Internal or external TV Turner - is one better than the other?

[GRB70]

Is there a difference in the performance, options or anything between internal or external TV tuners? I just need to be able to record two things at once, other feature I'm unsure of. External would be much better and easier on me. I assume both type come with remote controls, DVR software, etc.?

Thanks in advance

 

[ardandy]

I'd always go for internal. External relies on USB as opposed to PCIe.

Just about to get a BlackGold Freeview HD Dual tuner myself!

 

[GRB70]

OK thanks, it's just hard for me to install cards is why I asked.

ty

 

[Crunchy Doodle]

I find there is no difference in performance with internal (PCIe) tuners or external (USB and Ethernet). I have mixtures of both on various machines. I've had no trouble recording HD from six external tuners all at once via Ethernet using SiliconDust tuners.

The only external USB tuner that's worth a damn is the Hauppauge 1950 in my experience. I'm guessing the Ceton USB quad cableCARD tuner works well too. Hauppauge also has a USB dual cableCARD tuner, though I have no experience with it either.

I did once have a Hauppauge USB tuner that lost its analog side - the QAM still worked, as well as the IR remote receiver.

Bye.

 

[jonny4]

well I thought the external usb tuners don't decode the signal and rely on the cpu. If your like me and use an old cpu then the tuners that rely on your cpu may not be for you. Granted not all internal ones do it but I specifically bought the one that did.