Hauppauge pitches PC TV tuner at Freesat punters
Freeview by satellite
With Freesat, the satellite telly answer to Freeview, just weeks from launch, TV tuner specialist Hauppauge has begun punting a USB-connected box capable of picking up the free content - even Freesat's HD broadcasts.
The WinTV Nova-S USB2 bridges the gap between a Windows PC and the feed from a standard satellite dish - Freesat will broadcast its 80-odd TV and radio channels from the same Astra satellite used by Sky.
Hauppauge's WinTV Nova-S USB2: ready for Freesat
Hauppauge is bundling the tuner with its usual array of DVR software and DVD burning tools, along with a remote control.
The unit can connect to Hauppauge's own WinTV-CI modile, which accepts subscription channels' decoder modules and smartcards.
Freesat is due to be launch this Spring by the BBC and ITV, both of whom will offer HD content alongside the usual standard-definition programming also available on Freeview. Freesat will be available with a single purchase that includes a set-top box, dish and installation.
Available now, the WinTV Nova-S USB2 requires a full USB 2.0 port on your CP and comes with an asking price of £80.
COMMENTS
linux drivers
yeh, hope it 'just works' with same/similar drivers.
as for same dish, yes you can, you'll need to buy the right
splitter kit. usually you can take 4 feeds from a minidish with
no problems.
Linux Drivers ?
See subject.
I use their kit for my MythTV system and it works just fine. I hope that there will be suitable drivers for this new device?
Also, as it comes off the same sat as the existing Sky channels, can I use the same dish and split the signal?
What about Australia?
Sounds great for you Brits, but what about the rest of the world?
FreeSat channels?
Does anyone know if Channel 4 and Channel Five will be broadcast over FreeSat?
As an expat living in The Netherlands it would be nice to receive these channels without having to get a dodgy Sky digibox viewing card.
@Ricky Cann
I've spoken to Hauppauge about this, and it claims that the WinTV Nova-S USB2 *will* be able to pick up Freesat HD.
An important point to make is that the software in the box, WinTV 6, won't display HD content, but a version that will, WinTV 7, is going to be available for free download in the near future - hopefully in time for Freesat's launch.
If you need HD viewing before WinTV 7 appears, apparently CyberLink's software does the business.
