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posted 2006-Apr-10, 5:21 am AEST
posted 2006-Apr-10, 5:21 am AEST
reference: whrl.pl/RK5Qr
posted 2006-Jan-5, 8:05 pm AEST
O.P.

Yet another ALDI product.

They are releasing a TV tuner card for $99.

Details are:

- Watch and record analogue & digital TV on your PC
- Supports worldwide analogue & DVB-T TV systems
- Supports HDTV, 16:9 format and Teletext
- Includes software to enable Edit & Burn to DVD/VCD
- FM radio tuner
- Full featured infra-red remote control
- Supports PIP, time shifting & scheduled recording in power Off mode
- AV/S inputs connects other video sources

What do people think?

:-)

reference: whrl.pl/RK5QV
posted 2006-Jan-5, 8:07 pm AEST
reference: whrl.pl/RK5QZ
posted 2006-Jan-5, 8:08 pm AEST

seems really good..... shame they dont mention a brand. Will take a good look at this when they go on sale. Seriously thinking of buying

reference: whrl.pl/RK5Rp
posted 2006-Jan-5, 8:09 pm AEST
O.P.

MitH writes...

link - www.aldi.com.au/product_03/product_22.html

D


Yes, I was going to post the link but since it didn't contain anything more than what I cut and paste I didn't bother.

I'm just wondering what people think of this card compared to anything else that's available feature for feature wise.

:-)

reference: whrl.pl/RK5Rt
posted 2006-Jan-5, 8:10 pm AEST

Tom Quinn writes...

hame they dont mention a brand.

I think its the Tevion brand

reference: whrl.pl/RK5Rw
posted 2006-Jan-5, 8:10 pm AEST

the brand is tevion

edit: what zen says

reference: whrl.pl/RK5Wf
posted 2006-Jan-5, 8:22 pm AEST
O.P.

yes, it's Tevion, so I guess we can't know wether the reception etc would be good.

I've bought quite a bit of ALDI gear and with the exception of a DOA cordless phone, their gear has been quite good.

My ALDI desktop runs 24 x 7 and has done so for just over 1 1/2 years and it's never missed a beat.

I own an analogue TV card (leadtek?) and I found it a bit disappointing overall. The digital one in the ALDI laptop I have is rather average as well, so I'm a little hesitant to venture into their full blown PC one.

Is digital TV highly reliant upon TV signal strength or is it more a factor of the quality of the TV tuner card itself? I'm in a bit of a valley, so I suspect that my TV reception isn't crash hot, so an average TV tuner card may give me poor results anyhow...

:-)

reference: whrl.pl/RK6gw
posted 2006-Jan-5, 10:18 pm AEST

Edit:

I think I'll wait and see how people find this tuner before I purhcase it.

Although I can always return it no questions asked I suppose

reference: whrl.pl/RK6vR
posted 2006-Jan-5, 11:53 pm AEST

I wonder what this card is like compared to DViCO FusionHDTV DVB-T

reference: whrl.pl/RK60I
posted 2006-Jan-6, 9:32 am AEST

It looks like a Kworld card

www.kworld.com.tw/en/pro...001/dvb-t220.htm

Computer world sell the Kworld one for $99 .

reference: whrl.pl/RK606
posted 2006-Jan-6, 9:35 am AEST

Maveri writes...

Supports HDTV

A HDTV card for $99 ? Cheap!

reference: whrl.pl/RK65d
posted 2006-Jan-6, 10:06 am AEST

Bought one of these units last week and found that it works very well.

!Very! impressive software package (eg Power Director video editing, Power Producer DVD authoring and media software). Also the hardware appears decent. The remote looks a bit "cheap" but works OK.

Many other TV Tuners in this price range are analogue PCI cards and come with little or no software.

Unfortunately was not able to pick up free-to-air digital TV with the mini-antenna that was supplied with the unit, so cannot comment on that. Conventional TV reception and input from VCR via composite worked OK.

With this hardware and software you can eg watch TV, listen to FM radio, listen/watch all kinds of recorded media files and convert VHS to DVD.

I'd recommend this TV Tuner to anyone who has no need for special or advanced features and is happy with something basic.

A friend of mine was desperate, so I sold the unit to him after a couple of days. I might get another one...

By the way - ALDI has a very generous return policy. You can buy the product and if you are not 100% satisfied you can return it for a full refund. All you have to do is keep the receipt and everything including box/packaging.

So there is really no risk in trying it out.

Have bought many technical items over the years from ALDI. Computer stuff is often cheaper on eBay but sometimes ALDI have very good deals - this seems to be a very good deal. I found that the quality of ALDI products is generally very decent.

reference: whrl.pl/RLdvN
posted 2006-Jan-8, 7:54 pm AEST

hihi
just wondering..
Can i use this card for video output to a tv ?
my video card hasn't got a TV out so i was thinking maybe if got this i could use it to play files from my PC onto my TV.
thx for any help.

reference: whrl.pl/RLdza
posted 2006-Jan-8, 8:19 pm AEST

ggb writes...

Can i use this card for video output to a tv ?

No, it has inputs not outputs.

reference: whrl.pl/RLdAj
posted 2006-Jan-8, 8:26 pm AEST

Next question, Does anyone know if this card is Linux Compliant, specifically MythTV

reference: whrl.pl/RLdDz
posted 2006-Jan-8, 8:47 pm AEST

The best price/performance cards are the leadtek series!!

(i have a DV2000)

reference: whrl.pl/RLdOF
posted 2006-Jan-8, 9:59 pm AEST

what would be the minimum computer specs you could use this card in?

I am thinking of building up an old system I have here to have a tv tuner card as I am losing the tv in the computer room :(

reference: whrl.pl/RLhGz
posted 2006-Jan-10, 9:15 am AEST

Just for watching TV something like a PIII-800.

Note that the external USB box requires USB 2.0 and older PC's are probably still USB 1.1.

Even on my Cel 1.5 laptop the picture becomes jittery when I do anything else but watch TV, eg open another program.

ALDI sell an internal PCI card for the same price. A PCI card would be better for an older computer.

If you want to do more than just watch TV eg recording, editing and producing DVD's you will not want anything slower than a P4-2.0, rather a P4-3.0. When I started with video stuff 2 years ago I used a PIII-600 and upgraded bit by bit until I arrived at a P4-2.8 with a 200 gig drive. But again, for just watching TV you don' t need that.

reference: whrl.pl/RLhOP
posted 2006-Jan-10, 10:19 am AEST

you can get one of these www.leadtek.com.tw/eng/t...=6&pronameid=220 for $80 and does all the same things and comes with decent software and remote as well.

reference: whrl.pl/RLlbc
posted 2006-Jan-11, 10:14 am AEST

broad scott writes...

you can get one of these www.leadtek.com.tw/eng/t...=6&pronameid=220 for $80 and does all the same things and comes with decent software and remote as well.

The ALDI card can do analog and digital TV and radio - from a quick glance at the web page it looks like the Leadtek card does digital only?

reference: whrl.pl/RLlEL
posted 2006-Jan-11, 12:29 pm AEST

From everything I can read about this card, I can't find anywhere where it has BDA drivers. This is what you need to be compatible with the likes of WebScheduler. The web site doesn't have much in the line of drivers and such, so support don't look great either.

reference: whrl.pl/RLoFp
posted 2006-Jan-12, 11:22 am AEST

Anyone bought it yet?

reference: whrl.pl/RLoG9
posted 2006-Jan-12, 11:32 am AEST

Chicken writes...

Anyone bought it yet?

I did. The USB unit, see posts above.

Very good and very good-value-for-money unit for general purpose as it does analog AND digital TV and radio and has on top composite and S-VHS inputs. Comes with a great software package - Power Producer, Power Cinema, Power Director.

If you want to do something special check specs first.

Also, as mentioned above - ALDI has a very generous return policy, you can just buy one and test it and return for a full refund if you don't like it.

reference: whrl.pl/RLpeZ
posted 2006-Jan-12, 2:24 pm AEST

Just bought 2 today, its based on a philips phillips saa713x according to the drivers, and the aldi model number etc is a Tevion dvbt-220rf

Will have to plug it into house Tv antenna to see if I can tune in the digital, will edit later as I test all the functions

reference: whrl.pl/RLpf5
posted 2006-Jan-12, 2:30 pm AEST

I've just bought one, a Tevion analog/digital PC TV Tuner Card, model DVDBT-220RF. The specs in the first post are correct and I'll let you know whether it's worth the $99.
Incidentally, if you are looking in Aldi for one of these you probably won't find one: they keep them under the counter at the checkout, so it's best to ask.

reference: whrl.pl/RLphw
posted 2006-Jan-12, 2:38 pm AEST

hows the reception?

Does it work with an indoor antenna or outdoor antenna only?

Ive tested a few tv tuners, i found the kworld only liked outdoor antennas, where as the Twinhan Mini PCI worked fine with an indoor antenna.

reference: whrl.pl/RLp9H
posted 2006-Jan-12, 7:31 pm AEST

PeterM writes...

I did. The USB unit, see posts above.

is this HDTV or SDTV USB Unit, is it $99.00 as well?

reference: whrl.pl/RLqHJ
posted 2006-Jan-12, 10:14 pm AEST

It's HD, $99

reference: whrl.pl/RLqTQ
edited 2006-Jan-13, 12:45 am AEST
posted 2006-Jan-12, 11:16 pm AEST (edited 2006-Jan-13, 12:45 am AEST)

Tried the indoor antenna, got nothing, but that would be because there is a bit of hill between me and the Tv transmitters on mount cootha, plus the neighbours on the uphill side just added and extra story to their house. Works well connected to the house antenna. Have recorded a couple of tests and they are excellent. The software could be a bit better, and searching for an alternative. Its not too cpu intensive either, only a bit when recording, thats to be expected.
EDIT: found a program, my theatre, works well. The Demo only runs for an hour

EDIT2: MyTheatre works great, just have to get myself another hard drive

reference: whrl.pl/RLt5P
posted 2006-Jan-13, 5:50 pm AEST

Anyone else got reports of how this tuner performs? I am thinking of trying to grab one tomorrow ... if there's any left?!

Cheers,
Diz

reference: whrl.pl/RLt6N
posted 2006-Jan-13, 5:55 pm AEST

So does this card come with or support BDA drivers?

reference: whrl.pl/RLAaP
posted 2006-Jan-15, 8:47 pm AEST

guido writes...

So does this card come with or support BDA drivers?

Yes....

setting up card ATM...

reference: whrl.pl/RLBF4
edited 2006-Jan-17, 5:00 pm AEST
posted 2006-Jan-16, 12:43 pm AEST (edited 2006-Jan-17, 5:00 pm AEST)

This car is reasonable for the money however, If you need a high end card plaese do yourself a favour and go out and buy one.
Edit:

reference: whrl.pl/RLDio
posted 2006-Jan-16, 10:20 pm AEST

Got one of these on the weekend, it's not bad!

Channel changes are a bit slow, but on the whole, pretty damn good for the price, and as a bonus it has FM radio which works terrific.

You can resize the window unobtrusively on your web browser main window and cruise the web.

Haven't bothered with recording etc..

One problem I did notice though, was on 9 HD, you can only see the top left corner of the screen.. which I dare say will be remedied down the track with updates from the manufactures site??

reference: whrl.pl/RLDkN
posted 2006-Jan-16, 10:37 pm AEST

If you can get BDA drivers for it, dump their software and grab a copy of digitalwatch and webscheduler.

I use them both for my twinham card on BDA drivers.

3rd party software is usually better than crappy supplied software.

As for playback of HD, it depends on your video card. Certain cards EG radeon 9200 etc have mpeg-2 playback and can assist in displaying the video stream and taking some strain off the CPU.

If you just wanna capture the stream with webscheduler, it uses SFA cpu :)

reference: whrl.pl/RLDn3
posted 2006-Jan-16, 11:04 pm AEST

doner kebab writes...

If you can get BDA drivers for it

Pardon my ignorance but what are BDA drivers?

reference: whrl.pl/RLDOP
posted 2006-Jan-17, 8:01 am AEST

iiMungrel writes...

Pardon my ignorance but what are BDA drivers?

They're drivers that work under some sort of framework by microsoft kinda like direct X for video cards, in which applications can work with BDA drivers and not specific tuner cards.

Much like how your games work irresepctive of what card you have, under direct X. Same idea follows for BDA.

Initially I got the twinhan card because it was the only card that had a SDK (Software development kit) for it, which enabled people to write third party applications. It was the only card that had that flexibility.

reference: whrl.pl/RLFbb
posted 2006-Jan-17, 5:08 pm AEST

Superstebv writes...

MyTheatre works great, just have to get myself another hard drive

Superstebv, My theatre works wonderfully with this card.....Thankyou!!

Are you able to pick up the analogue stations as well(using my theatre)?

I have experienced some problems with the digital stations using Hypermedia....choppy audio (which is very annoying)

If anyone has any other 3rd party software suggestions for the DVBT-220rf card i am all ears..

g:)

reference: whrl.pl/RLGpQ
posted 2006-Jan-18, 1:00 am AEST

I'm thinking about picking this card up. The general vibe that I get is that it's a good deal.

Do you think it's a good idea to get one?

reference: whrl.pl/RLIMO
posted 2006-Jan-18, 9:18 pm AEST

Paulos writes...

One problem I did notice though, was on 9 HD

Also having the same problem with 9 HD, but the other HD channels (7, 10 and ABC) seem fine.

ABC2 has an audio sync problem.

Can't get SBS, either by scanning or when the channel is added manually.

Not able to view any analogue channels, even though the channel frequencies have been scanned successfully.

Recordings are fine, except for one time it seemed to be out of focus.

Remote control works well.

Other than that, everything's fine.

reference: whrl.pl/RLJPo
posted 2006-Jan-19, 10:40 am AEST

I have choppy audio on 7 & 9....have updated to the latest driver. (still have the problem)

I have tried many other alternative programs in the past few days......have had mixed degrees of sucess

The best alternatives to hypermedia so far seem to be My theatre , Mediaportal & Got all media 5 ......

regards
7g
:)

reference: whrl.pl/RLLEm
posted 2006-Jan-19, 9:37 pm AEST

I bought this card also. I am having mixed feelings about it at the moment. The Hypermedia software is crap as far as I'm concerned. I guess it works ok, but it is fiddly and not very intuitive. I also cannot get the FM part to work. It doesn't even appear on the menu of Hypermedia. I too am having problems with the HD side of things. Ch 9 is as mentioned by previous posts is permanently zoomed into the top left corner. All other HD channels have a strange colour cast - ie. the flesh tones are blue - and no adjustment either on my video card or through software seems to make a difference. All the SD channels seem to be fine though, although a bit blurry or "soft". I have tried to use "My Theatre" with it but I cannot get it to scan any channels. I see some others have had some success so a few pointers would be appreciated (I am on the Gold Coast, so Brissie and GC channel info would be appreciated. Even when I input the channel freq directly it still doesn't find anything.) I have also tried "Showshifter" which works excellently, although the interface is a bit cartoony. In fact the picture quality is much better than when using the supplied Hypermedia for some reason. Also, the HD channels work correctly using this, but the supplied remote does not work unfortunately. At the moment it is a toss of a coin as to whether I'll keep the card or take it back. On my system at least, it just seems that nothing really works properly.

reference: whrl.pl/RLOJv
posted 2006-Jan-20, 11:06 pm AEST

blueleader writes...

I am having mixed feelings about it at the moment.

I know exactly how you feel!

Have contacted the support and they have been great. (unfortunately kworld ftp site has been down since i have had this card = no new drivers or software updates)

www.unisupport.net/index...120ea4f6e0c96e13

They have had a few ppl contact them with concerns about the card.The ppl there are very helpful and are working on a solution.........meanwhile after trying EVERY AVAILABLE program !! (almost) I have decided to go with Media Portal (open source).

I didn't want a media centre type program but this has worked so easily with the card i have decided to keep it.

Media Portal Works well with my system and can integrate all other media on my PC......

best of all i was easily able to ditch the supplied remote (not supplied...but on its way)and use my cordless Logitech rumblepad to control the program (took 5mins).I will try to map out the remote at a later date.

www.team-mediaportal.com

channel info would be appreciated

www.acma.gov.au/ACMAINTE...IOTV,tlp=RADIOTV

I am now going to keep thre card.

Good luck with yours!

7G

reference: whrl.pl/RLX5o
posted 2006-Jan-24, 5:25 am AEST

Hey!

The ftp server is now back online, the web links are still dead but those interrested in updating either the driver or hypermedia can use ftp1.kworld.com.tw/kworld
latest version online are 1.3.3.0 (driver) and 1.0.0.7 (HyperMedia)

Concerning the radio you have to open hypermedia, go to the analogic tv and there on the control pannel you have a button with a FM on it. If click this one you'll have the radio. You then need to set the frequencies by hand using the button with a hand holding a pen... Once done open the pannel to the left and you'll get the list of the channel you've set

Although I'm having some trouble with HyperMedia (Digital TV module making an access violation error), i think the card itself is pretty good.

Here I use DigitalWatch + DigiWatch Saver for Digital TV work perfectly for both SD and HD and use HuperMedia for the radio...

Cheers

reference: whrl.pl/RLYp9
posted 2006-Jan-24, 10:27 am AEST

hi S891960,

I don't know anything about digital TV cards, would you be able to tell me everything I need to get and do to get digitalwatch to work with this card?

I hear about these bda drivers, video drivers, audio drivers. I read that bda drivers could be compared to direct x drivers, however when I did a search for them there seems to be a whole heap of drivers and they seem card based rather than just a bda driver for all.

reference: whrl.pl/RLY30
posted 2006-Jan-24, 2:22 pm AEST

Hi,

I've just lost all my post explaining what you should do :(
I don't have much time left now so I'll post the information you need by tomorrow

cheers

reference: whrl.pl/RLY83
posted 2006-Jan-24, 2:51 pm AEST

makes me wonder... why aren't people buying Digital TV tuners for $80 - $90 and getting a Digital/Analogue?

Legit question. I saw a D/A at MSY but went for the Digital Instead.

reference: whrl.pl/RLZi2
posted 2006-Jan-24, 3:52 pm AEST

Thanks S891960.

Netjock I thought you might be able to record using the analogue tuner while simultaneously watching TV on the digital tuner. Don't know if that's possible though.

The cheapest dual digital tuners seem to be over $200

reference: whrl.pl/RLZB4
posted 2006-Jan-24, 5:43 pm AEST

Kenny Everett writes...

Netjock I thought you might be able to record using the analogue tuner while simultaneously watching TV on the digital tuner. Don't know if that's possible though.

It's totally possible as long as your computer as a cpu strong enough.

Personally I bought the dual tuner to listen to radio as well as watch digital tv. It was better for me to have the 2 in one. More over I have also bought a while ago a VisionPlus card from TwinHan and I'm having quite a lot of reception problem I don't have with the Tevion/KWorld card...

reference: whrl.pl/RLZ0b
posted 2006-Jan-24, 8:15 pm AEST

I forgot to post this earlier.......unisupport sent me a link for the latest driver a for the card. (17th Jan)

I personally have not tried it. Can someone confirm (couldn't be bothered )that this is the correct driver?

202.172.108.151/eshared/...20PCI-DRIVER.rar

If this is the correct driver maybe someone could find a possible link for the hypermedia software update....

A quick heads up with this card as far as "MEDIA CENTRE" type software is concerned this card is not supported by the vast majority. Makes me wonder if it is worth keeping?

7G :)

reference: whrl.pl/RL0Rc
posted 2006-Jan-25, 4:55 am AEST

Sector 7 G writes...

I personally have not tried it. Can someone confirm (couldn't be bothered )that this is the correct driver?
If this is the correct driver maybe someone could find a possible link for the hypermedia software update....

This driver is a quite old version (1.3.2.1) even older than the one on the CD shipping with the card on the cd the version is 1.3.2.6

You should use the linked I posted above it includes both the latest version of the driver (1.3.3.0) and hypermedia (1.0.0.7). If you're lost on the ftp site I can give you direct links to the files...

A quick heads up with this card as far as "MEDIA CENTRE" type software is concerned this card is not supported by the vast majority. Makes me wonder if it is worth keeping?

Have you checked if the KWorld model is supported by those media centres? Tevion is just selling the exact card as KWorld. The only difference beeing the box and the sticker at the back of the card...

reference: whrl.pl/RL1jv
posted 2006-Jan-25, 10:50 am AEST

Hey Kenny,

First of all let me answer this part

Kenny Everett writes...

I hear about these bda drivers, video drivers, audio drivers. I read that bda drivers could be compared to direct x drivers, however when I did a search for them there seems to be a whole heap of drivers and they seem card based rather than just a bda driver for all.

BDA driver are just device driver. BDA stand for Broadcast Driver Architecture, it's a new architecture developed by microsoft and linked to the launch of XP Media Center Edition. The aim was to make any type of broadcast hardware compatible with any piece of software that was developed in compliance with the BDA standard. The previous generation was called WDM and required application specifically developed for each type of hardware.

The Tevion is shipped with a CD that includes a BDA driver that is fully compatible with DigitalWatch so you don't have to bother about that.

I don't know anything about digital TV cards, would you be able to tell me everything I need to get and do to get digitalwatch to work with this card?

Concerning this, first of all I have to tell you that DigitalWatch only works with the digital part of the card. If you want to watch Analog TV you'll have to install another application. Both can run at the same time, I've done it here successfully.

To install DigitalWatch, first of all you need to install the Tevion or KWorld Driver

Once done you can install a copy of HyperMedia. I use it for Analog TV and Radio.

Then you need to download the latest version of DigitalWatch. I would recommend you use version 0.7.2.6, this is a version that was modified by MartinS and based on the latest version of Nate (Nate is the developer of DigitalWatch) you can download this version here: marty.id.au/dvb/DigitalWatch726.zip

Unzip this in a folder, let say c:\DigitalWatch

Now you need to install the audio and video filters. For the video I would recommend GPL Mpeg1/2 Decoder that you can download here: switch.dl.sourceforge.ne...egDecoder012.msi
you probably also need to install ac3filter for the audio. It's available her: optusnet.dl.sourceforge....filter_0_70b.exe

Now we need to configure DigitalWatch. You need to edit Settings.ini and change the following line to look like those:
DefaultVideoDecoder = 3
DefaultAudioDecoder = 0

Once this is done you need to setup the Channels using ScanChannelsBDA.exe

When you run it a dos window opens if you have more than one BDA card in your computer you will have to chose which one to use for scanning. Enter its number than enter. If you live in australia just go for option 5 otherwise you'll have to enter the parameters for each network by hand using options 1 for every network than option 2.
One the scanning is done you have to copy/paste the scanned channels from ScanChannelsBDA.log into Channels.ini. The part you're after looks like this:

Network_1("Seven Network", 177500, 7, 1)
#Alternate frequencies
#Network_1("Seven Network", 177500, 7, 1)
#Network_1("Seven Network", 669500, 7, 1)
  Program_ 1("7 Digital"           , 1312,  513,   514,  512)    # LCN=7 Teletext=516
  Program_ 2("7 Tennis"            , 1313,  529,   530,  508)    # LCN=71
  Program_ 3("7 Digital 2"         , 1314,  513,   514,  544)    # LCN=72 Teletext=516
  Program_ 4("7 Digital 3"         , 1315,  513,   514,  560)    # LCN=73 Teletext=516
  Program_ 5("7 SD Digital"        , 1316,  513,   514,  576)    # LCN=70 Teletext=516
  Program_ 6("7 Guide"             , 1318,  609,   610,  608)    # LCN=77

seprate each entry with a blank line.

Once this is done, DigitalWatch is all set.

you need now to run DigitalWatch to setup the driver it will use

When Asked "Use this BDA Tuner Device
                       713x BDA DVBT Tuner"
answer yes

When Asked "Use this BDA Capture Device
                       713x BDA Digital Capture"
answer yes

Once Done close DigitalWatch.

As DigitalWatch don't have a scheduler, I also use DigiWatch Saver which takes care of the scheduling and also add some missing features to DigitalWatch. This program can be found here: users.bigpond.net.au/DigiWatchSaver. Check the download and User's Guide pages, every thing you need is there and the explanation on how to use it are quite clear, well at least I hope so as I'm the one who wrote them :p

For support and latest version of both DigitalWatch or DigiWatch Saver you should go to this forum:
forums.dvbowners.com/ind...8ee&showforum=27

My nick there is DigiWatchSaver

Hope this will help... If you any any question please don't hesitate to ask

Cheers

reference: whrl.pl/RL2GH
posted 2006-Jan-25, 7:00 pm AEST

Gave up on mine today. Took it back to Aldi and got a refund. Sick of messing around trying to get everything to work properly. Couldn't get the HD to work without a colour shift, and when using Showshifter the remote doesn't work. Why pay for something that only parts of work? I suppose it was a pretty well featured card, but I wanted it for use in a HTPC and HD not working was a real negative. Also, the analogue s-video capture (another thing I wanted it for) didn't seem towant to work either.

reference: whrl.pl/RMPAH
posted 2006-Feb-12, 9:29 am AEST

Hello everyone -- This is a very interesting product.

I purchased my DVBT-220RF unit when released in Jan 2006 at 9am! The card is a generic HDTV card as per support contact. The s/w seems to have some difficulties but the overall concept is good for my requirements. I would appreciate any directions or hints re driving the s/w: 1. After scanning for digital or analogue channels have not figured out how to save this information. I have to re-scan every time I turn ON the system and s/w. 2. If I do not turn OFF my antivirus (Norton) software the system locks up within minutes after enabling the tuner card and s/w. (NOW, I only do this when I am OffLine but not a 100% fix). 3. It has been suggested to me to look elsewhere for other driver s/w for the DVBT-220RF card. If the Taiwanese supplier/manuf of the card does not provide an update, has anyone found a successful product for this purpose.

As for reception via the card: Excellent on DTV and similar to AnalogueTV receiver using 10year old antenna mounted in the roof in a marginal area on the Mornington Peninsula. I have changed all the BelingLee connectors over to F-Type and with moderately good coax (not the quad shielded type) this investment in time and minimal cost has been good and it has given me about 3dB (RF) of improvement (on ATV, where I had snow I now only have screen noise).

As for Jaycar, they appear to sell the very same product for $199, therefore the Aldi price--NOT BAD! Can anyone confirm that the driver s/w is the same as provided with the Aldi/Tevion unit?

Thanks for the opportunity for putting further discussion into this topic. Cheers, Poppy

reference: whrl.pl/RMTh5
posted 2006-Feb-13, 9:40 am AEST

PeterM writes...

By the way - ALDI has a very generous return policy. You can buy the product and if you are not 100% satisfied you can return it for a full refund. All you have to do is keep the receipt and everything including box/packaging.


Have posted a number posts here about the external USB unit which I sold to a friend. I was quite happy with it, but he reported now that since he installed the unit he experiences a lot of freezes and will return the unit to ALDI. Also videos he captures he cannot save because his laptop crashes each time.

Have bought the internal PCI card on Saturday and tried it over the weekend. Digital TV is very good, was able to receive ABC with the supplied mini antenna and ABC and 10 with a cheap dual-telescopic. Analogue TV reception is very snowy at my house, but the digital came in crystal clear.

However, was not able to receive analogue TV at all and captured video has a problem with crackling noises that overlays the captured sound. Captured video is basically not usable because of bad sound.

The software that comes with the PCI unit is shocking. (The software with the external USB unit seems to be a big plus point, it is very good!)

I'm not the guy who likes to fiddle for days and try and make things work by finding and installing 3rd party software. If it does not work out of the box I rather get rid of it. Will now return the unit to ALDI for a refund and revert to my Leadtek DV2000.

I'm mostly using the TV Tuner card to convert VHS to DVD and occasionally watching the news on my PC. My old DV2000 is great for that. Would have been nice to add digital TV, but this ALDI unit (especially the software) has just too many bugs.

In my posts above I talked quite positively about the external unit but now it looks like I should have tested the unit more carefully before talking about it. Now I would not recommend neither the external nor the internal unit ALDI TV Tuner.

reference: whrl.pl/RMYXG
posted 2006-Feb-14, 6:49 pm AEST

After a full day to Trial and Errors—Following on from my questions and comments above, here are some Successful bits and Hints to share with you re the PC card (I’m using XP2000 Prof):
1. Saving scanned channels: Exit the application Software (Hypermedia) before the PC locks up.
2. To prevent LOCK UP: Turn OFF the Modem or disconnect the network (Ethernet) connection, turn OFF your screen saver.
3. I really recommend this: Remove the application (Hypermedia) using Microsoft's “add or remove software”! Then (as above) Turn OFF the Modem or disconnect the network (Ethernet) connection, turn OFF your screen saver. Then install the Driver and HyperMedia again.

Have your antenna connected and you will probably not return that PC tuner card to ALDI.
After all this I found that we enjoyed scanning the Digital TV channels and Digital Radio.

DO NOT FORGET: When you next boot (using your modem) up, Turn ON your antivirus S/W !!!!!!!
Good Luck to you, Poppy

reference: whrl.pl/RM0pI
posted 2006-Feb-15, 9:44 am AEST

poppysmurf06 writes...

After a full day to Trial and Error
Have your antenna connected and you will probably not return that PC tuner card to ALDI.
DO NOT FORGET: When you next boot (using your modem) up, Turn ON your antivirus S/W !!!!!!!

LOL good effort, mate. Just imagine all hardware/software would be like that: Switch off your printer before you open Word. Do not update your virus scanner when your camera is connected. Before you open email close your web browser. Because otherwise you'll get a blue screen.

No mate, too complicated.

If a product does not work properly (that's hardware *and* software) I'm not going to waste my time with it. I'm sure there is a nice analog/digital tuner with proper software waiting for me somewhere, I just have to find it. The current ALDI card is not it. Until then I'll use my trusty DV2000.

If the manufacturers knew that they get their buggy products thrown back at them they would not try selling buggy products anymore.

reference: whrl.pl/RM0zB
posted 2006-Feb-15, 10:55 am AEST

poppysmurf06 writes...

After a full day to Trial and Errors—Following on from my questions and comments above, here are some Successful bits and Hints to share with you re the PC card (I’m using XP2000 Prof):
1. Saving scanned channels: Exit the application Software (Hypermedia) before the PC locks up.
2. To prevent LOCK UP: Turn OFF the Modem or disconnect the network (Ethernet) connection, turn OFF your screen saver.
3. I really recommend this: Remove the application (Hypermedia) using Microsoft's “add or remove software”! Then (as above) Turn OFF the Modem or disconnect the network (Ethernet) connection, turn OFF your screen saver. Then install the Driver and HyperMedia again.

I think you just have an IRQ issue with your computer the symptoms you describe are relatively obvious to me.

I think you found a nice but complicated way to work around the issue...

The best way would have been to move the card to another slot on your mother board and/or try to force the IRQ assignment from the bios...

But hey as long as it's working...

reference: whrl.pl/RM6m2
posted 2006-Feb-17, 11:26 am AEST

Hello S891960
Thanks for the insight re IRQ. Sounds good. Yes the procedure that I found did locate the two "mechanisms" that gave me difficulties. Now to take it to the next step--get it at the source.

Even from the start, the product did not seem that impossible, as the chipset had a lot going for it. So I decided to get on top of my $99 investment. AND generally the Aldi electrical products have been good. Comments around work from others who have purchased their electronic products have been satisfied, so I concluded that this product shouldnt be all that bad either. Now as you suggest, if it is a system issue, IRQ, then hopfully I will conclude with "jolly good".
Cheers and thanks for the reply, Poppy

reference: whrl.pl/RPjjt
edited 2006-Apr-8, 10:41 pm AEST
posted 2006-Apr-8, 12:57 am AEST (edited 2006-Apr-8, 10:41 pm AEST)

S891960 writes...

Concerning the radio you have to open hypermedia, go to the analogic tv and there on the control pannel you have a button with a FM on it. If click this one you'll have the radio. You then need to set the frequencies by hand using the button with a hand holding a pen... Once done open the pannel to the left and you'll get the list of the channel you've set

I cant get the radio working on this DVBT-220RF card, the help file is useless, not much information there.
I updated the drivers to v1.3.3.1_060301 and Hypermedia to hypermedia_patch_dvbt220_v1.1.0.2_­ 060309_english and still cant work it out ???

Here's a screenie of hypermedia and picture while running normal digital, what do I click on to fire up FM radio (I have connected the radio arial)

users.bigpond.net.au/firthys/tv.jpg

EDIT: ok, worked it out...you gotta go into the analogue tv bit, then the FM button appears, that suxs!
Is the other software mentioned above work better, digitalwatch I think? Is it easy to setup?

reference: whrl.pl/RPnMi
posted 2006-Apr-10, 5:21 am AEST

FiЯthY writes...

I cant get the radio working on this DVBT-220RF card...

ok, worked it out...you gotta go into the analogue tv bit, then the FM button appears, that suxs!

It's nice when people make questions and answers :p