SiliconDust HDHomeRun HDHR-US Dual Networked High Definition Digital Television

5 comments

1. 

   Big Mike on December 8, 2009 at 3:37 am

   I have tried to get this product to work with three different software packages including Microsoft Media Center and have had no luck getting anything to work and I am an engineer with over 30 years experience and I am an extremely persistent person who is obsessed with technology. I have cable and was trying to get it to work with my ?Quam (unencrypted cable channels). Media Center will not recognize that you are using a cable system unless you have bought an OEM computer with a special Vista digital cable ready operating system. These special computers even come with a code written on the back showing they are cable ready and can only be purchased from pre-approved manufacturers such as Hp Dell or Sony

   The technical support is virtual and virtually non-existent. There is no phone to call and they direct you to a forum to discuss your problems. This is a Beta product and is no way consumer ready.

   The Media center is actually a very good product (It must of been written by an outside vendor) but you currently have to buy a new computer which is cable ready to use it with digital cable and then of course install a cable card from the cable company. Requiring a cable card makes sense but requiring anyone who wants to use the Media Center with cable to also buy a new computer is insane.
   

2. 

   C. Carlson on December 8, 2009 at 5:00 am

   This product doesn’t seem to have the eyeTV software for the Mac that makes it so useful.

3. 

   William W. Potter on December 8, 2009 at 7:36 am

   I returned this product because the results were below my expectations. When I had a different provider I had many digital stations and I didn’t feel that a device such as this was necessary. But with a move and a different provider, I found that the digital stations were, as yet, few and far between and the reception of those few was spotty to say the least. I did not try an antenna but relied only on the video provided. I live in a downtown area surrounded by TV transmitter towers and maybe a later trial would produce better results.

4. 

   Michael E. Utley on December 8, 2009 at 8:10 am

   This device did not work out for me. The things that Silicon Dust does not tell you when you buy are: 1. this device does not work with all cable. This is nowhere explained in the specs. 2. Their customer support is ALL by email, i.e. you email them your problem and several days later they respond. Save your money.

5. 

   J. GOLD on December 8, 2009 at 10:29 am

   Below you will find a rather nasty review of this item when I tried to use it with Vista Media Center. I don’t know what they did but the experience with Windows 7 is completely different. Used the SiliconDust config tool to scan the channels fired up Windows 7 Media Center and BAM.

   Still requires a bit of manual configuration (that should be much better documented) but I haven’t used my Comcast DVR in weeks and I’ll be returning it shortly, which was the whole reason to buy this device.

   So as previously stated:

   A successful offering is a marriage of Hardware, Software, and Support. This now has 2 out of 3; Hardware – works great, Software (Windows 7 Media Center) works great; Support – SiliconDust – Knock, knock, Anybody home?

   (No Microsoft Employees were harmed for this review. I’m a PC and Vista was sure not my idea)

   BAD VISTA EXPERIENCE –
   
   Having spent about 3 weeks working with this item, I will relate why I am incredibly disappointed.

   A successful offering (like my Replay 5000) is a marriage of the Hardware, Software, and Support Service Offering. This has 1 out of 3.

   The hardware works as advertised; Yes, you will have the device working in about 15 minutes. Chances you’ll be able to use your fancy new PC to watch TV at that point – 0%

   Are you familiar with terms like; QAM256, Virtual Channels, Remap Triggers, Me either. Do you want to be, Me Either.

   Want to tinker and manually configure each and every channel? This device is for you.

   (1 – Find it on the [...] website
   
   2 – Use the Setup software to configure the device for the channel

   Good luck figuring out where to enter the data;

   [...] has a Call Sign,
   
   HDSetup has Guide Name, Virtual Channel, and Media Center channel
   
   You get to figure out the mapping

   3 – Try to use Media Center to get a program listing for the channel
   
   (I dare you and best wishes))

   Just so you don’t think I’m a Luddite, I remember manually configuring my 2400 baud modem with AT commands. I’ve configured some of the Net’s most popular websites for ECommerce.

   Summary – The HdHomeRun is the newest member of the ‘Not Ready for Prime Time’ Players