Transcend TV-Box USB 2.0 TV Tuner

**Jason** · Last edited by Jason on Fri, 28 Apr 2006 08:32:11; edited 1 time in total

The feature of the Transcend TV-Box that got my attention right away was support for USB 2.0. I have previously been disappointed by the performance of a USB 1.1 tuner, and I am hoping the high speed interface of USB 2.0 makes a world of difference. A highly capable TV tuner in a compact USB 2.0 enclosure would be a perfect addition to a home theater pc, the typical desktop computer, and unlike a PCI based card, any laptop computer. - The Review

raviloko · Rated PG Joined: 13 Jul 2004 Posts: 3

Nice review.
Do you have any idea of other USB Tuners like Adaptec or Gainward or Hauppage (costly ones and the cheaper ones)

Thx

**Jason** · Posted: Tue, 13 Jul 2004 19:21:20 Post Subject:

Hi raviloko... welcome! Sun

I have used several PCI tuners, but only two USB ones... the Transcend one here, and a USB 1.1 tuner from Hauppauge.

The 1.1 tuner was pretty bad, but I assume they have gotten better since then.

I have read a bit on the higher end cards, and realize that if $$ isn't an issue, they are the way to go fro serious capturing.

For me, its more about watching tv, with the occassional recording. With the proper settings, this Transcend tuner makes very good recordings, and the audio and video can stay right in sync.

A fast processor, memory and hard drive may help improve recording quality too, as I know my older system can't capture nearly as well with the same card...

raviloko · Rated PG Joined: 13 Jul 2004 Posts: 3

Yes, it needs fast everything. I am buying a CL 56 with PM 1.5 512 PC2700 and got a ATI M-11 GPU and a 5400 RPM 60 GB HDD.

I am leaning towards the tuners using USB2.0 and use hardware encoding. Its gonna cost me double as the Transcend but would hardware encoding can let me do other things when i record.

AstroLad · Rated PG Joined: 25 Feb 2006 Posts: 2

Hi, I appreciate the review and was wondering if you could help me set this up properly. What I am trying to do is record from my PS2, which is currently plugged into the component inputs on my TV? Is there any way at all with this device to have it running on my TV and recording on my computer? This would be very obvious w/ the Gamecube since it has two sets of video outs (so I could just run component to my TV and composite direct to the box), but unfortunately the PS2 has just one so the straightforward solution isn't available. Thanks!

**Jason** · Posted: Sat, 25 Feb 2006 08:46:48 Post Subject:

Hi AstroLad, welcome.

Sounds like you would need a good video splitter in order to have the signal at two places at once. Either that, or... A good tv that would allow one of two things: Your computer to use it as a monitor, or a pass through type setup where the the PS2 would connect to the TV and then out to the TV tuner.

AstroLad · Rated PG Joined: 25 Feb 2006 Posts: 2