Wide World of Women

Hello there,

I need some help with capture and digital recording devices.

I have a WinTV 950 from Hauppauge. It's nice, but the updates and bugs are frustrating.

Does anyone have a good recommendation for something that can record and cap through a USB without
all the problems with constantly updating software? Can you cap with a DVR? Something good and simple.
I've had it with going to Hauppauge's website for support.

Thanks.

Hi,

I'm not familiar with the WinTV 950 but I have Hauppauge's HD PVR which you record from from the PVR directly to the computer. I am by no means a technical expert and I have a very easy time of figuring it out.....no issues with bugs or updates. It will cost you more than what you have right now but in the long run I think it's worth it.....I wish I had gotten one of these a long time ago.

First of all, sorry for the late reply.

Hauppauge is one of the better (IMO) manufacturers of TV tuners/capture devices so it's unfortunate that you're having trouble with their product. I've used Hauppauge's WinTV-HVR-1950 (a model up from yours) when I first started capping and it always worked well for me. No trouble with software updates either. I stopped using my 1950 though in 2010 due to Comcast encrypting cable channels (and recently OTA HD channels in my area as well making it completely useless to me now).

Silicon Dust is another good option you should take a look at (though they connect through the ethernet port rather than USB). If you want to record off of your DVR, you should consider FishOil's suggestion: Hauppauge HD PVR. Sorry but Hauppauge really is the go-to for most cappers.

Thanks for the very helpful responses!