AMD's Newest TV Wonder: Clear QAM For The Masses
by Derek Wilson on October 15, 2007 3:37 AM EST- Posted in
- GPUs
Introduction
For a while now, we've been able to watch over the air (OTA) channels and analog cable on our PCs. TV tuners are nothing new. The ability to turn an HTPC into a DVR is quite nice trick. Unfortunately, there are limitations.
Many current TV tuners lack the ability to tune in digital cable channels. For viewers in our area, this means anything above channel 75 is out of reach. But there are options for those who want to watch unencrypted digital cable (the channels that come with a basic digital cable subscription) on their PC. The least desirable option is to connect a cable box to the PC. This gets in the way of easily scheduling recordings and the like. Alternately, you can pick up a TV tuner that supports Clear QAM (the type of modulation used to for digital cable).
While a TV tuner that supports Clear QAM can tune in some digital cable channels, PC owners still won't be able to watch premium or pay-per-view content without a solution that supports a cable card. And even with a cable card, PC owners aren't able to take advantage of on demand video features. While technologically feasible, the industry has not yet decided on standards for opening up their networks to the two way communication necessary for on demand and similar functionality.
Today, AMD joins Hauppauge and Pinnacle in offering Clear QAM TV tuners for the PC. This is basically a refresh of the TV Wonder 6xx line-up, as the only major difference is the addition of Clear QAM support for digital cable. This does come with some caveats though. Let's take a look at AMD's new TV Wonder lineup.
For a while now, we've been able to watch over the air (OTA) channels and analog cable on our PCs. TV tuners are nothing new. The ability to turn an HTPC into a DVR is quite nice trick. Unfortunately, there are limitations.
Many current TV tuners lack the ability to tune in digital cable channels. For viewers in our area, this means anything above channel 75 is out of reach. But there are options for those who want to watch unencrypted digital cable (the channels that come with a basic digital cable subscription) on their PC. The least desirable option is to connect a cable box to the PC. This gets in the way of easily scheduling recordings and the like. Alternately, you can pick up a TV tuner that supports Clear QAM (the type of modulation used to for digital cable).
While a TV tuner that supports Clear QAM can tune in some digital cable channels, PC owners still won't be able to watch premium or pay-per-view content without a solution that supports a cable card. And even with a cable card, PC owners aren't able to take advantage of on demand video features. While technologically feasible, the industry has not yet decided on standards for opening up their networks to the two way communication necessary for on demand and similar functionality.
Today, AMD joins Hauppauge and Pinnacle in offering Clear QAM TV tuners for the PC. This is basically a refresh of the TV Wonder 6xx line-up, as the only major difference is the addition of Clear QAM support for digital cable. This does come with some caveats though. Let's take a look at AMD's new TV Wonder lineup.
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BPB - Monday, October 15, 2007 - link
Seems to me that because my provider (Cox) scrambles all their digital chammels, this will do nothing for me. Am I correct?DerekWilson - Tuesday, October 16, 2007 - link
if by scrambles you mean modulates an NTSC or ATCS signal for transmission using clear QAM then it will work. this should be what all cable companies do with non-premium digital channels. premium content is encrypted and requires a cable card to decrypt.Steve - Tuesday, October 16, 2007 - link
Derek, when will we see you in the forums again? Some communication would be nice.MooseMuffin - Monday, October 15, 2007 - link
This is a topic I definitely want to know more about, and I was excited to see the article posted. But then I read it and there was nothing here. "Theres some new ATI TV cards out with a new feature. They might be good, but we haven't tried them." Umm thanks alot.ninjit - Monday, October 15, 2007 - link
I wasn't going to say anything because I thought I maybe being too critical.But a 2-page news-bit with no meat does NOT constitute a front page article under "Latest Reviews"
This is better suited to a fleshed out headline on Dailytech.
Very disappointing: not what one would expect from Anandtech.
LoneWolf15 - Monday, October 15, 2007 - link
I agree. And as great as ATI hardware can be, we have no idea of what software will be used, and what to expect in terms of features and stability. Many a great ATI TV tuner has bombed because ATI couldn't write decent software for it. And the last several tuners have had Cyberlink software, which neglected such small but absolutely crucial features as "always on top" mode for viewing.Until a test is made, this is a fancy press release. Neat, fun to read, leaves you waiting for more, but doesn't tell you what you really need to know.
SanLouBlues - Monday, October 15, 2007 - link
PCHdtv's HD5500 has supported unencrypted QAM viewing for a while. Only big difference is that there's no on card hardware mpeg decryption.erwos - Monday, October 15, 2007 - link
For the price, an HDHomeRun is the better deal, IMHO, especially if all you're interested in is the QAM bit.recon300 - Monday, October 15, 2007 - link
Not only that, but I cant figure out why this is front page news. I've been using a DVICO Fusion tuner card for HD OTA and for clearQAM from comca$t for >2 yrs now. The only difference I can see here is that the AMD/ATI card has two tuners...MGSsancho - Monday, October 15, 2007 - link
even if these ATI cards only work in vista, or apple in the feature (im just guessing based on their actions they might who knows) does not matter to me. i personally dont care it it works in linux or not. but i want what every one wants. a psie card that can do everything. if it needs a cable card, fine. if you want two cable cards and and need 2 tuner cards, fine. if you need to tell vista media center to uber-crypt a partition with EFS, fine (as long as i can save the rsa keys like i currently can in vista). in vista i can grow paritions are shrink them its not tooooo bad. anyways, if i can get all these things working, even if its like vista only, thats to me is fine. i will be happy. HD channels, on demand, as im scrolling through the channels the basic chans (2-13) it will automatically switch to an OTA antenna (i'll provide it i dont care). i will be happy. even if each card is like $60, fine. building a box with parts etc etc fine, i just want to be able to do it. oh well looks like its another reason to hate the MAFIAA. they could be making soo much money on this. and for you linux guys, HD wont ever come sorry. unless you tap the 1394 port on the back of the provider box.