Hauppauge 2650 CableCard Tuner ($70)

[cafemerald]

Works perfect. Time warner was a very easy setup. The cablecard only costs 2.50 a month instead of 20 bucks a month for a HD-DVR. You do need a computer/HTPC for this to work. I'm running into money troubles so I am canceling my cable subscription and thus don't need this anymore.

A perfect gizmo for extending your PC capability, the Hauppauge WinTV-DCR-2650 CableCARD receiver allow you to watch and record basic and premium cable TV channels such as HBO and Showtime on computer. Dual tuner design delivers unmatched record flexibility: you can watch one channel while recording another, or record two channels at the same time, so you'll never miss your favorite shows or plays. The content is recorded in original quality - you can enjoy the programs the way it is intended to be. Installation is easy via the USB.

* WinTV-DCR-2650 can not function as a standalone, it needs a PC to work. Currently, only a PC with Windows 7 Media Center is compatible with the WinTV-DCR-2650. There are a few applications besides Windows Media Center which will work with the WinTV-DCR-2650. These programs will allow you to watch and record cable TV programs which are marked as "copy freely" by your local cable operator. Most of these programs are your network TV channels including CBS, NBC and Fox. Click on the Third Party apps button above to see an up to date list of these programs.

[bigfoot5415]

So if I decided to use a laptop, would I just plug the cable card in my laptop? Then What?

Can I still watch my TV, while its recording? Both the same show, and something different.


Ben referrred me to this I think, but I never jumped on it.

[Ben]

I have the same exact tuner and it does work flawlessly with Time Warner.

[Ben]

So if I decided to use a laptop, would I just plug the cable card in my laptop? Then What?

Can I still watch my TV, while its recording? Both the same show, and something different.


Ben referrred me to this I think, but I never jumped on it.

Yes, its a dual tuner. You can record a show and watch live tv. Or record two shows and watch a previously recorded movie/show etc...

[bigfoot5415]

Yes, its a dual tuner. You can record a show and watch live tv. Or record two shows and watch a previously recorded movie/show etc...

So if I plug it in to my laptop, I can set it up to record the game, and watch an entirely different channel on my TV?

[Ben]

So if I plug it in to my laptop, I can set it up to record the game, and watch an entirely different channel on my TV?

Yes. As long as your laptop has windows 7 media center installed.

[bigfoot5415]

Yes. As long as your laptop has windows 7 media center installed.

Perfect. Then plug in the cable card and Im good to go?

2 last questions:
1) Can I just run down to Timewarner and have it added to my bill or will I be able to pay the next 12 mos?
2) How much space do things take up?

[cafemerald]

Windows 8 media center works also.

A few notes. I bought this for 100 bucks from Newegg about a month ago. It works perfectly... except the included remote. It was broken on delivery. It was a POS remote, and I already had a logitech harmony 300 so it didn't matter. You can also use a mouse with media center, so it isn't a big deal... especially if you arent using this for an HTPC.

There are a few things you need to be sure of before you buy this:
1) You have windows 7/8 media center.
2) Your video card is HDCP ready. Unless your computer is 4+ years old it probably is. Just to be sure... run the Digital Cable Advisor through windows media center. A simple google search will show you how to do it. You need to pass this to record premium cable content.

[bigfoot5415]

Any chance I can edit recordings? Like delete commercials?

My laptop has Win 7 Media Player is prob 18 mos old at the latest. How can I find out if it is hdcp ready?

[cafemerald]

Perfect. Then plug in the cable card and Im good to go?

2 last questions:
1) Can I just run down to Timewarner and have it added to my bill or will I be able to pay the next 12 mos?
2) How much space do things take up?

You will need to go to timewarner to pick up the cablecard and tuning adapter. You need both. It is really easy to set up by yourself.

The tuning adapter is about half the size of a cable box height wise. The hauppauge tuner is very small. probably the size of three cellphones stacked on each other.

I think they would bill you every month. It's about 2.50 if its your first cablecard. I'm not sure if its more if you already have a cablebox, as I didn't need a cable box.

[cafemerald]

Any chance I can edit recordings? Like delete commercials?

No. Windows DRM is very locked down.

[DDJ7777]

What if you used it in conjunction with like Fraps or something? :P

[Prophet Named X]

No. Windows DRM is very locked down.

That's when the right software makes a huge difference.

[KCOTT]

hardforum.com is a great place to sell computer parts