Sensitive Tuner/Capture Cards

[wacole]

Right now I'm using a Hauppauge HVR-1600 capture card which does OK, but misses some Baltimore channels that we like to watch. [We live just south of Alexandria, VA]. Our rooftop antenna does pick these channels up as both of our TVs - one is a Samsung digital and the other a Sony analog w/a Zenith digital settop box - see these channels just fine.

So, I'm guessing that the HVR-1600 chipset just isn't up to the job and was wondering if anyone had an alternate suggestion for a tuner/capture card that has better sensitivity that I could replace the HVR-1600 with?

Thanks very much,

Bill Cole

[Fuzzy]

While I would recommend the HDHomeRun, as it has been reported to have the most sensetive tuner sets out there (actually too sensitive for some that live right under the transmitters), I think first you ought to check on your signal paths. You could very well have a weak signal just to your 1600, which may be caused by a bad conenction, bad cable, bat splitter, etc. You my also have better luck adding an amplifier on the roof to the antenna. A signal meter would be a great help right about now.

[SWKerr]

I have been happy with the HDHomeRun. I have a stack of them and it is the best for multi-path and signal strength that I have tried.

[jerryt]

Antenna amplifier and then Avermedia duet or HVR-2250.

[SWKerr]

Antenna PRE-AMPLIFIER will make all the difference on weak signal. $50
What is the signal strength of the other TVs.

[jerryt]

Originally Posted by SWKerr

I have been happy with the HDHomeRun. I have a stack of them and it is the best for multi-path and signal strength that I have tried.

SWKerr do you have version 1 or 2 of the HDHomeRun?

ID numbers of 1013xxxx and earlier are version 1, 1014xxxx and later are version 2.

I ask because I am not impressed with the sensitivity of my version 2's. Hoping that the version 1 have a greater sensitvity.

[wacole]

Thanks all for the great input. I'm off to find a signal strength meter.

I do have a Radio Shack pre-amp/splitter in the attic and then a second pre-amp just as the signal enters the HVR-1600 [which is in the basement]. It could well be a problem on the signal path so I'll track that down first.

I'm out of here for a few days, but will report back next week.

[Fuzzy]

there should be no need to amplify twice, and in fact that may actually be the source of your problems. Each amplifier not only boost the signal, but also the noise. If you are so far out and have so undersized an antenna that you need two amps to get teh signal STRENGTH up, then your signal quality will never be good enough.

[SWKerr]

Originally Posted by jerryt

SWKerr do you have version 1 or 2 of the HDHomeRun?

ID numbers of 1013xxxx and earlier are version 1, 1014xxxx and later are version 2.

I ask because I am not impressed with the sensitivity of my version 2's. Hoping that the version 1 have a greater sensitvity.

Mine is 10154... if I am looking in the right spot.