hauppauge-hd-pvr
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Hauppauge introduces the HD PVR 2 video recorder
Almost five years after the introduction of the very first consumer-priced HD capture device, the HD PVR, Hauppauge has introduced the HD PVR 2 model 1512. Joining the new HD PVR 2 GE Plus, released late last year and geared towards gamers, the HD PVR 2 is focused on home media users who want to record broadcast TV. It includes an IR blaster to control the set-top box it is connected to and bundled with WinTV v7.2 software. It is also compatible with Windows 7 and Windows 8 Media Center. You can record component or HDMI (unprotected) sources, up to 1080p30, and the video and audio are stored as h.264 and 5.1 surround sound. The new unit will be available on February 1st, but the press release after the break doesn't include the price. The HD PVR 2 GE Plus is available via online retailers now for $150, so it's probably safe to assume the HD PVR 2 model 1512 will be around the same.
Hauppauge is taking its HD component capture card internal
It wasn't that long ago that recording HD from just about any source on a PC was cost prohibitive. Then along came Hauppauge's HD PVR and while it isn't without its issues and limitations, it gets the job done at an affordable price. One of those limitations is the rather large external enclosure and the wall-wart that powers it. Now Hauppauge has addressed those nit picks with the release of an internal PCI-E capture card for $159. The single card can record up to 1080i from either component or unencrypted HDMI and will start shipping later this month. The support is very similar it its external brother, in fact other than the form factor, the two are very similar in most every other way. Another pictures and technical details after the jump.
Hauppauge adds 5.1 support to the HD-PVR
One of the most exciting products of 2008 is the Hauppauge HD-PVR, because it enables you to record any HD source you want by exploiting the analog hole. The problem up until now has been that while you can already enjoy DirecTV HD on your SageTV setup in all its glory, you've had to settle for stereo audio. That is finally changing as Hauppauge as the latest beta driver now adds support Dolby Digital 5.1 (AC3), and AAC to top it off. But even if surround sound isn't your thing, you may still want to check out this update as it also resolves a few other miscellaneous issues that might be bothering you.
A first look at the Hauppauge HD-PVR
After a little bit of a delay the highly anticipated Hauppauge HD-PVR has finally gotten into user's hands and we're starting to get some first impressions. Our friend Brent Evans takes the time to write up his highs and lows with the new device. He is really happy with the picture quality -- despite the 2nd generation copy -- he loves having freedom to recording any source he wants in HD without worrying about DRM, but He isn't thrilled to pay the HD STB rental fees to the cable company, he's not a fan of the Ir blaster and says that setup could be easier. Overall he seems very pleased, but does point out that not everyone is so lucky, as many Hauppauge HD-PVR owners have apparently been experiencing over heating issues and can't use the device at all. Hauppauge is evidentially aware of the problem and believes it may be addressable in a firmware update, but nonetheless it is issuing some RMAs.
