HDHomeRun CableCARD tuner beta signup is on

Ever since Microsoft and CableLabs removed the OEM hardware requirement, the CableCARD tuner market for the PC has really heated up. While it has brought some new players to the PC tuner market,it is has also attracted some old favorites. We caught up with SiliconDust at CES and at that point the dual CableCARD tuner was just the test board (pictured above), but today the beta sign up went live. Anyone interested can fill in a few details about their setup and hope to get selected, but the response has been so great that we're told the window will probably be shorter than two weeks. If you are selected you'll receive the beta hardware in about four weeks. We would of course like to try it out for ourselves, at which time you'll hear all about it.

HDHomeRun development board

[andrewpc1 Posted Apr 14th 2010 2:48PM]

I still want to hear about how they are getting around Cable Labs rules to make this thing. Or is it possible to have it work even if it isn't certified?

[BenD Posted Apr 14th 2010 2:49PM]

@andrewpc1

Of course it has to be CableLabs certified. What makes you think it won't be? The only limitation is that you'll have to pair both tuners from the HDHomeRun to the same PC, other than that all DCTs are network devices.

[jjd Posted Apr 14th 2010 3:04PM]

@BenD And there's the rub, of course. "pair both tuners ... to the same PC". It is useless for those of us who don't have any Windows machines around, unlike the original HDHomeRun.

[BenD Posted Apr 14th 2010 3:05PM]

@jjd

Well unless the CableLabs requirements change it will require Windows 7 to work anyways.

[creugea Posted Apr 14th 2010 3:16PM]

Well I am signed up. Hope I get picked. I love testing beta stuff out. I hope this is going to be as good as the Ceton Card. The other question is, will this be dual or quad tuner?

[glennS Posted Apr 14th 2010 3:16PM]

And the stampede of engadget users over to Silicon Dust's site begins. And least I got myself registered before this hit slashdot. I hope I get into the beta.

[Starkenator Posted Apr 14th 2010 3:19PM]

When you sign up it also gives you the option of if you would prefer USB or ethernet which is cool because I have to do like Ben and use a dedicated NIC for my HDHomerun so I would prefer USB.

[cypherx Posted Apr 14th 2010 3:58PM]

I signed up as well. As a technical user / IT Sysadmin by trade with big interest in the industry, I hope that I may be selected.

The flexibility of this device is outstanding. The fact that it's external and you can pretty much place it where your cable lines come in for optimum signal is great. Running Ethernet? No problem, I have all the tools for that.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 14th 2010 5:53PM]

I might as well be the first to say it before someone else does.

$250 for two lousy tuners -- What a ripoff!

Media Center is dead / dying -- This is too little, too late.

Cablecard is effing stupid, have to pay for a truck roll, the Cable Company can't set it up...it's all about the lock in, why won't Hollywood "Learn!"

Random TGB Guy -- aka jmallory

[johnw248 Posted Apr 14th 2010 7:16PM]

@(Unverified) Well, to each it own.

But the truck roll--going away
The Tuning Adapter--going away

The cableCARD, probably staying and will be part of the cable solution for the "gateway".

If you don't like Media Center, consider the choices: Cableco DVR, Sat DVR (both two tuners), Tivo (2 tuners) Moxi (3 tuners if you buy the newest one).

But this has never been a cost effective way, your best bet is Over the Air and watch the program when it's broadcast.

John

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 14th 2010 9:58PM]

@johnw248 The above was a humorous observation of the current mood over at TGB.

[MrPointedHelix Posted Apr 15th 2010 10:50AM]

Get it to work with Boxee and it might be great for my Revo. Although I wouldn't be surprised if it only supported MCE and maybe a couple other tightly locked down frontends.

[xkaosu9x Posted Apr 15th 2010 12:39PM]

I was a day late to the game and they've already closed the signup.

/sad face

[kevon27 Posted Apr 15th 2010 1:08PM]

Can someone answer this question? Why to this day no one can produce the perfect DVR?

[weldywire Posted Apr 20th 2010 8:31AM]

to respond to gentleman above,you dont have to have a 'truck roll' for a technician to install.you can pick them up at an office and do it yourself.At least with Brighthouse that is,not sure of other cable MSO's.Also in response we do install/mate them to customers equipment,your cable MSO seems to not care about retaining their customers.

I signed up as well and Im keeping my fingers crossed.