Hauppauge 1120CN WinTV-HVR-950 Hybrid Video Recorder Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased one of these new USB tuners earlier this week and have been playing with it for about 2 days now.

For reference, I have an AMD 4000+ single-core system with 1 GB RAM and an nVidia 7800 GT video card.

Install was a breeze.Included documentation was minimal but sufficient to get you "up and running".

GREAT video quality, but taxes your CPU if you can not use video hardware acceleration. Must use a dedicated USB2 port for best results.Do NOT use a hub if you can avoid it, especially if you have a USB WLAN adapter already connected to it! Using video card hardware acceleration causes image corruption and I have not been able to resolve this issue with drivers, etc.Still working on it.However, the CPU is able to handle the load (barely) with excellent image quality.PVR function is awesome.The ability to use TitanTV scheduling is very helpful.Recorded image quality exceeds that of what is displayed "live" on my machine, at least in full screen.Works for both analog cable & ATSC (OTA HD).

The included antenna for ATSC is not very good - invest in a better, amplified antenna for best results.It would probably be great for sitting in a big city airport terminal, though.

Overall - very pleased with the purchase.

12/22/06 Update regarding hardware acceleration: I still have not been able to successfully make hardware acceleration work with the combination of an AMD 4000+ processer and nVidia 7800 GT or nvidia 7950 GX2 video cards.This does not impact standard def programming at all, but HD programming can get a little choppy using only the CPU.However, hardware acceleration works PERFECTLY on my older Dell XPS2 laptop with a 2 GHz Pentium M and an nVidia 6800 Ultra video card.

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Product Description:
The Hauppauge 1139 WinTV-HVR-950 Hybrid TV Stick External TV Tuner/Video Recorder will bring high-definition television directly to your PC. This handy device lets you watch your favorite TV shows through your computer, and record them digitally for future playback using high quality MPEG-2. More economical and versatile than a DVR, or digital video recorder, this PC Video Recorder, or PVR, gives you virtually unlimited options for saving and playing back your favorite TV broadcasts and clips.
The Hauppauge 1139 WinTV-HVR-950 Hybrid TV Stick External TV Tuner/Video Recorder offers:

Ability to watch television on your PC in a window or full screen.
Portable, small size for on-the-go television viewing on your laptop.
Compatibility with digital and analog signals.
Acceptance of video feeds from a camera or satellite box.

The small, pocketable size lets you easily take it everywhere. View larger. Play and Record Television Digitally
The WinTV-HVR-950 is a simple-to-use device that brings over-the-air high definition ATSC digital TV as well as analog cable TV directly to your PC desktop or laptop. With the additional included antenna, it can also receive analog TV broadcasts, and it can also accept video feeds directly from a camera or satellite box.
More versatile than a DVR, the WinTV-HVR-950 is a pocket-sized device that simply plugs into your PC's USB port. It features a built-in digital ATSC over-the-air TV receiver. If you live in one of the more than 200 cities in the United States that receives ATSC digital TV, you'll have immediate access to as many as 1500 digital TV stations. ATSC digital TV is the over-the-air HDTV standard for North America. ATSC broadcasts range in resolution from standard definition up to the high definition 1080i format. (To check the ATSC digital transmissions in your area, input your zip code at titantv.com.)
A portable digital TV antenna, which can be used to receive digital TV up to 10 miles from an ATSC transmitter, is included with the PVR . (To check the ATSC digital transmissions in your area, input your zip code at titantv.com) If you live in an area where you can't currently receive ATSC digital TV, the WinTV-HVR-950 can still be used to watch and record analog TV from cable TV or a TV antenna. (The WinTV-HVR-950 cannot receive digital cable TV or digital satellite TV.)
Once the WinTV-HVR-950 is connected, you can begin to record your favorite shows in high-quality MPEG-2 directly to your hard disk using the Hauppauge SoftPVR MPEG-2 encoder. Television recordings will typically consume 5 GB of disk space per hour for ATSC high definition, while analog recordings will typically consume 1.5 GB of disk space per hour. You can also use the included WinTV-Scheduler to program your compute to record your favorite analog or digital TV shows for play back at any time.


The WinTV application offers an elegant interface to watch TV in a window or full screen. View larger. Compatibility with Microsoft's Windows Media Center means that you can watch TV as well as your recordings with Windows Media Center. The included WinTV application also lets you watch your shows in a window or on full screen.
More about PVR Technology
PVR stands for PC Video Recorder. The WinTV-HVR-950 is a PVR that allows you to play television through your computer and record the broadcasts digitally. PVR doesn't use standard videocassettes; instead, it uses your computer's hard disk to store the broadcasts.
Once you record a television show to your PC's hard drive, you can burn a CD or DVD that will allow you to play the show back on another computer or on your television. With video editing software (not included with the WinTV-HVR-950), you can even edit the shows. This is a great feature if you want to save clips from movies or sitcoms, or keep your favorite player's grand slam or TD kick-off return for posterity.
And just like a typical VCR, the WinTV-HVR-950 offers you several recording options, depending on your play back needs. If you want the highest quality recording for playback through your HDTV, all you need is enough hard drive space to support high-quality recording. By using the lowest recording option, you can use your WinTV-HVR-950, along with an inexpensive video camera, as a low-cost on-site video surveillance system. In fact, the possibilities of how you can take advantage of the WinTV-HVR-950 are endless.
What's in the Box
WinTV-HVR-950 USB 2.0 TV stick with cable TV or ATSC antenna connection; USB extension cable; portable antenna; software on CD-ROM; and quick installation guide.

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Phoenix Gold IEEE-1394 4-Pin/6-Pin FireWire Cable (2 Meters) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)At first I was skeptical since I also own a Sony Digital Camcorder, however when I received it, I had no problems connecting it to my Sony Camcorder and as a bonus it also works with my digital camera which uses both USB or firewire.Firewaire is much faster, so if you have that option, this type of cable will save you minutes off your precious time.

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Product Description:
Connect a digital camcorder to your laptop or desktop computer with this FireWire cable. The 4-pin-to-6-pin cable features quad shielding designed to efficiently reject RF and EM interference. In addition, the cable's gold-plated connectors ensure high-performance data transfer. The 2-meter cable excels regardless of whether you're copying small data files or huge video recordings.

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Startech USB 2.0 to SATA IDE Adapter Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)We use these in our Tech Dept a lot.They are great for testing multiple types of hard-disk drives.Also, if you have some spare/old hard-disk drives lying around, it is a handy way to turn those drives into external backup drives.A few on our staff even have these at home to use in this manner, rather than spending money on a pre-packaged external hard-disk drive in an enclosure.There are some similar units to this out there on the market.We like the Startech as it is a little more compact, choosing to integrate the power connectors.But you have to be attentive to making sure you flip the switch on the connector to power on your device.While I wouldn't think that is such a big deal, I've seen some users get a little befuddled about that.And you don't even need the power connector when working with 2.5" IDE laptop hard-disk drives, as they will be powered via the USB port.

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Product Description:
This USB 2.0 to IDE/SATA Adapter Cable connects any standard 2.5in or 3.5in SATA or IDE hard drive to a computer through USB 2.0. The adapter lets you connect a bare drive with no enclosure, saving time and hassle. The USB 2.0 SATA/IDE Adapter features LED indicators that allow you to easily monitor status and activity updates, and is designed for durability and reliability.

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2-Port eSATA/SATA Rear Panel Bracket w/ Motherboard Cables Review

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(More customer reviews)This port adapter is exactly what is needed to add external SATA port to any motheboard and be able to connect to external hard drive for 3Gb read and write performance. Connectors were the correct lenght for my motherboard. Since its connected to the motherboard its possible to add an external drive and have it confiogured as RAID.

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Product Description:
Newer motherboards and computer systems may support SATA devices internally, but now there are more external devices (like hard drives) that use the SATA interface as well. How do you connect them to your computer? Add this eSATA to SATA rear panel host adapter! It adapts your internal SATA connectors for use with external eSATA devices.This simple bracket mounts in place with one screw (mounting screw not included), and the two cables connect to your motherboard's SATA connectors. Please note, eSATA and SATA use two different port and plug shapes. The internal cables of this adapter use SATA plugs; the external ports of this adapter use eSATA ports.eSATA is the fast, new standard in drive interface technology!

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Microsoft Zune Sync-N-Charge USB 2.0 Cable Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)It charges up the Zune, but forget about synching content. Two different computers, trying all the USB ports available, and would get to about 50% synch and fail. Still have my original Zune cable and I don't see this issue. Get what you buy for in this case.

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Product Description:
The Zune USB Sync and Charging Cable conveniently allows you to download music and charge your Zune from your computer. Update music, pictures & more to your Zune through this USB data cable. The lightweight construction makes it easy to take anywhere you go. Sync and charge your Zune at the same time. Great solution for Microsoft Zune users on the go!

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Cables To Go - 17705 - Laptop to IDE Hard Drive Adapter Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Fantastic purchase - just what I needed when my laptop wouldn't boot any more. I just hooked this up to the spare IDE slot on my desktop, powered up, and there was a new drive with all my files on it. The hardest thing about any of this was figuring out how to unscrew the drive out of the laptop chassis - they bolt those things in pretty well.

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Product Description:
With the Laptop Hard Drive Adapter from Cables To Go you can easily connect your 2.5in notebook IDE hard drive to a 40-pin IDE cable for installation in a desktop or tower PC. Each adapter features 44-pin female to 40-pin male connectors and a power feed.Primary InformationStorage Cable Type:IDE / EIDEOther connecter: 4-pin LP4 MaleDimensions&MiscellaneousColor:BlackStorage CableLeft Connector Type:44 pin IDCRight Connector Type:40 pin IDCLeft Connector Gender:FemaleRight Connector Gender:MaleService&SupportService & Support Type:Limited lifetime warrantyUNSPSC CodeUNSPSC Code:26121624Product IDUPC:757120177050Manufacturer Part:17705

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Cables To Go 26686 USB A Male to A Female Extension Cable, White (3 Meters/9.84 Feet) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Not much to say about this cable except that it works and is reasonably priced.One end is a USB plug, the other a USB port-like connector, which allows you to plug things into your computer's USB port from a distance of a few feet.I was just looking for a cheap cable that would let me plug a Flip Video camera into my laptop (I figured I was bound to break that side-arm off the camera eventually if I kept plugging it directly into the USB port...no doubt I'd forget about it as I was moving the computer around).Anyway, it works fine for my purposes.

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Product Description:
10FT USB EXTENSION CABLE-AA M/F PASSIVE

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Tripp Lite P944-06I Serial ATA (SATA) Power Cable - 6in Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is just what you need to hook up that SATA drive to your motherboard(that square looking thing in the tower you bought).

To do so make sure you full shutdown the computer and unplug it. Then plug this SATA power cable into the only slots it will go to(trust me nothing else in your computer is going to hook into this thing then what is supposed to). Then plug in the SATA data(signal) cable into the only slots it will go to(same thing here , it won't hook up anywhere or way then what it is supposed to). After you have done this , close the case and power up your computer. Enjoy your new drive that you so obviously needed this for.

Data cables and Power cables break so rarely that it is unheard of. This one here is a testimonial to the quality you should expect from said cables.

Things to look for in your tower if you plan to hook up a SATA drive:

#1 There should be a 1" long by 1" high prong on your motherboard that looks so slightly like an L shape that you well barely notice it has such a shape. This is the SATA data cables connection point to your motherboard.
#2 There should also be a (OOOO) shaped connector on the end of a cable attached to your power source(the big block of metal at the back of the computer that the power cord attaches too).

If you can find these 2 things(or someone you know that is good at such things can) then you can connect an SATA drive to your computer.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Tripp Lite P944-06I Serial ATA (SATA) Power Cable - 6in

Product Description:

Marketing Information:
Tripp Lite expands its line of hard drive cables with the introduction of our new line of Serial ATA cables. The Serial ATA power cable connects any Serial ATA drive to any standard internal power connector. These new hard drives are perfect for the desktop or server that has multiple drives. Warranty

Standard Warranty: Lifetime

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Avertv Hybrid Volar Max Tv Tuner Kit for Windows MTVHVMXSK Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've been using Media Center on a WinXP tower since 2004. My HP unit came with a built in tuner which could only receive analog channels and the 2004 version of MC that came with it only supported standard def TV.As the years passed, I was eagerly anticipating for a release of Media center that supported HD programming.Once that happened on Windows 7 (and perhaps Vista), I needed to find a tuner card that would work with it.

Over the years I would check release info on new products and read about one sad experience after another regarding the failure of available HD tuner cards on the market and issues regarding firmware, drivers, configuration settings, etc.

Knowing that most new technology needs a few years to get the bugs out, I didn't buy and waited. The last few months had me itching to try and finally set up a HTPC (Home Theater PC) system. When it comes to video quality, my assumption was that I'd get better performance from a PCI internal tuner card in a tower. Thing is, I don't have a new Windows tower but I do have an inexpensive netbook running Windows 7 Home Premium.As there's no way to install an internal tuner card I'm limited to using an external USB tuner.After reading the reviews on Amazon, I decided the Volar Max was my best bet (and at $55 I figured I could only go so wrong).

I remember going through error and configuration issues with Vista and XP in the past, the idea that this little flashdrive-sized gizmo was going to allow me to tune in analog channels, digital channels as well as actual hi res HD seemed suspect at the very least.I was dreading the thought of experiencing the usual whole night investment of getting a new peripheral up and running on Windows only to have it not work well.

I plugged the Avertv in the USB slot and it found & installed its driver automatically and quickly. It then gave me the option of installing it's own tuner/viewer software.I declined in favor of Media Center.

Now I can't say how this thing works with any other OS's but, with Windows 7 Home Premium, the Avertv Volar Max blew my mind.My laptop is connected to an LCDTV- I fired up Media Center, which found the Avertv right away.I selected it, went through the channel scan (like any tv) and was watching great quality analog & digital HD tv within minutes.It WORKED!And not only that, it worked without my having to do any manual installations or configurations. Windows media center rocks (and IMHO blows away Apple in this particular area).The picture and sound seems as good as any HDTV tuner I've seen built into HD televisions.I hooked up my HP Media Center IR remote and can now flip through channels, set DVR recordings, play music, etc. from my couch.

Maybe this shows my age, but I thought any kind of decent resolution tuner hardware needed to be relatively big in size. That this tiny unit does so much, so well and so easily is immensely impressive.

The age of HTPC's is definitely here.

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Product Description:
Thanks to the support of Digital TV (ATSC) or Unencrypted Digital Cable (ClearQAM*) reception;the AVerTV Hybrid Volar MAX is the ideal travel mate for viewing High Definition TV on the go.With Microsoft Windows Media Center, users will enjoy breathtaking and glorious TV viewing. Add this TV tuner to Windows 7 (Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate) to turn your PC into a powerful Digital Video Recorder. Watch Analog and Digital TV channels plus radio and recordyour favorite programs.

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USB MIDI Cable Converter PC to Music Keyboar Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is, by far, the cheapest option right now for a comparable length USB MIDI interface cable: a measly $6. For those who want a straight answer: yes, it works. For me. If yours doesn't, HDE has a great return policy.

PROS:
- Very easy setup, driver installs automatically within seconds
- Windows XP, Vista 32 and 64-bit compatible
- Very cheap, while offering an authentic USB MIDI interface

CONS:
- Cord is a little too short for me--about 5 feet
- High latency. Latency is the time it takes for input from your keyboard to reach your computer, and in my experience the latency for this interface is really high--around a quarter to three quarters of a second. This makes it very hard to play live accompaniment to background music you've created. However, if you disable MIDI playback in your sequencing program and just listen to the notes as they're played on your keyboard, you can shift all of the notes in your program after you've finished and it works just fine. It's a couple extra steps per song, or a couple dozen more dollars for a faster cord :3
- Those lights on the converter are annoying!

NOTES
- When setting up, if you are getting no sound, try switching the MIDI IN/OUT ports on your input device. On Yamaha products, "MIDI IN" goes into the keyboard's "MIDI OUT" port, etc. so you can't just match them up!

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Product Description:
This MIDI interface cable is self-powered and can be conveniently attached to your computer's USB port, without the need for tools or computer disassembly. This MIDI interface cable is the simplest and most convenient way to connect a keyboard or controller to a computer via a USB port. There's no need for additional cables - this interface comes with integral USB and MIDI cables as part of its sturdy construction. This interface provides one MIDI input port and one MIDI output port, with each MIDI port supporting 16 MIDI channels. This USB MIDI cable easily turns your computer into a music studio and gives you the power to play songs on your keyboard or other controller, then mix and edit them on your home computer or laptop with any sequencing or recording software you have installed them play them back on the built-in synth or an any out-board synth.

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10ft Hi Resolution monitor cable (Male to Male) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this to connect a laptop to my Samsung LN40A650 LCD TV, but the Samsung does not like the way the pins are wired in this cable.It is definitely the cable, because after trying 2 other laptops without success, I used another VGA cable that was previously on a desktop PC system.That one did the trick.With the 10ft cable I bought, the TV didn't recognize the PC input was connected.The VGA cable from the desktop PC worked, though I can only get up to 1300x768 resolution, not up to 1920x1080.

This 10ft cable still works, because it is now being used for the desktop PC instead.Just don't expect it to work with LN40A650.You may be taking a risk with any Samsung TV from 2008/9.

I also searched online about this problem, and it is a common.Apparently not all VGA cables are made the same way.This one just isn't made the way Samsung needs it to be.It will probably work with most other devices.

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Product Description:
Quickly connect your monitor to your computer! This VGA cable is a standard 15-pin connector for computers and monitors with VGA ports. Designed for high resolution monitors and high quality signal transmission. Works great as a replacement for video or monitor cables that are no longer working. Cable has two ferrite beads to preserve best signal quality.

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