it does not support closed captioning-which some of the commercial skip software uses.
JUC

[BobPhoenix]

Originally Posted by JUC

That will work fine, but i believe it does not support closed captioning-which some of the commercial skip software uses.
JUC

Commercial Skipping is still possible with a 150 the closed captioning is not required it just improves the accuracy.

BobP.

[stanger89]

Show analyzer doesn't even use CC (now) and is very accurate.

[JUC]

Originally Posted by BobPhoenix

Commercial Skipping is still possible with a 150 the closed captioning is not required it just improves the accuracy.

BobP.

That is why i said "some" of the commercial detect software uses it

[johnb41]

Thanks for your help everyone! I just decided to get the WinTV-PVR-500MCE PCI card from buy.com. I like the idea of being able to record 2 shows at the same time, or record plus watch a different show.

Right now there is a 10% off coupon (link to it at top of page when you view product in buy.com), so the total price came to $119.00, plus free (slow) shipping. (No rush since i won't be home for the next week anyway.) Best price on the web!

John

[JUC]

that's a good deal.

[Opus4]

Just so you know... the 500 doesn't come with a remote. So, if you need remote capability, you'll need something in addition -- perhaps the USB-UIRT + some remote.

- Andy

[johnb41]

Originally Posted by Opus4

Just so you know... the 500 doesn't come with a remote. So, if you need remote capability, you'll need something in addition -- perhaps the USB-UIRT + some remote.

- Andy

Yeah, i realized it has no remote. That was disappointing. But I don't think i'd really need a remote. I'd mainly watch TV when using the computer anyway.

John

[BobPhoenix]

Originally Posted by JUC

That is why i said "some" of the commercial detect software uses it

Sorry misread post thought you meant it was required.

BobP.