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Leadtek Launches ExpressCard Compatible TV Capture Card

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Watch TV on the go, you say? Leadtek says 'yes' with the announcement of its new hybrid TV capture card. The WinFast ExDTV2300 H supports the ExpressCard interface, with features that include:

  • DVB-T and worldwide analog TV reception (NTSC, SECAM, and PAL)
  • MPEG-4/2/1/WMV/VCD/DVD/SVCD
  • Component input video up to 480p
  • Full screen stereo/SAP support
  • DVB-T and FM Radio

The capture card comes with Leadtek's WinFast PVR2 software, which boasts Time Shifting, Scheduled Recording, Power on/off by Remote, and TwinView. Even better, Leadtek throws in an I/R remote allowing you to level-up your couch potato skill-set, whether you're home or not.

Could this be a growing trend? Last year Pinaccle introduced its PCTV HD Pro Stick, a bus-power tuner sized just right for notebooks. Unfortunately, performance was marred by somewhat slow channel surfing, nor did it work with unencrypted QAM signals, but in its favor, Gordon Mah Ung noted the dual-core notebook used to test the device never broke a sweat while playing back or recording HDTV content. This also begs the question; do notebook owners prefer an ExpressCard TV tuner over a USB-based one?

Image Credit: Leadtek

COMMENTS
avatarGroup Round-up Review

I wouldn't mind having MaximumPC get all these products together, USB and ExpressCard based, and have them tested. I've been interested in getting something like this for a few months now but can't fine a whole lot of reviews.

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avatarCost?

Do we have an estimated price point on this, Paul?  My laptop's ExpressCard slot has been sitting vacant for virtually a year.  I wouldn't mind filling it with this if the price is right.

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avatarCurious

I have a USB HDTV tuner for my laptop (WinTV-HVR 950) and it works great with Vista's Media Center.

Would I prefer a card based solution rather than a USB device?  I don't think it matters.  You still have to plug in an adapter for your Coax/antenna connections.  Unless it has a built-in antenna, that would be a different story all together.

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