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Review of the SiliconDust HDHomeRun Dual Digital Tuner
Take a look at the new future of HDTV PC Tuners


PROS - Runs with included software (VLC), MCE (2005 & Vista), and many other 3rd party applications
- Tunes HDTV/Digital Over the Air and QAM (cable)
- Excellent vendor support
- Currently the only tuner that works with QAM and Microsoft Media Center (Vista & 2005)
- Very active forum discussion groups
- Supported under Linux and MAC as well as Microsoft OS
- Can be used by two or more network connected PC's
CONS- Requires DHCP (network address) from local network
- No analog tuner (an analog tuner is required to configure the HDHomeRun in Media Center 2005)
- Some software (including Microsoft Media Center QAM) still in beta
- Included software is mainly a viewer program (third party software required for scheduled recording)
- MPEG2 Decoders not included w/software
COST: $170
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COMMENTS:SiliconDust has set a new standard for HDTV Tuners with the release of the HDHomeRun (HDHR). All tuners until now were attached to only one PC either through a PCI, PCI-E or USB connection. By making the HDHR network connected, any PC on your LAN can potentially use the tuners.
As an (extreme) example, I have watched an HD over the air program on my laptop using the included VLC viewer program (connect to one of the HDHR tuners via wireless "G" thru a router) while using the other tuner to record a different HD program on cable (QAM) on my Ethernet connected Desktop PC (running MCE 2005). This flexibility combined with the fact that the HDHR is currently the only dual QAM/OTA tuner on the U.S. market makes this my favorite tuner for the home.NOTE: This is not your Granddaddy's tuner. Setup, especially for QAM, may require moderate software and networking skills. However if you have a location where the HDHomeRun can easily connect Ethernet to your router and your coax feed, and your PC connects Ethernet to your router, you should be fine.
For additional tips and info on the HDHR check out
page 2.
Compatible With:- MediaPortal - DVR for Windows (currently in beta)
- SageTV - DVR software for Windows, Linux and Mac
- MythTV - DVR for Linux and Mac.
- Pluto - Home automation and media system
- Windows Media Center 2005 & Vista (currently in beta)
Detailed Specifications:- 8-VSB (ATSC over-the-air digital HDTV)
- QAM64/256 (unencrypted digital cable TV)
- Dual HDTV Tuners
- IR Receiver (38kHz)
- 100baseTX high speed network
Package Includes: - Networked Digital HDTV Tuner
- Power supply
- 7' RJ45 Patch Cable
Software & Firmware Downloads:
http://www.silicondust.com/wiki/downloads

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