PC Satellite Card comparison -- terminology?

[northgeorgia]

So, I'm looking at what appears to be very similar PC based solutions: one is an internal card and the other is a USB box that connects to the computer. In particular, I'm taking a peek at the pricey TBS 5925 vs. the TBS 6925. The 6925 (internal tuner) mentions it can do CCM and Generic Stream Mode, but this is not mentioned on the USB 5925. Although I also don't understand what ACM, VCM, and Multiple Input Stream really is, I was just curious specifically as to what CCM and Generic Stream are, and what I would be "missing out" on (either theoretically or in reality) by opting for the USB model? Then a wider question: are there any ACM, VCM and M.I.S.'s on Ku-band here in North America? Unfortunately, from what I can tell with the cheaper PC solutions, they do not seem to do 16psk and may or may not do H.264.

Anyway, just throwing this out there for my education

 

[Magic Static]

And while you consider your hardware choice, do you know what software you are going to use and does it support your hardware choice?

 

[Lak7]

I have the 5925, works fine, I don't think I am missing out of anything - except a bigger dish.
As far as I know, the 5925 has exactly the same features as the 6925 - it's just a bit slower in CrazySScan.

they do not seem to do 16psk and may or may not do H.264

16apsk & h264 are 2 totally different things - h264 has nothing to do with the cards ability / features.

Keep in mind that just because the tuner is capable of locking signals, you "will" be limited by your other equipment - Dish Size and LNB Quality.
A 90cm dish is probably too small.

Also, you do not need much Computer Power to find / lock signals, and feed TSReader to see what they are.
You could then enter TP info in to a Receiver for viewing.

 

[Lone Gunman]

Also, you do not need much Computer Power to find / lock signals, and feed TSReader to see what they are.
You could then enter TP info in to a Receiver for viewing.

Forgive me for interrupting as I have a very limited knowledge of how these work. What I'd really like to know is can the PC Card take the place of the FTA receiver? And if not, why?

I've often thought about getting one but don't now enough about them to know what's what.

Thanks

 

[northgeorgia]

It's an educational thread, so ask away -- I enjoy learning about this! Just not sure what kind of setup or software I'd like to consider

By the way, am I right in thinking that a simple DVB-S USB tuner would easily play and decode any 4:2:2 feeds through VLC player?

 

[Lak7]

What I'd really like to know is can the PC Card take the place of the FTA receiver?

Yes. I have not used an STB in a long time.
Using a PC is just not as User Friendly for some things. But greatly expands your options.

Just not sure what kind of setup or software I'd like to consider

Most software is Free or Cheap - DVBViewer is around $50 - it makes your PC like an STB.
CrazyScan is Free - "kinda" like a Spectrum Analyzer - gives you a quick overview of all signals on a Sat.

 

[updatelee]

PC tuners are much more powerfull in terms of features then a STB, with that power often comes the fact they are often more complicated to use.

I havent used STB's in years, I still have my DM800 but it just sits downstairs on a shelf. I own 8 sat tuners and 4 ATSC tuners. Im an addict. I use Linux, I really like the open source model of if somethings broken, fix it. vs being forced to wait for someone else to fix it.

GS isnt supported in Linux yet, I'll get to it one day if someone else doesnt first. I honestly never use Windows so I havent a clue if its supported or not.

ACM/VCM is adaptive/variable control modulation, its used more and more on satellites, most is higher order modulations bouncing between 32apsk and 8psk so I have a hard time locking it with my 5ft dish. Its defn supported in Linux and Windows with the right tuner. 5925/6925 both support it.

MIS is a way of encapsulating multiple streams into one tp (over simplified). both 5925/6925 support it, Linux and Windows support it with the right software. Its not used much in NA but there are feeds that show up once in awhile with it.

4:2:2 and H264 are both video formats, the tuner cares less about this and has nothing todo with it. VLC as you mentioned decode video so it would depend more on your CPU/GPU's ability to decode the video.

UDL