I gave SmartDVB a second chance and made it stop crashing.

I went into settings.ini to clear my tuner type selection (remove all values after = signs under the [STARTUP] section), then when it first started successfully, I selected the first type of tuner, Florian BDA ATSC with my Aero-M device, the MXL111. Then I had to go under the Frequencies menu and add ATSC USA/CAN in the frequencies list to be able to then go under the Channels menu and perform a scan frequency list. I can see this is a Sat software adapted for ATSC, but it worked on the Aero-M. Now I can change channels and see the Aero-M's signal strength in % ! Thanks !

I've noticed an odd quirk with my Hauppauge 1600. About 4 days ago I lost CBC - it scans it but fails to lock onto the signal when I select the channel to watch it. After I rescanned I now receive City Tv, CHCH, CHRO and both Omni's with my rabbit ears (although usually in the evenings only).... but still no CBC?

I can see this is a Sat software adapted for ATSC, but it worked on the Aero-M. Now I can change channels and see the Aero-M's signal strength in % ! Thanks !
I had to fiddle a bit to get it working on my end too and I'm glad you got it working!

Maple Leaf, try to delete the channel then rescan. Sometimes parameters change and you need to pick up the new channel fresh.

I am also looking for a good computer based turner. I currently have a 2250, but it misses channels my new CM7001 can tune in. Last night, my CM7001 box picked 6 PBS feeds, CBS and FOX from South Coulton, NY(23 stations in total). However, the 2250 only only grabbed 3 of the PBS feeds(with occasional errors)(14 stations in total).

A friend at work lent me his 950Q and I didn't see any improvement between that and the 2250. I am beginning to think all the computer based turners are not that sensitive. Has anyone tried any other brands besides hauppauge?

Gary

P.S. I live in the south end of Ottawa(Barrhaven). My setup is a CM4228HD on the roof and a delhi-wade vip302 VHF antenna in the attic.

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d60b52dca4b6c3c

I gave SmartDVB a second chance and made it stop crashing.

I went into settings.ini to clear my tuner type selection (remove all values after = signs under the [STARTUP] section), then when it first started successfully, I selected the first type of tuner, Florian BDA ATSC with my Aero-M device, the MXL111. Then I had to go under the Frequencies menu and add ATSC USA/CAN in the frequencies list to be able to then go under the Channels menu and perform a scan frequency list. I can see this is a Sat software adapted for ATSC, but it worked on the Aero-M. Now I can change channels and see the Aero-M's signal strength in % ! Thanks !
Thanks for this advice. Following it, I got SmartDVB to do the scan, but when I try to view a channel, I get an error message in red "Error connecting smart filter to decoder video input 0x80040297" and no picture.

Have you had that? If so, how did you get past it?

A friend at work lent me his 950Q and I didn't see any improvement between that and the 2250. I am beginning to think all the computer based turners are not that sensitive.
Just a thought, did you test by unplugging the CM7001 and plugging the 950Q at that exact location with the same exact cables/splitters?

If you used a different configuration (splitters, longer cable run, different cables, etc), it may have introduced just enough loss to prevent good signal compared to your CM7001 setup...

Thanks for this advice. Following it, I got SmartDVB to do the scan, but when I try to view a channel, I get an error message in red "Error connecting smart filter to decoder video input 0x80040297" and no picture.

Have you had that? If so, how did you get past it?
Settings, DirectShow, Connection. I remember changing something but I am connecting to my PVR through RemoteDesktop. You may try different combinations...

Currently using the MS DTV-DVD VideoDecord here + EVR renderer.

My 950Q vs 2250 comparison is done using a cm7777 preamp. If you are not using a preamp, then the first stage amp of either tuner becomes a larger factor, and the first stage amp of the 950Q, IIRC, was not outstanding.

How are you mixing your 4228hd and vip302sr ?

My 950Q vs 2250 comparison is done using a cm7777 preamp. If you are not using a preamp, then the first stage amp of either tuner becomes a larger factor, and the first stage amp of the 950Q, IIRC, was not outstanding.

How are you mixing your 4228hd and vip302sr ?
sorry, I should have mentioned I am using a CM7777 as well. That is what is mixing my 4228hd and vip302sr.

My 2250 verus 950Q test was done from the same connection point. mind you, one was connected to my desktop and the other to my laptop.

gebr, you will notice your WNYF reception will be better at night than during the day. You'll want to test one right after the other, around the same time of day.
EDIT: vs your cm7001

Just a thought, did you test by unplugging the CM7001 and plugging the 950Q at that exact location with the same exact cables/splitters?

If you used a different configuration (splitters, longer cable run, different cables, etc), it may have introduced just enough loss to prevent good signal compared to your CM7001 setup...


I did try the 950Q where my 2250 was plugged in (upstairs). I also tried it in the basement where the antenna feed comes into the house (just after the CM7777 power supply). I didn't see any real difference.

I suspect the dual tuner in the 2250 is not helping me. That is adding another splitter in the run as well.

It is the 7001 vs the 950Q i am more concerned about... same connection point between for those two ?

Like Flavoie is saying and as I mentionned in my post, the difference is between the CM7001 and the TV Tuners. For direct comparison, all three (CM7001, 950Q and 2250) must be feed the exact same signal with the same exact configuration without added splitters, cable length, etc. Any other location may incur various different losses, enough to drop certain channels.

Since you mention a laptop, it should be easy to test the 950Q at the CM7001 location with the cabling in place giving you a better comparison...

I have the same kind of problem. I have 2 Sony TV, one ATSC converter (by Zenith) and a Hauppage 1600 tv tuner.
In order, the Zenith gives me more channels and signal quality than my 2 Sony TV. At the end, my Hauppage 1600 gives me the worst signal and I cannot get all the channels my TVs and Zenith give me.
I am splitted to my TV and Hauppage 1600. I also tried several setup with the same results.
Do anybody knows a better card than Hauppage??

From my own tests, I rate in approximate order the Hauppauge 950Q(best), 1250, 2250, 1800, 1600(worst). You can do much better than a 1600.

Thanks for this advice. Following it, I got SmartDVB to do the scan, but when I try to view a channel, I get an error message in red "Error connecting smart filter to decoder video input 0x80040297" and no picture.

That's telling you to adjust your video decoder settings...

Most likely your issue has been addressed in some fashion at the developer's website,
in the form of FAQ, and / or someone else in his support forum having a similar issue.

http://www.smartdvb.net/smartdvb/index.html

I rate in approximate order the Hauppauge 950Q(best), 1250, 2250, 1800, 1600(worst)Thank you for the Hauppage ranking... How can a usb key tuner can be more peformant than a PCIe card?
Is there anything else than Hauppage?

Keep in mind this is my ranking based on using a preamp, which makes the tuner first stage less relevant. If you don't use a preamp, your results can be different.

You can look for cards with the xc5000 chip which the 950Q uses.

Thanks, IceMaster. I went into Settings, DirectShow, Connection and changed the video decoder to Microsoft DTV-DVD Video Decoder. The sound wasn't working either, but I changed the audio decoder to Hauppauge AC3 decoder (after adding it), and now that's working too.

Now I need to find out where the S/N meter is :)

Thank you for the Hauppage ranking... How can a usb key tuner can be more peformant than a PCIe card?
Is there anything else than Hauppage?
The interface is not a bottleneck (even at a fraction of USB2.0 speeds), so PCI/PCIe/USB is irrelevant.
The important piece is the tuner inside. And the 950q has a different tuner than the rest of the HVR family.