Adaptec AVC-3610 USB 2.0 Dual TV Tuner for MCE 2005

[Suhit Gupta]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/entry/1713/adaptec_avc-3610_usb' target='_blank'>http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/entry/1713/adaptec_avc-3610_usb</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Adaptec has just released, what many might consider, the ultimate USB 2.0 TV tuner device for Windows XP MCE 2005 (via Everything USB). The AVC-3610 comes with dual MPEG-2 hardware tuner encoders (accepts Coaxial, S-Video or Composite RCA video connections), FM radio receiver, and an integrated remote control with IR blaster capabilities that lets users control their entire Windows Media Center experience, as well as, their cable or satellite TV set-top box. The AVC-3610 retails for $229 and is specifically designed for MCE 2005, but in most likelihood, the AVC-3610 will work fine with other popular PVR solutions."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/adaptec_avc-3610.jpg" /><br /><br />Wow, it really does seem like a perfect device, doesn't it? The AVC-3160 boasts dual MPEG-2 hardware encoders so you can record one show while recording another (or get some Picture-In-Picture action going), an FM encoder, and an integrated Infrared Blasters for controlling your digital cable box or satellite receiver hooked up through Coaxial, S-Video or Composite RCA (2 ports each). And yes, it has a remote.

[OSUKid7]

As many Engadget commenters have noticed, this is the same unit included with the HP Pavilion zd8000 laptop (with a much nicer remote control, I might add). It's been great for me, with only minimal problems which a restart of the Media Center program usually fixes. One thing I dislike is I'm not able to listen to the FM radio while recording one or two TV shows. That really doesn't make sense to me. Is that a restriction of the hardware or Windows XP MCE?

It'd be great if they made a 2 SD + 2 HD tuner, but I think that's asking a bit too much. I can always dream though. ;)