Reviews for Leadtek WinFast TV2000 XP Expert TV Tuner

Leadtek WinFast TV2000 XP Expert TV Tuner

Strengths: Good picture and sound if signal is strong. FM reception. Leadtek PVR is intuitive.

Weakness: Very bad picture, compared to normal TV sets, if signal is weak. Included sofware and manual are terrible. Needs the best hardware to capture video.

If you want to use this card, make sure you have the best hardware and video card, a pIII or celeron does not cut it. I first installed this card on a pIII 450MHz and a standard svga 8MB card, the picture quality is acceptable but the picture is very jumpy. This is because my system and video card is not fast enough to paint at least 30 frames/sec to get decent video. The installation instruction needs significant improvement. As suggested by the other user's comment, you won't be able to do recording or watch decent TV with a basic system. When I installed this card on my brother's machine (AMD 3000+ CPU, 1G memory, ATI9600 video card), this card performs like a charm.

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Leadtek WinFast TV2000 XP Expert TV Tuner

Strengths: Good Video,Audio, and FM reception

Weakness: Poor Manual

Would recomend this product. Purchased from New Egg for $51.99. Installed the hardware and software connected the cable and bingo a new 17inch tv. I also connected a x-10 video sender to the composite rca plug and my camcorder to the s-video jack. The remote works well but it dosen't seem to control the volume.

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Leadtek WinFast TV2000 XP Expert TV Tuner

Strengths: Easy to install, use.

Weakness: Does not have hardware encoding.

I had so far tried the following cards:

Leadtek winfast deluxe
ATI AIW 9000
MSI TV5200 Personal Cinema
Compro Gold
Hauppauge USB2
Finally this one.

I can say that leadtek deluxe and this one is the best.
ATI AIW 9000 was also good, but I was tired of its software (MMC) problems, also the remote was bulky and un-user friendly. MSI TV52000 could not tune to channels, returned it the next day. Compro was so-so, its remote was hard to use (needed to press hard to some keys), software was not so reliable (crashed every now and then), and when you turned on caption, you lose the picture for a few seconds. auppauge USB2, being the most expensive, was the worst. I spent a few hours to install it, and it still caused blue screens every now and then. The caption never worked. Also returned it.

This one (Winfast expert) is the best. Unlike Winfast deluxe, it is smaller and it has an internal audio cable. The software was extermely easy to install: It worked right away. The only problem looks like the lack of hardware encoder, but I really don't care about it. Hardware encoder is good only when you are recording and time shifting. I don't record programs when I'm using the computer, so it can use as many CPU cycles as it wants. And I don't really use the time shifting. And the software that comes with it (Ulead) is IMO the best DVD burning and editing software in $50-$100 price range (though you get it free with this ~$50 card).

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Leadtek WinFast TV2000 XP Expert TV Tuner

Strengths: Good TV reception.

Weakness: Does not work at video recording as advertised. Poor manual.

This card will not record on my 1.1 ghz Athlon computer acceptably. The system requirements say that a PIII 650MHZ system and above will work. I emailed support and they say a 1.5ghz is required. I cannot capture a decent video from tv, camcorder, vhs, etc. with my system. It may work fine with a faster processor. I am running 896 ram and a large hard drive.

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Leadtek WinFast TV2000 XP Expert TV Tuner

Strengths: Clear picture, easy to use, good support.

Weakness: Confusing manual.

This is my first TV video card and so far it works great! I'm watching football as I type this now! It was fairly easy to install but a little confusing as to how to hook up the audio. No 800 number to call but support was fast to call back and helped me install the audio. I'm running on a Dell Dimension 2350 and expanded my RAM to 512. I still get some video quirks when running other applications but for the price and what I use it for it works great!

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Leadtek WinFast TV2000 XP Expert TV Tuner

Strengths: FM radio/Tuner works great. Love it.

Weakness: Manual should be better.

I have 384 MB on Atlon 650 MHz. The TV tuner is slow down everything. If you think you would like to work and watch TV at the same time, you should have better machine :)

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Leadtek WinFast TV2000 XP Expert TV Tuner

Strengths: Easy to Setup + Good Video Quality

Weakness: Sound is not crisp and clear as it should be

It is a great product if you recieve an ASSY Rev B or later edition. If you recieve an ASSY Rev A, the card is known to have sound quality issues. The picture on the other hand from the 10bit decoder looks great and the software that comes with the Leadtek TV2000 Expert is simple and easy to use.

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cool, but...

Strengths: good reception/signal, tunes quickly, easy to use, good remote, bonus software, 3 types of video connectors, included coaxial FM antenna.

Weakness: the software just isn't that great. it could be more customizable, it could have a better interface, but it desperately needs better recording quality.

- now if only it could receive HD signals ... :)
- i connected the card's sound to the motherboard's cd-audio jack. as far as i can tell, optical drives don't really use it much anymore. i've played DVDs without it hooked up, and i get sound, so no problem there.
- some say they can't control the volume? make sure the programs are set to control the correct setting. for FM and TV both, i have it set to CD Player (since that's the connection it uses).

the hardware is good, but the software is terrible. my biggest gripe would have to be the video recording quality, even at the highest setting. if the recording goes on long enough, the audio gets more and more out of sync with the video, while watching live tv is perfectly fine.
However, I've tried the Beyond TV software, and it's even worse. the audio quality suffers even while watching live. so I really don't know where the problem lies.

fyi, here's my hardware specs.
AMD Athlon XP 2600+ CPU
1GB DDR400 RAM
Radeon X700 Pro, 256MB Video card
(on Windows XP Home SP2)

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Leadtek WinFast TV2000 XP Expert TV Tuner

Strengths: Easy setup, great picture hardware based encoder.

Weakness: Static nosie when cahnging channels, very minor.

I like the Expert better than the deluxe version of the WinFast 2000 series. It is nearly the same except for the 10 bit hardware encodig Nexent chip vs 8 bit, better picture etc...

Note: that the lower deluxe series is NOT bad and it is about $10 cheaper, both have the same IR remote, that works well.

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Leadtek WinFast TV2000 XP Expert TV Tuner

Strengths: Tuner is good. I get what I expected.

Weakness: This card is not dummy proof.

I think this card is a little bit hard to setup. May be just me. My suggustion is take a look at the manual before you start :)

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Leadtek TV Tuner

Strengths: Video quality is very good. Price was great.

Weakness: Manual was so so.

This was a replacement for an external one that cost twice as much. I was leery because of the low price. I couldn't be happier. The picture quality is far better than my old unit. The radio was a nice addition. Manual had a lot of bla bla bla in it, but it wasn't to hard to figure it out on my own. Haven't used any of the additional software since what I already have is better than what is provided so I can't comment on software. Well worth the price.

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Leadtek WinFast TV2000 XP Expert TV Tuner

Strengths: Easy setup, many options for viewing and saving video (video codecs and resolutions)

Weakness: Really a strength, but having so many choices for viewing and saving video may be mind boggling when you are a new user, but they do have standard options which you can view as you make changes.

I wanted to try this out as a low cost option for watching TV on my computer and using it as a PVR, instead of buying a digital video recorder (ie "Tivo"). It does everything the manufacturer says it does-make sure your computer meets the minimum processor and memory requirements (I have seen many people complain about a product when they install it on a computer that can't handle it, when it is the user's fault for not paying attention and NOT the product's fault). Easy setup, instructions for installing the card were straightforward, but lacking real depth as to the what and why of the different options available. You plug the card into a PCI slot, hook up the audio connection, plug in the cable and remote and you're ready to go. You scan for channels and set your resolutions for viewing. Things it can do:
1. Time shifting-watch a program, pause, fast forward through commercials, rewind. It does this by making a temporary recording, you can switch between the live program and what has been recorded if you have missed something or want to watch it later.
2. Quality of you picture is the same as on my TV- I have cable. I'm sure it will depend on your cable or satellite operator, and whether it is a traditional versus digital broadcast.
3. Record permanent files that can be stored on computer (make sure you have a large hard drive!), burned onto CD or DVD, just like a VCR tape, but more compact.
4. Using an "electronic program guide" (which is a partner website), you can schedule recordings in advance, like a VCR, or reminders a program is going to be on. If you do schedule recordings, you've got to keep the computer running. (I'm sure someone will say scheduling doesn't work because they shut their computer off...).
5. Comes with Winfast DVD software so you can view DVD's (if you have a DVD drive).

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Leadtek WinFast TV2000 XP Expert TV Tuner

Strengths: 1. TV picture is clear 2. you have different choices for your record format 3. great PIP function 4. easy to install

Weakness: 1. remote's singal is not strong 2. manual is vague 3. software sometimes will crash

i have this item for a week, i like its picture quality. i try to use the default to record the picture. it will have some delay. however, i use VCD and SVCD format. The picture is great. I also like their additional TV guild, i can easy find the program i want to record and u can just schedule record on their web page. i also like their FM radio. really easy to use.
every time i use remote to change channel, it will sruck and i need to press same bottom couple times. too many models including in one manual. it is difficult to read. i dont know it is my computer or the software. it often pops up the error message and asks me to re-start the PVR program.

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Not totally working

Strengths: Picture is good

Weakness: Sound difficult to hookup- volume control doesn't work- volume low

The four pin connector that is supposed to go to the Mother board/Sound card is a problem.My mother board (HP-Pavilion)does not have this connector-My Sound Card-(Chaintech)has Audio in &Sony &Panasonic connectors-Panasonic is the only one that partially works-but no volume adjustment is working.Also when I try to record I get picture but no sound at all. HP troubleshoot tells me the drivers are not signed (compatible?).

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Leadtek WinFast TV2000 XP Expert TV Tuner

Strengths: Excellent value; FM radio works great; remote

Weakness: Software

This card is a perfect addition to an entertainment PC. It has connectors for cable/antenna, FM radio antenna (which is included), composite inputs, and audio (which is internal). The card performs well, and upon installation, it functioned well. The FM radio is excellent, and the TV signal is clear and good. The only problem is that the included Leadtek software is weak. It has numerous bugs in it, and it tends to freeze up constantly. (usually when you're watching TV) Most people and experts recommend buying Snapstream Beyond Media 3, which is literally a Tivo for your PC. But it does cost $60, more than this card. Hopefully Leadtek might come up with bug fixes soon.

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Leadtek WinFast TV2000 XP Expert TV Tuner

Strengths: Capturing, Sound quality

Weakness: Manuals: not helpful. Remote Control: I guess it still needs improvement.

I have been using this unit for 2-3 weeks. I like it a lot. I guess this is one of the best after HDTVs. The buttons on the remote hardly responses to what you want to do, ie. it sometimes idles. The software might have more options.

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Leadtek WinFast TV2000 XP Expert TV Tuner

Strengths: Stereo sound, good picture

Weakness: Software is very difficult to install

When I first tried to install the software in Windows XP pro, the autorun froze every time, so I downloaded the latest drivers and PVR software from the leadtek site and installed them manually. That worked, but the software still crashed everytime I shut it down, so I downloaded the DirectX patch from Microsoft that fixes TV tuner card errors. Now it works beautifully, I get great pricture and sound, the remote works great and I can timeshift and record in mpeg-4 format. For the money, this is a good card.

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winfast

Strengths: The PVR software is pretty decent. Pretty much what I expected.

Weakness: The setup was a bit more difficult than I expected. You need to read the instruction step by step. Need audio in on either mobo on board audio or on the sound card.

I only have 512 ram. It does seems to slow down other operation while running the winfast card. I don't know if more ram will improve the speed but I would not get this with anything less than 512.

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Leadtek WinFast TV2000 XP Expert TV Tuner

Strengths: I can watch tv. But the picture isn't good.

Weakness: wont work on both monitors on dual monitor system (ati 9800 xp). picture is terrible. loud static noise when first turned on. no customer service. remote doesn't work very well.

I don't like this TV card at all. If there is customer service, I can't find it. I sent email to the corprate address with no response. the picture is terrible no matter what source (cable, satellite, broadcast.) the time shifting mode has few controls and is hard to use compared to other systems. The static noise played when you first turn it on is extreamly loud and annoying. the software doesn't seem to play nice with my ati video card (might be ati's fault) and the PVR will freeze up. If you use windows task manager to end the program when it freezes the video stops but the sound continues untill you reboot.

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Leadtek WinFast TV2000 XP Expert TV Tuner

Strengths: If it would work correctly, the strengths would be that it allows you to use your computer as a television and home theatre center.

Weakness: Some of the weaknesses of this product are: it is slow, choppy (frame now, next frame shows up later), and is not cable quality like a television.

I currently have a very nice computer setup but for some reason this product is not functioning properly. I will have to get a computer technician to come to my house to get it working properly.

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GREAT Been using it for a year. SOLID always on.

Strengths: Changes channels in a blink. Works off internet for tv scheduling and will activate recordings with a running computer anytime.. Has plenty foamats choices for saving. Works of my Cable TV easy.

Weakness: Im struggling to find any . Honestly .. I cant expect asignal to be as good as a TV and converting it to digital, loss is to be expected. Id say 15% loss in picture quality compared to my TV.

A bit of setup time for personal needs. Like what kind of Cable TV signal protocol I am using. Running a TV capture will use some CPU time, Heck look what its doing, so much stuff and storing to your drive.. geez.. mimimum requirements proubbly will give you a quite bogged down machine.

I LOVE it.. Gee can I make that font bigger.. Would like it to allow to auto turn off recording a program already being live viewed. Often I catch something I want to record and must monitor the end time.. or clip it later.
Wish it had two tuners internally. Record 2 channels at once with a faste PC.

RECOMMEND IT ... Y E S

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Leadtek WinFast TV2000 XP Expert TV Tuner

Strengths: The product delivered the capture as described bugt as yet I have not been able to bring in sound. I believe it will be a useful product when I get the bugs worked out.

Weakness: The reviews said nothing about how to connect the sound. I find out that I need a new duel sound type mainboard or I must disconnect my DVD-rom from the sound sourse where I can connect the card to it

As said above I think it will be fine after I get the bugs on the sound worked out. I have purchased a new sound blaster card to try but have not had time as yet. I contacted Newegg about the problem but they said they did not do tech problems. I emailed Leadtek and received an answer of sorts. If you have a very up to date mainboard and it supports the sound on the Leadtek card then all should work o k.

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Leadtek WinFast TV2000 XP Expert TV Tuner

Strengths: Scan channel quickly

I strongly recommend this item with my friends who want to have turn their computer into television. However, the price is relatively high. It will be better with price of about 30 bucks.

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