Are CableCARD tuners for Media Center sold out everywhere?

It figures that Microsoft would finally give DIY Windows Media Center users the ability to add a Digital Cable Tuner with CableCARD to their PC and now the devices are no where to be found. Since these devices were never actually available to the public, they've always been a little hard to come by, but we have seen 'em for sale from Dell as well as from Cannon PC and even on Sony's site. This entire situation only makes us even more sure that ATI's days in the Digital Cable Tuner business are numbered. What we mean is that there is no doubt that ATI knew this was coming to Windows 7 long before we did, so any company who actually wanted to sell something would have actually had them available at retail by now. One thing is for sure, there is a pent up demand for CableCARD tuners in the Media Center community and a more affordable, more available, option can't get here soon enough. While we wait for the 1st quarter of 2010 to come, you can pay through the nose for one on eBay in the meantime.

[Jeff Kibuule Posted Dec 8th 2009 2:13PM]

I'm glad I got two, even though I ended up paying $400 for both. Still, Windows Media Center is WELL worth it.

[jagowar Posted Dec 8th 2009 4:09PM]

I'm eagerly waiting for ces (broke my "every other year" rule and will be going this January). Looking to see what new media center news MS has because they potentially have a bunch to show.... natal, whs 2.0, new extender design, ceton cablecard, dish tuner. If they don't show some things I think you will also know where media center is going forward. But it really is a make or break ces for media center imo.

[Brian Posted Dec 9th 2009 8:59AM]

I thought about picking up a 3rd one for my Media Center but I am hoping on the Ceton 4 tuner card coming out soon. But I have my doubts that it will be out Q1 of 2010, maybe not even Q2. I know the company wants it out, but it is already delayed and it seems stalled at this point.

[DoctaDJones Posted Dec 10th 2009 10:00AM]

@Brian
If they can get those cards out and have enough supply to meet the demands. Ceton is poised to rake in a lot of cash. But I share your doubts.

The sad part for the cable companies is that this whole lackluster CableCARD support has just made me realize how much I don't need those premium HD channels. I can live just fine with my basic unencrypted HD channels. With Netflix and Hulu, I have more than enough entertainment to fill my free time.

[gameth30ry Posted Dec 9th 2009 10:25PM]

3rd one, Brian!!! Let us first timers get their first!!! :)
Seems like Ben (article author) read my mind.
The release and positive feedback of this device indicates a promising future for this tech! AMD/ATI should keep pushing for it. What's the hold up?

BTW. AMD's stock is soaring lately. They should keep moving. (Hauppauge just the opposite although it's probably not related)
I used to be a big hauppauge loyal patron, but not so much anymore. ATI really impressed me by pioneering with this tech / concept.

[Brian Posted Dec 10th 2009 8:32AM]

@gameth30ry Man, you snooze you loose. :) But I thought I read a few months ago that Hauppauge was also going to get into CableCARD, but maybe I am wrong about that. I was big into Hauppauge but I think since digital TV their quality is the same as a lot of their competition since digital either works or doesn't, you don't have issues with PQ as you do with analog TV.

[gameth30ry Posted Dec 22nd 2009 7:41PM]

@Brian Hmm, interesting. Too bad for Hauppauge then (about the Digital/analog story).

BRIAN, DELL and CannonPC have the CableCard Tuners, IN SUPPLY NOW! (Go get your 3rd!)