Amazon has Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-950 USB HDTV Tuner w/ Clear QAM Support + Remote for $46.11 with free shipping. Thanks cjj.

nevermind... rebate period ended =(

Amazon needs to clarify, there are 2 models, the 950 and the 950Q. The "Q" version was supposed to support QAM tunning, but the pictured model is the 950.

QAM support in VMC is iffy for the 950Q. I've read where someone has gotten it to work, but lots of behind the scenes work involved (registry fix, download latest drivers from Microsoft, don't use Hauppauge's latest driver).

Good luck, I still use my on an OTA antenna, simply because I don't want to mess with my HTPC right now.

***EDIT*** Looking at the model number, it would have to be the 950Q, so those of you looking for QAM capabilities, you should be covered. Still, Amazon should be more clear, and like I said, good luck with the QAM under VMC.

its good price, i tried one before. just install the sw in the cd and you're good to go. btw, yhe channels a bit of sluggish, freezing. its good for the price.

Can someone explain what QAM means. I'd be interested in replacing by old TV card with this one to be able to watch/record HD with Comcast?

QAM is for digital transmission for Cable TV like Charter, Time Warner, etc. while ATSC is over the air (OTA) transmission.

Quote from alfahornet : Can someone explain what QAM means. I'd be interested in replacing by old TV card with this one to be able to watch/record HD with Comcast?

QAM = clear, unencrypted digital channels. Comcast provides you ABC, FOX, NBC, CBS, PBS and CW in high def for free (including your basic cable service). QAM tuners can decode the signal just like a NTSC tuner decode analog cable signal.

Hauppauge's software for QAM sucks, look to Vista Media Center w/ the TV Tuner pack installed to utilize QAM in a computer (other options like SageTV, MythTV).

Do a search for "950Q Registry QAM" and you should find some informaiton on how to get this up and running if you have the required OS (Vista w/ TVPack). And as I mentioned, for the 950Q, don't forget to download the latest drivers from Microsoft. Good luck.

I'm assuming it's software encoding, not hardware?

Quote from jennyfur : I'm assuming it's software encoding, not hardware?

Software it is.

Cheapest price elsewhere is $70. repped

Quote from Jator : Amazon needs to clarify, there are 2 models, the 950 and the 950Q. The "Q" version was supposed to support QAM tunning, but the pictured model is the 950.

The picture is wrong. It is the Q model. I ordered it when it was $65 and they sent me the 950Q even though the box shows the standard model.

what is the difference between this one and the 1200 [amazon.com]model from amazon. This one seems to be a little more but has better reviews.
I want one but dont know which one to get. I have Dish Network and would like to watch HD on my computer. Please help . thanks

Meh, I use satellite.