qhor
Manitoba, Canada
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Joined: 07/24/2003
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I am considering changing the tv headbanger installation in our '97 LTV, and was wondering if any of you 'B'ers have tried the usb tuners with a laptop and what kind of results. I have seen flat screen modifications in other "B"s that work very well, however because we carry the laptop with us anyway, I was curious as to which way to go. We do not watch a lot of tv, but it is nice to have, and thought maybe the laptop would serve both purposes.
Thanks for any input.
Barry
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2manytoyz
Central FL
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Joined: 06/16/2002
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I used one for a while. The downside was the resolution was limited to 640x480, so had a less than full screen window. Manufacturer said the hdwe had the ability to go with full screen, but the software limited the size. They were trying to get people to buy the more expensive USB TV. Shame this wasn't mentioned on the packaging! Hauppauge lost my business after that.
These DO work, but read the reviews for specific models to see if they work as advertised. A full screen picture on the box doesn't mean a full screen image on your computer, as I found out.
I've had two Class Bs, so I understand wanting one item (computer) to serve multiple functions. 
Robert
Cocoa, FL
2007 Rockwood TT 2502
Equalizer Hitch
Prodigy Brake Controller
2005 Nissan Xterra
2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
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alid
Newfield, NJ
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Joined: 06/05/2002
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I have a usb tuner and there are just a few things to remember.
1. Compression: The tuner will do video compression. This delays the picture on the screen. ex. if you move the antenna to a new position it will take a second or two for you to see the results on the laptop. (this can be frustrating when attempting to align a sat dish.)
2. Dropped frames: Again because of the compression you will from time to time see some "choppiness"
I have been using my laptop as a TV for a few years and love the smaller footprint and once I got used to the delay from the compression it was all good.
1991 Winnie Warrior 23' class a
2006 Terry Quantum 330 FKDS
Aprilia Atlantic 500
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rv-n-agin
Western Michigan, USA
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Joined: 02/15/2003
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This sounds interesting. Does it work with both cable and antenna? Will it also work with digital signal next year?
Don 92 RT Independent
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VernM
Marion County, AR
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Joined: 06/21/2006
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I'm researchng the same thing for my travel -- trying to stay away from having a TV set along since the computer is mandatory. As noted, the speed of your computer's processor, the memory available and the software are a part of the decision process. I looked at Hauppage and found it over-kill for me. I am looking at the choices in USB units but haven't decided on one. Mandatory will be video input rather than antenna connection. And I don't expect any of them to give much reception of off-air stations unless you are camped beside them. I will have Dish network as the receiver and one more antenna to set up. After the Hughes.net satellite setup, though,that's easy.
Share what USB units you have found as best, please.
Happy travelin'
VernM
GMC Conversion van/Wells Cargo MiniWagon trailer
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otbiker
Kerrville TX
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Joined: 02/02/2005
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The Eye TV USB for the Mac does HDTV. We've been using this for better than a year with excellent results and picture quality. Not sure about the quality of the pic for Win machines...
Marty in Kerrville
04 Leisure Travel / Mercedes Benz / Freightliner Van...
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VE3ESN
Ontario, Canada
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Joined: 03/08/2002
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We've also been thinking about using our Windows type laptop to watch TV, but the responses so far don't seem too encouraging. It'd be really great to do this in a B, as the TV cabinet could then be used to store the laptop plus other stuff. However......
We presently have a 13" TV/DVD AC/DC unit which works fine, but I realize that it'll be useless in the USA after Feb. 2009, and sometime in 2011 here in Canada, once the switchover to digital TV takes place.
From what I've read, the antenna isn't an issue, since the digital channels are in the UHF band. The "built-in roof antenna" in our Roadtrek works surprisingly well, so I'd expect even better results (no ghosting - the signal is either there or it's not) on the digital channels.
I'm reluctant to buy a USB tuner unless I knew that the TV picture would fill the whole screen, so I may opt for one of the converter boxes to change the digital signal to an analog one and use the "old" set.
These boxes aren't readily available in Canada yet, so it may be a purchase the next time we're in the states.
Jerry & Susie
1996 Roadtrek 190 Versatile (Dodge 5.2 L)
FMCA F390585
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Davydd
Minnesota
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Joined: 11/27/2005
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I use EyeTV on my 15" Mac laptop and have been pleased with it. I haven't taken EyeTV on the road though since we have the built in 17" TV.
Davydd
2005 Pleasure-Way Plateau Sprinter B Camper Van
Davydd is the Welsh spelling for David with an English twist using a v instead of an f.
See Our Pleasure-Way and my pork tenderloin sandwiches
Visited states in an RV
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