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Hauppauge HD PVR High Definition Video Recorder

  • Price: $179.99
  • Instant Savings: -$6.00
  • Offer ends MAY 28 '12
  • You Pay: $173.99
  • B&H # HA1212
  • Mfr# 1212

Product Highlights

  • Records HD Video & TV Shows to PC
  • Real-time AVCHD Recordings Up to 1080i
  • Built-in IR Blaster Changes Channels
  • Records Video Game Play
  • Supports Windows Media Center
  • Transfer Old Videos onto Blu-ray

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The HD PVR High Definition Video Recorder from Hauppauge is an external USB 2.0 device that is designed to capture high-definition analog video. Ideal for owners of set-top DVRs, the device acts as a bridge between the programs recorded on these devices and a computer. Software for Windows is included.

Convert HD and SD video stored on a set-top DVR to a digital format that can be stored on your computer's hard drive
Features S-Video, composite video, and component video input
Component video output and optical audio output allow the device to act as a pass-through between your DVR and television
Records video in high-quality H.264 format, at bitrates of up to 13.5Mbps, suitable for burning to Blu-ray disc
Supports NTSC, PAL, and SECAM video
Includes built-in IR blaster; You can even use your set top box remote
Device Type USB 2.0
AV Formats
Video System NTSC: 720p60, 1080i60, 480i60, 480p60
PAL: 720p50, 1080i50, 576p50, 576i50, 480p50, 480i50
Codec Records SD or HD video to choice of three H.264 formats:

  • .TS - a generic 'transport stream' compatible with many digital media players
  • .M2TS - compatible with Sony Playstation3
  • .MP4 - compatible with the XBox360
Aspect Ratio 4:3, 16:9
Audio Formats Stereo, Dolby Digital
AC-3 Encoding
Tuner
TV None
FM None
DTV None
TV Options
Time Shift Not Applicable
Closed Caption Support Not Applicable
Channel Preview Not Applicable
Connectors
TV Input None
Video Input
1x S-Video
1x RCA Composite
1x RCA Component

Output
1x RCA Component
Audio Input
1x RCA Stereo
1x Optical S/PDIF

Output
1x RCA Stereo
1x Optical S/PDIF
General
Agency Certifications None
System Requirements Computer: Dual-Core CPU 2.0GHz or faster
Operating System: Windows 7 (32- and 64-bit), XP SP2, Vista (32-bit)
Display Card: 256MB RAM
Hardware: Sound Card, CD-ROM drive
Dimensions (WxHxD) 7.8 x 2.8 x 6.8" (19.8 x 7 x 17.3 cm)
Weight 1.2 lbs (0.54kg)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
HauppaugeHD PVR High Definition Video Recorder
 
4.3

(based on 36 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (19)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (13)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (3)

91%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Easy to use (23)
  • Easy to install (20)
  • Reliable (16)
  • Good graphics quality (12)
  • Fast recording (9)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Gaming (15)
    • Multimedia (14)
    • Movies (13)
    • Everyday (12)
    • Archiving TV shows (6)
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Power user (14), Casual user (10), Gamer (7), Enthusiast (6), Graphic designer (3)
      • Primary use:
      • Personal (10)

    Most Liked Positive Review

     

    The Only Way to Record TV in HD

    The Hauppauge HD-PVR is the only way to record high definition television broadcasts in high definition. For this reason, it's a one of a kind product.

    The Hauppauge acts as a pass-t...Read complete review

    The Hauppauge HD-PVR is the only way to record high definition television broadcasts in high definition. For this reason, it's a one of a kind product.

    The Hauppauge acts as a pass-through of 1080i video (the highest possible resolution broadcast) and and high-definition audio. Because the inputs are analog, and its output is analog, the encryption schemes used by broadcasters is a non-issue. You run the stream to your computer via a standard USB 2.0 cable.

    It works well. The software is a little buggy, but it is stable and records fine in 1080i (1440 at 4:3 x 1080), with 5:1 surround sound. I am using it with SageTV, which has buggy issues of its own, but together, I am recording HD broadcasts in 1080i at 12MBps on a netbook with an attached external drive connected via USB 2.0. I was concerned the netbook would not be powerful enough to record high def streams, but it works great. No dropped frames.

    I recommend installing a codec pack. I use the K-Lite Mega pack, which has everything I need to record and play the files in Windows XP. In the SageTV software, you can select the codec pack to do the encoding of video and audio rather than the SageTV codecs. The results are much easier to play back, and they can be edited in Handbrake.

    For example, you can record a show, use Handbrake to cut the commercials, stitch the rips together in Handbrake, and output a new (clean) .ts file. From there, you can encode in Handbrake to MP4s.

    For example, on my netbook, I can use Sharktooth's settings (do a Google search), set the settings to 1280x720 resolution (loose), in a 2000kbps 2-pass encode, and the result will be a ~2GB high-definition file with HD sound that is 100% playable on an Atom 230 netbook, provided you use a codec pack like the K-Lite with efficient codecs in it.

    I also use the PS3 Media Server (do a Google search for it) to stream my movies and shows to my PS3, which doubles as a media streamer to my TV.

    All of this is doable with a netbook, external hard drive, the Hauppauge HD-PVR, PS3 Media Streamer, the PS3, and some cables. :)

    I also use SageTV, which is great for scheduling shows ahead. BTW, if you use SageTV, remember to reset the encoding for the video and audio from the defaults to the more advanced codecs in a codec pack.

    BTW, the Hauppauge does NOT come with a TOSLINK (S/PDIF) cable, and so you will need to get one. I cannot recall whether it comes with a USB 2.0 (USB-A to USB-B) cable, so you may need to get one of those, too.

    In short, the Hauppauge is awesome. Enjoy!

    VS

    Most Liked Negative Review

     

    Epic Fail!

    It's simple to plug in, install the software and start recording .. but there's a good chance that the video you end up with will be riddled with random gaps where the PVR dropped ...Read complete review

    It's simple to plug in, install the software and start recording .. but there's a good chance that the video you end up with will be riddled with random gaps where the PVR dropped out for a few seconds before continuing to record.

    Also the next time you plug in to record you may be confronted with the dreaded "device already in use" error that seems to be all over the support forums. The solution to this seem to be rebooting everything, crossing your fingers, standing on one leg and hoping while you turn everything back on in a specific order.

    I bought the Hauppauge HD PVR on recommendation from others, but I wouldn't recommend it myself at all. From what I've seen and read on the internet it seems like you've got a 50/50 chance of being able to successfully record with this product. If, like me, you're in the unlucky 50% then there's no solution and it's bad luck to be you. :(

    Reviewed by 36 customers

    Sort by

    Displaying reviews 1-20

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    Previous | Next »

     
    4.0

    Easy and Fast

    By Mike from Brooklyn

    from Brooklyn

    About Me Casual User

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Easy To Install
    • Easy To Use
    • Good Graphics Quality
    • Reliable Performance

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Everyday use
      • Multimedia

      Comments about Hauppauge HD PVR High Definition Video Recorder:

      The device connected quickly and easily. You can watch what you're recording on your PC's monitor, and supposedly you can connect the box to the TV so you can monitor it using the TV as well. I haven't tried that yet, for what it's worth.

      All connections are the R-G-B variety, no HDMI.

      Recording to your monitor is a snap, and editing the video clips in Adobe Premiere Elements is easy too. The device comes with some editing software, I believe, but I was going to use Adobe all along, so I can't speak to what else the device's software can do.

      Anyway, it's a great way to back up your DVR's recordings so that you can free up more space to record more stuff. Highly recommended.

      Share this review

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      The best capture card

      By Artur

      from Brasil, Santa Catarina

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Easy To Install
      • Easy To Use
      • Good Graphics Quality
      • Reliable Performance

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Gaming

        Comments about Hauppauge HD PVR High Definition Video Recorder:

        I will use Hauppage HD PVR 1212 to record videos to Youtube. This capture card, in my opinion is the best today, because with it you can record in HD. This capture card is just perfect!

        Share this review

         
        4.0

        HD PVR

        By Alec

        from New Jersey

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Easy To Use
        • Good Graphics Quality

        Cons

        • Unreliable Performance

        Best Uses

        • Everyday use
        • Movies

        Comments about Hauppauge HD PVR High Definition Video Recorder:

        I purchased the HD PVR for a MythTV setup.

        In terms of video recording, this product is great. The video quality is excellent - even though it goes through analog component cables, I couldn't tell the difference between live TV and recording. The hardware video encoding is also great because it saves processing power and disk space.

        I give it 4 stars because the device is not very robust - in certain cases it has a tendency to lock up. (And when it locks up, the only way to reset it is to turn it off and on - even restarting the computer does not help.) MythTV avoids these cases when recording video. Unfortunately, as I've found out, the infrared receiver can cause this, and once I disabled it, so far I had not had any more lock-ups. (There are no problems with the IR blaster, just the receiver.)

        But overall, it's a pretty decent product.

        Share this review

        (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Amazing Product

        By Henry

        from Glen Burnie, MD

        About Me Gamer, Graphic designer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Easy To Install
        • Easy To Use
        • Good Graphics Quality
        • Reliable Performance

        Cons

          Best Uses

            Comments about Hauppauge HD PVR High Definition Video Recorder:

            You wont regret buying this product its amazing

            Share this review

             
            5.0

            Fantastic quality and easy to use

            By Dan

            from Grand Rapids, MI

            About Me Casual User, Gamer

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Easy To Install
            • Easy To Use

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Gaming

              Comments about Hauppauge HD PVR High Definition Video Recorder:

              The HD PVR couldn't be any easier. I had it physically set up in my entertainment center within 10 minutes and was recording immediately after installing the software. Fantastic!

              Share this review

               
              5.0

              As planned

              By Gilles

              from montreal, Quebec

              About Me Casual User

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Easy To Install
              • Easy To Use
              • Reliable Performance

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Everyday use

                Comments about Hauppauge HD PVR High Definition Video Recorder:

                Works exactly as planned

                Share this review

                (2 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                5.0

                Don't judge a book by its cover

                By jim

                from VIRGINIA USA

                About Me Casual User, Gamer, Graphic designer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Easy To Install
                • Easy To Use
                • Good Graphics Quality
                • Reliable Performance

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Gaming
                  • Graphic Design
                  • Movies
                  • Multimedia

                  Comments about Hauppauge HD PVR High Definition Video Recorder:

                  and I like everything that comes in the box
                  but it would be much better if you have an HDMI input

                  Share this review

                  (2 of 26 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  1.0

                  HD PVR

                  By bg

                  from Mississauga, Canada

                  Comments about Hauppauge HD PVR High Definition Video Recorder:

                  Require a computer to operate, what you getting
                  is propably few wires inside 0.5 lb weight.
                  Has no hard drive inside, useless.

                  Share this review

                  (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  5.0

                  My 2nd HD PVR

                  By The IT Guy

                  from Chicago, IL

                  About Me Power user

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Easy To Install
                  • Easy To Use
                  • Good Graphics Quality
                  • Reliable Performance
                  • See elapse recoding time
                  • Setting record duration

                  Cons

                  • NONE

                  Best Uses

                  • Gaming
                  • Movies
                  • Multimedia

                  Comments about Hauppauge HD PVR High Definition Video Recorder:

                  Great for capturing shows from my DVR to my PC to free up storage space. I can then play it back from my PS3. My 2nd HD PVR is used for capturing video from my home VHS tapes to my PC for editing, burning to DVD and playback on my PS3.

                  Share this review

                   
                  4.0

                  HD PVR USB Video Capture Device by Haupp

                  By Jillie Bean

                  from Salt Lake City, Utah

                  About Me Casual User, Cinephile, Gamer, Graphic designer, Power user

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Easy To Install
                  • Easy To Use
                  • Good Graphics Quality
                  • Reliable Performance

                  Cons

                  • Need additional cable

                  Best Uses

                  • Everyday use
                  • Gaming
                  • Graphic Design
                  • Movies
                  • Multimedia
                  • Very convenient

                  Comments about Hauppauge HD PVR High Definition Video Recorder:

                  My family loves this item! It is FABULOUS! The only reason that I did not give it 5 stars is because we had to purchase additional cabels. This company offers the cables as "suggested item" to purchase along with the HD PVR; however, it was not clear that it is needed for this product.

                  We love the product and use it everyday. BUY IT! You will be delighted that you have added this item to your electronic collection.

                  Share this review

                   
                  5.0

                  Grear Job

                  By yby manic

                  from Huntsville AL

                  About Me Gamer

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Easy To Install
                  • Easy To Use
                  • Good Graphics Quality
                  • Reliable Performance
                  • Totally awesome

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Everyday use
                    • Gaming
                    • Graphic Design
                    • Movies
                    • Multimedia
                    • Outside uses

                    Comments about Hauppauge HD PVR High Definition Video Recorder:

                    [...] My HD PVR works great esay to follow setup. I will be making more purchases useing your site. My son was the happiest and most suprised twelve year old I have ever seen and I have had alot of them with seven sons over my life time. Thank you for being there when I need you. BEST REGARDS Charles Turner P.S. My son my wife and myself have recommended you to twenty seven people already and will be doing a whole more.

                    Share this review

                     
                    4.0

                    Amazing!

                    By Tony

                    from Orange, ca

                    About Me Gamer

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Easy To Install
                    • Easy To Use
                    • Good Graphics Quality
                    • Reliable Performance

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Gaming

                      Comments about Hauppauge HD PVR High Definition Video Recorder:

                      This product does what the description says.

                      Share this review

                       
                      5.0

                      Great buy

                      By Buck

                      from Las Vegas

                      About Me Professional

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Easy To Install
                      • Easy To Use
                      • Good Graphics Quality
                      • Reliable Performance

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Everyday use
                        • Gaming
                        • Movies
                        • Multimedia

                        Comments about Hauppauge HD PVR High Definition Video Recorder:

                        So far, works as advertised.

                        Share this review

                         
                        4.0

                        NiceProduct,Overall..with some annoyance

                        By aphtk

                        from Rockville, MD

                        About Me Casual User, Gamer, Power user

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Easy To Install
                        • Easy To Use
                        • Good Graphics Quality

                        Cons

                        • Unreliable Performance

                        Best Uses

                        • Everyday use
                        • Movies
                        • Multimedia

                        Comments about Hauppauge HD PVR High Definition Video Recorder:

                        I have had this for a few weeks not and I am liking it.
                        Pros:
                        - HD quality recording is nice (720p haven't tried 1080i)
                        - I can control it in MythTV is nice. Although MythTV is buggy and for some reason I need to keep setting up MythBackend every time I restart Ubuntu. MythTV frontend allows me to stream to other machines and control the PVR
                        - Integration with Win 7 MCE is awesome..I use the remote to control my Comcast cable box
                        - Documents and drivers on Hauppauge site a complete and easy to follow

                        Cons:
                        - Need to restart at times
                        - IR blaster just stops working
                        - MCE sometimes returns "Tuner already in use" error
                        For all these to go away, need to restart windows and HD PVR
                        - I haven't been able to integrate it wil VLC which would be awesome because of VLC's streaming capabilities

                        * MythTV frontend playback is choppy on remote machines, which may or may not be Hauppauge HD PVR fault.

                        HTH

                        Share this review

                         
                        4.0

                        Works good as a video recorder ...

                        By swans

                        from Mobile, AL

                        About Me Professional

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Easy To Install
                        • Easy To Use
                        • Good Graphics Quality
                        • Reliable Performance

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Gaming
                          • Movies
                          • Multimedia
                          • Sporting events

                          Comments about Hauppauge HD PVR High Definition Video Recorder:

                          that captures audio and video and records it to your PC. The item captures 1080i video via component cables and digital audio via optical cable. The software that comes with it needs to be upgraded. Even when upgraded the ArcSoft editing and publishing tools are limited.

                          Share this review

                          (5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

                           
                          5.0

                          The Only Way to Record TV in HD

                          By sir scrapalot

                          from Somewhere Fun, USA

                          About Me Enthusiast

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Attractive Design
                          • Fast Recording
                          • Simple Controls

                          Cons

                          • Confusing Setup

                          Best Uses

                          • Archiving TV Shows
                          • Home
                          • Movies

                          Comments about Hauppauge HD PVR High Definition Video Recorder:

                          The Hauppauge HD-PVR is the only way to record high definition television broadcasts in high definition. For this reason, it's a one of a kind product.

                          The Hauppauge acts as a pass-through of 1080i video (the highest possible resolution broadcast) and and high-definition audio. Because the inputs are analog, and its output is analog, the encryption schemes used by broadcasters is a non-issue. You run the stream to your computer via a standard USB 2.0 cable.

                          It works well. The software is a little buggy, but it is stable and records fine in 1080i (1440 at 4:3 x 1080), with 5:1 surround sound. I am using it with SageTV, which has buggy issues of its own, but together, I am recording HD broadcasts in 1080i at 12MBps on a netbook with an attached external drive connected via USB 2.0. I was concerned the netbook would not be powerful enough to record high def streams, but it works great. No dropped frames.

                          I recommend installing a codec pack. I use the K-Lite Mega pack, which has everything I need to record and play the files in Windows XP. In the SageTV software, you can select the codec pack to do the encoding of video and audio rather than the SageTV codecs. The results are much easier to play back, and they can be edited in Handbrake.

                          For example, you can record a show, use Handbrake to cut the commercials, stitch the rips together in Handbrake, and output a new (clean) .ts file. From there, you can encode in Handbrake to MP4s.

                          For example, on my netbook, I can use Sharktooth's settings (do a Google search), set the settings to 1280x720 resolution (loose), in a 2000kbps 2-pass encode, and the result will be a ~2GB high-definition file with HD sound that is 100% playable on an Atom 230 netbook, provided you use a codec pack like the K-Lite with efficient codecs in it.

                          I also use the PS3 Media Server (do a Google search for it) to stream my movies and shows to my PS3, which doubles as a media streamer to my TV.

                          All of this is doable with a netbook, external hard drive, the Hauppauge HD-PVR, PS3 Media Streamer, the PS3, and some cables. :)

                          I also use SageTV, which is great for scheduling shows ahead. BTW, if you use SageTV, remember to reset the encoding for the video and audio from the defaults to the more advanced codecs in a codec pack.

                          BTW, the Hauppauge does NOT come with a TOSLINK (S/PDIF) cable, and so you will need to get one. I cannot recall whether it comes with a USB 2.0 (USB-A to USB-B) cable, so you may need to get one of those, too.

                          In short, the Hauppauge is awesome. Enjoy!

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

                          (0 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

                           
                          1.0

                          Epic Fail!

                          By Twist

                          from Perth, Australia

                          About Me Enthusiast

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Fast Recording
                          • Fast Setup
                          • Simple Controls

                          Cons

                          • Frequent random dropouts
                          • Unreliable

                          Best Uses

                          • Archiving TV Shows
                          • Movies

                          Comments about Hauppauge HD PVR High Definition Video Recorder:

                          It's simple to plug in, install the software and start recording .. but there's a good chance that the video you end up with will be riddled with random gaps where the PVR dropped out for a few seconds before continuing to record.

                          Also the next time you plug in to record you may be confronted with the dreaded "device already in use" error that seems to be all over the support forums. The solution to this seem to be rebooting everything, crossing your fingers, standing on one leg and hoping while you turn everything back on in a specific order.

                          I bought the Hauppauge HD PVR on recommendation from others, but I wouldn't recommend it myself at all. From what I've seen and read on the internet it seems like you've got a 50/50 chance of being able to successfully record with this product. If, like me, you're in the unlucky 50% then there's no solution and it's bad luck to be you. :(

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

                          (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                           
                          5.0

                          Buying This Product Was A Great Choice!

                          By Vlador

                          from Tampa, FL

                          About Me Enthusiast

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Attractive Design
                          • Fast Recording
                          • Fast Setup
                          • HD Recording
                          • Simple Controls

                          Cons

                          • Extra Cable Clutter

                          Best Uses

                          • Game Play Capture

                          Comments about Hauppauge HD PVR High Definition Video Recorder:

                          I use the HPVR for X-Box 360 gameplay capturing and it works great! With a click of a button I can record up to 1080p HD. The files are easy to manage and easy to post them on Youtube or Machinima. This is a great product if you want to record some of your best gameplay.At first I thought the HD PVR wouldn't have as good of a quality as the Blackmagic Intensity Pro, but I am happy to say that this product was exactly what I was looking for.

                          Share this review

                           
                          5.0

                          Awesome video quality

                          By mtisza

                          from VA

                          About Me Power User

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Fast Recording
                          • Fast Setup

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                            • Archiving TV Shows
                            • Home
                            • Movies

                            Comments about Hauppauge HD PVR High Definition Video Recorder:

                            I use it as part of my SageTV setup. I've got it hooked up to a Verizon FIOS HD STB.
                            The channel changing in this setup is slow, but I practically never watch live TV. Also I'm not sur ethe slow channel changing is due in any part to this device.

                            Share this review

                             
                            4.0

                            Does the job, Wish it was better

                            By Zeus Fonsi

                            from Boston, MA

                            About Me Power User

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Fast Setup
                            • Simple Controls

                            Cons

                            • Marginal software bundle
                            • No configuration in MCE

                            Best Uses

                            • Archiving TV Shows

                            Comments about Hauppauge HD PVR High Definition Video Recorder:

                            I bought this after researching that it would work as a tuner with MCE. I'm using it with no pass-through, so I can't comment on that.

                            The beta drivers worked fine for me, as well as the IR blaster and channel changer. The captures are saved as a wtv container, which makes it a real pain to post-process. The bundled software is the usual half-useful package, but I presume it works for most people. As configured (mce tuner), there is little to no configuration options for the output file bitrate and/or sound formats. the activity blue LED is truly unnecessary. A simple red LED would have been better.

                            Share this review

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                            What's in the Box

                            Hauppauge HD PVR High Definition Video Recorder
                            • IR Blaster Transmitter Cable
                            • Component Video Cable Set
                            • Audio Cable Set
                            • USB Cable Set
                            • 5V Power Supply
                            • 1-Year Limited Warranty
                             
                             
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