Being tested today is the Hauppauge WinTV-DCR-2650.... I love when tech companies name stuff - it’s so much fun. Just rolls off the tongue, doesn’t it? The Hauppauge WinTV-DCR-2650. Of course, from the name you know exactly what it is, right? A device that allows you to connect your cable to your Windows 7 PC with dual CableCARDs, basically turning your computer into a DVR. But, you knew that since it is so obvious from the name. And just to either clarify things, or make them more confusing, I’m not sure which - the DCR in the name stands for Digital Cable Ready - not Digital Cable Recorder or something like that - even though it looks very similar to DVR - DCR is not directly related.
I’m going to refer to the device as the WinTV from here on out, if you don’t mind. :)
The WinTV is a small black box, about the size of a desktop external hard drive, and plugs into your computer via USB. It has two slots for CableCARDs - which means you can record two shows at once, or watch one show while recording another. You have to get the CableCARDs from your cable provider, and - of course - you have to have a cable TV subscription. Power Cord slot, coax cable nub, USB cord slot, and the dual CableCARD slots are the connections on the back.
What you would need:
- A Windows 7 PC
- A Cable subscription
- A CableCARD or two
- The WinTV
- Enough Hard Drive space on your PC to save your recordings
Some may ask - why get this when most cable companies give you a DVR either free or for a small monthly fee - which may or may not be more than the rental cost of the CableCARD. Well, there are advantages.
Article comments
1 - streamer
Nice overview of what CC tuners do, but I wouldn't call it a review of the device. I would expect a review to have a few pictures of the device and at least a description of the setup process, usage and performance. Perhaps add a brief comparison with similar devices like the 3 tuner HDHomeRun Prime and the 4 tuner Ceton. Would also be good to mention the fact that these work with Media Center Extenders like Xbox and the soon-to-be-released Ceton Echo.
The main reasons I have one are to avoid my cable company's $20/month DVR fee and terrible DVR interface. I'd like to know what planet has DVRs cheap or free as you said in the review - cable boxes may be cheap, but definitely not DVRs.
Anyway, I'm very pleased with mine. It paid for itself in a scant 5 months. It was quite a lot of time and effort to set up, mainly because most CSRs at my cable company have no idea how to activate a cable card for a device like this. Once I found the right person, all was well.
It's also worth noting that in areas that use SDV, you'll need a tuning adapter as well, which is usually free with a cable card. Otherwise you'll be wondering why many of your channels are missing.
2 - Igor
More info is required. Like, how does it compare to HDHomerun and various HDTV USB sticks, can you use it with OTA, does it use proprietary display software, is the aspect ratio and size controllable, is it linux compatible, etc., ?
3 - Chad
I don't have an HDHomerun or other devices to compare it to. It requires Windows 7. It is not Mac or Linux compatible. Do you see where I put "You need a Windows 7 PC" - kinda covers that. Also the fact that is is called a "WinTV" should clue you in a little, I would think. You need a CableCard - Ergo, it is not compatible with over the air. Seriously - I covered this. Just read it.