HD PVR recommendation

[valnar]

I'm going to jump on board the Hauppauge HD-PVR train (a few years too late) so I can record more of my HD channels in almost 1080 glory. Is there a particular model, generation, serial number range or other specifics I need to look out for? Are the latest I can find okay, or is something older better?

I want to avoid as many of the hangup and overheating I've been reading about.

[Evil_Attorney]

At this point, I think the original HD-PVR 1212 is the most reliable. You just need to understand how to install the drivers properly. I've been running mine for many years without significant issues (except for the AC adapters dying, but I think they fixed those on newer versions).

The Colossus appears to be hit-or-miss. A few people seem to have it working ok, but a number of others seem to still have glitches.

The new HD-PVR 2 1512 has issues with watching live TV on Extenders like the HD300, but I'm hopeful that improvements with the drivers will fix this in the future.

[valnar]

Originally Posted by Evil_Attorney

At this point, I think the original HD-PVR 1212 is the most reliable. You just need to understand how to install the drivers properly.

I'll pick one up. Looking now....

[MattHelm]

And adding a small fan is EASY, as long as it's not in a "kid" area.

[Evil_Attorney]

Originally Posted by MattHelm

And adding a small fan is EASY, as long as it's not in a "kid" area.

I don't think a fan is necessary with the 1212. I simply popped the covers off and have not had any overheating issues (and it can get hot here in SoCal in the summer).

[MattHelm]

I added the fan, as I'm a firm believer in the 10 degree rule. Plus I really, really, really, really, really, really, really wanted to rip those STUPID LEDs out.

[KryptoNyte]

Which LED's, Matt?

[wayner]

I imagine the LEDs that are bright blue while recording. All of my equipment is in my "server room" so it doesn't bother me but I can see how it would be annoying if it was beside or under your TV.

[KryptoNyte]

Originally Posted by wayner

I imagine the LEDs that are bright blue while recording. All of my equipment is in my "server room" so it doesn't bother me but I can see how it would be annoying if it was beside or under your TV.

Yeah, that's probably true.

I usually just throw a piece of electrical tape over them. Two pieces if I don't want any light coming through at all.

[MattHelm]

Originally Posted by KryptoNyte

Yeah, that's probably true.

I usually just throw a piece of electrical tape over them. Two pieces if I don't want any light coming through at all.

Yes, but the fan fits in the hole in the "light pipe" perfect, if you remove the LEDs.

Plus I'm really getting tired of over bright LEDs in devices that may be install in a living room or bed room.

[wayner]

Originally Posted by MattHelm

Plus I'm really getting tired of over bright LEDs in devices that may be install in a living room or bed room.

Exactly - blue LEDs are the worst culprits. I also find pretty much all clock radios that don't have red LEDs to be distracting as you will have it adjacent to your bed and likely only a few feet from your head.