FusionHDTV7 Gold RT, Installation/Operation Options

[Guest_seekermeister_*]

I just received my tuner today, and have spent the last several hours installing and familiarizizing myself with it. I have run into alot of things that either don't work, or I simply don't understand. I have read the manual...what little it offers, and have scoured the FusionHDTV website without finding the answers that I need. Instead of writing a book on questions, I shall try to keep it brief. First, almost everything that is available is for older models of the tuner, just how much cross compatability is there between them...Not in terms of drivers, because that doesn't seem to be a problem, but for the software and remote settings, etc.? It came version 3.64 on the CD, which is higher than anything found on their website...is this beta?

I haven't determined the proper functioning of it for TV functions much yet, because I only have an analog antenna at the moment, and the only stations that it found scanning were analog, and only 4 out of 15 stations available, of which only 2 actually displayed. I could probably improve that some by playiing with the antenna, but don't really see the point in it as it is going so far. I could really use some advise on choosing a HDTV antenna. The only things that I know that I want are 1. an outdoor multi-direction antenna which I can mount without attaching it to the property (My complex prohibits it). 2. An antenna that will also receive analog stations. 3. A price between $50 - $100.

I realize that my questions don't offer too much to go on, but I would appreciate any advise.

[mareke]

I’m no expert and if I’m wrong I’m sure someone will correct me but I don’t think the FusionHDTV7 RT Gold card is suitable for Australia. The FusionHDTV7 RT Gold card is based on a standard for high definition digital TV called ATSC which is adopted mainly by the US and Canada. Australia uses a DVBT standard so you should have bought a card suited to the DVBT standard that Australia has adopted to broadcast digital TV. The FusionHDTV7 RT Gold card appears to be a hybrid card that can also pick up analogue TV so that would explain why you are picking up analogue channels but if you live in Australia my guess is that you won’t pick up any digital channels no matter what you do. You don’t need a special antenna to pick up high definition TV as most aerials in good condition will pick up digital TV provided the signal is strong enough and this depends more on how far you are from the station transmitters than the aerial you use. The complex I live in uses aerials that are 15 years old and we pick up all of the digital channels including high definition channels.

[Guest_seekermeister_*]

I don't live in Australia, I live in the US. It's curious that the FusionHDTV website displays a logo claiming to be Australia's top tuner, but that doesn't include my tuner. However, it is very difficult to sort out what applies to one tuner or another in all of their information.

Your remark about antennas in very interesting, I may do some more playing with it to see if I can make it work. I intend to buy a HDTV antenna anyway...when I figure out which one to buy? I have asked a number of people around here about this, but I have never gotten any clear answers.

[mareke]

Your remark about antennas in very interesting, I may do some more playing with it to see if I can make it work. I intend to buy a HDTV antenna anyway...when I figure out which one to buy? I have asked a number of people around here about this, but I have never gotten any clear answers.

The best antenna for your situation depends on whether you are in a fringe area or a strong signal area not far from transmitters or repeaters. If you are in a strong signal area any good quality aerial by a reputable manufacturer will do but if you live in a fringe area you need an aerial specifically made for weak signal areas. If you live in a weak signal area then antenna height is important (the taller the better) and you should consider fitting a good quality masthead amplifier. Before buying a new antenna try fitting an amplifier to your existing system. I use an indoor one (they don't cost much) with a 16dB boost fitted between the wall socket and my Dvico TV tuner card and it enables me to pick up many more channels. The amplifier I use is additional to the amplifier located at the common antenna in the complex I live in.