

For that, you'll need an IR blaster, which isn't included. The included Hauppauge remote control works with an internal IR sensor to change channels, pause, rewind, fast-forward, and record, but it does not control your set-top box. The Diamond XtremeTV PVR600 matches the Hauppauge's image quality, but it has cables. The unit comes with a USB cable and an FM antenna, but no other A/V cables are included in the box.


Two coaxial connectors (TV and FM radio) are located on the back panel along with a USB 2.0 port and a power connector. The front panel contains stereo audio inputs and composite-video and S-Video inputs. Along with the Diamond, it offers the best image quality of the bunch, but it doesn't include A/V cables, so you'll have to supply your own to hook up a video signal. Like the Diamond XtremeTV PVR600, it retails for $149 and includes a remote control. At 6.25 inches square, the Hauppauge WinTV-PVR-USB2 has a big footprint for an external USB TV tuner.
