HDTV Tuner USB vs. Pcie?

[Hyraxxx]

My concern is if there is a downgraded bit-rate with USB as being the transfer method?

From what I was able to find. HDTV bitrates tend to be as high as 27 Mbps(http://www.timefordvd.com/tutorial/DigitalTVTutorial.shtml).

According to here, USB transfer rate in everday use is 14MB/second (http://www.computing.net/answers/hardware/usb-transfer-rate/57224.html) .

Given that 27Mbps is about 3.5 MB/s Should I be worried?

 

[Schmide]

The transfer bottleneck is most likely the write speed of the drive. USB 2.0 has more than enough bandwidth to handle any compressed HD source.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

I use pci and pcie for my two different hauppauge tuners (2 different computers) and they both work great. See no reason to try usb.

 

[Schmide]

I use pci and pcie for my two different hauppauge tuners (2 different computers) and they both work great. See no reason to try usb.

That logic is flawed. USB will work just as well as pci or pic-e.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

That logic is flawed. USB will work just as well as pci or pic-e.

Pci and Pcie both work fine so why would you want some USB stick sticking out of your pretty computer?

 

[blanketyblank]

I think most tuners only do 720p or 1080i anyways so USB should be good enough for that. USB has a number of advantages since it's easy to install, portable, usually cheaper, and can be used with a laptop. Main disadvantage is they usually require more CPU power.

 

[Schmide]

Pci and Pcie both work fine so why would you want some USB stick sticking out of your pretty computer?

I don't know? Maybe you don't want to crowd your video card? (cooling) Maybe you may want to take the usb tuner with you on your laptop or swap to another system fast?

Just because what you have works fine doesn't mean the third option doesn't work as well; thus, your logic is flawed.

 

[Voo]

I don't know? Maybe you don't want to crowd your video card? (cooling) Maybe you may want to take the usb tuner with you on your laptop or swap to another system fast?

Just because what you have works fine doesn't mean the third option doesn't work as well; thus, your logic is flawed.

Easier to install, portable, cheaper and no disadvantages (oh 3% more CPU utilization? That's hardly a disadvantage), so yeah I second that..

 

[soccerballtux]

Mb vs MB. Big difference. OP look it up

 

[ColdBrew]

USB 2 has WAY more than is needed for a single HD stream. My locals over the air are about 18 Mbps and USB2 can do up to 400 Mbps. So as you can see it isn't even close. USB will be fine.

 

[Hyraxxx]

Thanks! I like USB option because of price and portability. I can just unplug it if I need a slot. i have more than enough USB ports.

A big con with USB is that say I am moving a lot of files off the USB stick, and I decide to watch tv. That might affect transmission if the transfer isn't prioritized. But, chances of that happening are slim, and If it does happen, it is well worth the price difference.

Thanks again all!