When you are shopping for an HTPC tuner, it is best to comparison shop so you can find the best tuner that is right for you. Don’t always shop for the lowest priced items or you will compromise the quality of television you get. The best ways to comparison shop for an HTPC tuner is by the operating system, type of card, signal, and the price.
The operating system you are using is very important when you are looking for an HTPC tuner. Always consider the compatibility with the operating system. If you find a tuner you like, be sure it will work with the computer you are using.
Always read reviews from users with different operating systems as well. One tuner might work well with one operating system and poorly for yours. For example, if you are using a Linux operating system, it is a good idea to Google first if this particular TV tuner has Linux drivers and what have been the experiences by others.
| TV Tuner | Price | Interface | Amazon Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asus My Cinema-PHC3-150 | $94.51 | PCI | 4.0 (1 review) |
| Hauppauge WinTV HVR-1250 | $49.99 | PCI | 4.0 (75 reviews) |
| Hauppauge HVR-1600 | $109.23 | PCI | 5.0 (2 reviews) |
| Pinnacle PCTV HD | $80.55 | PCI | 5.0 (2 reviews) |
| ATI Technologies HD-TV Wonder | $144.99 | PCI | 2.63 (63 reviews) |
| Ceton InfiniTV 4 | $269.00 | PCI-e | 4.50 (111 reviews) |
| Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-2250 | $114.21 | PCI-e | 3.91 (46 reviews) |
| Avertv HD Duet | $63.46 | PCI-e | 3.68 (31 reviews) |
| ATI TV Wonder HD 650 Combo | $64.95 | PCI-e | 3.73 (22 reviews) |
| Asus My Cinema | $87.10 | PCI-e | N/A |
| Avertv Bravo Hybrid | $47.99 | PCI-e | 3.56 (9 reviews) |
| EyeTV Hybrid (2010) for Mac & PC | $143.99 | USB | 4.0 (8 reviews) |
| Ceton InfiniTV 4 | $269.00 | USB | 3.50 (13 reviews) |
| Avertv Hybrid Volar Max | $50.99 | USB | 4.19 (21 reviews) |
| Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-950Q | $74.20 | USB | 3.38 (170 reviews) |
| Hauppauge WinTV HVR-850 | $49.99 | USB | 3.53 (58 reviews) |
| PCTV HD Pro Stick | $94.99 | USB | 2.82 (56 reviews) |
| Diamond ATI Theater HD 750 | $54.99 | USB | 3.70 (20 reviews) |
Once you have figured out your need for a tuner card, you will be able to shop by price. Never choose a tuner card because of the price without looking at the specs. Once your needs are determined and you have found a card that is right for you, you can shop around the web to find the best price on the tuner card. Expect to pay approximately $50-$100 for a tuner card ($300 for a premium card such as Ceton InfiniTV 4).
Finding the tuner card that is right for you can be difficult. Be sure you find the right one that fits your needs. For example, do you need multiple TV tuners and do you need internal PCI-e or external USB tuner?
Also, always read user reviews before you make a final decision. This will help you find a high quality tuner card that works best with your computer.
Once you have found your favorite TV tuner, have a look at my guide to get live TV working with your XBMC media center.