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Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-850 USB TV Tuner
The WinTV-HVR-850 USB TV Tuner from Hauppauge is an external USB TV tuner for Windows systems. It can handle analog NTSC signals, as well as digital ATSC signals, which are often broadcast in 1080i HD.
- Tunes analog SD (NTSC) and digital HD (ATSC) TV signals
- USB 2.0 interface
- Portable antenna is included
- PVR software for Windows is included
| Device Type | USB 2.0 |
| AV Formats | |
|---|---|
| Video System | ATSC, NTSC |
| Video Formats | SD, HD |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:3, 16:9 |
| Audio Formats | Stereo |
| Tuner | |
|---|---|
| TV | NTSC |
| FM | None |
| DTV | ATSC |
| TV Options | |
|---|---|
| Time Shift | Yes |
| Closed Caption Support | No |
| Channel Preview | No |
| Connectors | |
|---|---|
| TV Input | 1x RF |
| Video | None |
| Audio | None |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Agency Certifications | FCC |
| System Requirements |
Computer: 2.2GHz Pentium 4 or 1.8GHz Centrino; 2.8GHz Pentium 4 or Core Duo for analog recording with MPEG-2 Operating System: Windows XP SP2, Vista Memory: 64MB Hardware: USB 2.0, CD-ROM drive |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Weight | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 13 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
85%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to install (12)
- Easy to use (9)
- Reliable (7)
- Quality output (5)
- Good graphics quality (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday (11)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual user (9), Power user (3)
- Primary use:
- Personal (7)
Most Liked Positive Review
Great TV Tuner
I use this everyday and use it as my DVR. I don't use it's software as it lags but I use Windows Media Center, and works really great with that. Guide looks up to...Read complete review
I use this everyday and use it as my DVR. I don't use it's software as it lags but I use Windows Media Center, and works really great with that. Guide looks up to 2 weeks in advance so you can schedule a recording in advance. I have it connected to cable, you can buy this one as this one should be cheaper than the 950q, just update the drivers so it can grab the digital channels as of the change the old drivers would not pick up channels until the update. Bought this on 2008 black friday for [$]and was the last one. On performance, it performes really good, have not missed a program with this tuner, picks up all the cable channels and no lags.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Good Produce
This TV Tuner is a good addition for a laptop computer, especially for emergency use during power outages. It works as advertised. The only downside is the software...it could be more user...Read complete review
This TV Tuner is a good addition for a laptop computer, especially for emergency use during power outages. It works as advertised. The only downside is the software...it could be more user friendly. Also, the program freezes up at times when trying to change channels.
Reviewed by 13 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-13
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Easy To Use
- Good Graphics Quality
- Reliable Performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
Comments about Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-850 USB TV Tuner:
I use this TV tuner with an old antenna and I get all the local HD and SD channels in perfect clarity. The usb extension was useful because otherwise the tuner would have used up another USB slot due to its width. I use Windows Media Center with this unit and its works great to record any show.
Pros
- Easy To Install
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
Comments about Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-850 USB TV Tuner:
Easy to install, then you can record TV show, edit etc.. see TV on your PC.
One does all in kids rooms.
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Easy To Use
- Good Graphics Quality
Cons
- Gets quite warm
- Small antenna is no good
Best Uses
- Everyday use
Comments about Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-850 USB TV Tuner:
This tuner is easy to install and use when you use Windows Media Center. Detecting the signal and channels takes a little time, but nothing I would complain to much about. The little antenna that comes with the tuner does little of nothing for me where I live, so make sure you have a cable connection or an outside antenna that's tall enough to pick up stations. I live an hour from a broadcast channel and couldn't pick it up. The picture on my laptop is excellent. I did not try to use the software that came with the tuner except to install the drivers.
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Easy To Use
- Good Graphics Quality
- Reliable Performance
Cons
- NONE
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Gaming
Comments about Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-850 USB TV Tuner:
I use it almost everyday to watch tv while i game.
The antana it comes with is very effective for its size and works as good as large rabbit ear type.
nothing bad i can say about it everything works great.
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Easy To Use
- Good Graphics Quality
- Reliable Performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
Comments about Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-850 USB TV Tuner:
When I started to investigate getting one of these I could have gotten another model, an another brand but that would've been a mistake this is a wonderful unit. I thought I might have a problem, but nooooo way, it fired up and I have been happy ever since. So if you're looking to be able to watch TV where ever you take your laptop then the Hauppauge Win TV-HVR-850 is the one, I might just get the next model up for my other unit.
OMH
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Easy To Use
- Reliable Performance
Cons
- Analog channels only
- Poor Graphics Quality
Best Uses
- Recording series
Comments about Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-850 USB TV Tuner:
I've got basic cable as in about 10 channels provided by Comcast. The tuner brings in the analog channels fine and I have recorded some programs using MS Media Center. The digital versions of the same channels did not tune in but I'm happy with the results anyway.
Pros
Cons
- Unreliable Performance
Best Uses
- Everyday use
Comments about Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-850 USB TV Tuner:
Worked better with Digital ATSC off-air than analog cable in my area. Jerky performance. Must have a CD-ROM to install. May improve with a better processor. Can't recommend with this setup for casual user.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Easy To Use
- Quality Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
Comments about Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-850 USB TV Tuner:
I bought the device to view tv while camping with my kids in the florida keys. So far, works amazingly good (bought it two days ago). Crystal clear HD quality video off of the "air" with the use of it's included antenna; however, the slightest movement of the antenna will disrupt the image. For the price, the unit is pretty well thought out. I do have computer locking up issues but have noticed that most of that takes place when the signal is low; so, I move the antenna around and it works!
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Easy To Use
- Quality Output
- Reliable Performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
Comments about Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-850 USB TV Tuner:
Very simple setup - I didn't even use the CD - I let Windows find driver. I use this with Windows Media Center (Vista).
Not so great - you might need a more robust antenna depending on your situation.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Easy To Use
- Quality Output
- Reliable Performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
Comments about Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-850 USB TV Tuner:
As is my custom I hooked the thumb-size tuner to my lap-top and home made antenna before reading the instructions and the darn thing worked. I receive most local stations even tho I'm over twenty miles from them. Well pleased!
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Install
Cons
- Poor Output Quality
Best Uses
Comments about Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-850 USB TV Tuner:
Didn't work very well for me. I couldn't receive any over the air tv stations with this product. The company said that I needed to get a better antenna than the one that came with this product. That doesn't make sense to me.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Easy To Use
- Quality Output
- Reliable Performance
Cons
- Doesn't include AV Cable
Best Uses
- DVR
- Everyday use
- Multimedia
Comments about Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-850 USB TV Tuner:
I use this everyday and use it as my DVR. I don't use it's software as it lags but I use Windows Media Center, and works really great with that. Guide looks up to 2 weeks in advance so you can schedule a recording in advance. I have it connected to cable, you can buy this one as this one should be cheaper than the 950q, just update the drivers so it can grab the digital channels as of the change the old drivers would not pick up channels until the update. Bought this on 2008 black friday for [$]and was the last one. On performance, it performes really good, have not missed a program with this tuner, picks up all the cable channels and no lags.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Quality Output
Cons
- Difficult To Use
- Unreliable Performance
Best Uses
- Emergency use
- Everyday use
Comments about Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-850 USB TV Tuner:
This TV Tuner is a good addition for a laptop computer, especially for emergency use during power outages. It works as advertised. The only downside is the software...it could be more user friendly. Also, the program freezes up at times when trying to change channels.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Displaying reviews 1-13
Cables
- Price: $11.85
What's in the Box
- USB Extension Cable
- Antenna
- Software CD-ROM
- Quick Installation Guide
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
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