Setup problems

Despite much effort, we couldn't get the DVB-S tuners to work with Vista Home Premium's version of Media Center. The hardware was detected and could be configured, but a search found no channels.

We then tried DVB-T – note that you have to choose between this and DVB-S; Media Center forbids both. We were more successful here – all available channels were found.

To assess the BGT3540's satellite prowess, we pressed DVBViewer into service. This BDA-compliant software worked with no problem and scanning was fast.

DVBViewer also supports the card's DiSEqC 2.0 facilities, allowing LNB switches to be used. We also found that the DVB-T tuners worked with DVBViewer courtesy of BDA.

Choose your tuner

In the software's hardware control panel, the desired tuners can be specified. The sensitivity of the DVB-T tuners seems to be lower here than it is under Media Center.

The two programs harness completely different sets of drivers; it would appear that the BDA ones are less optimised for DVB-T than the Media Center ones. Black Gold Technology is aware of the problem and is working on a 'fix'.

Interestingly, we could use Media Center for reliable DVB-T and DVBViewer for DVB-S, so realising the card's true potential. With the four digital tuners and two programs running simultaneously, we could watch one channel while recording three others – furthermore, they need not be on the same multiplexes/transponders.

You'll still need a good aerial feed; even under Media Center the sensitivity of the DVB-T tuners falls short of a good Freeview box's.

Satellite fared better, but a direct comparison demonstrates that an enthusiast-grade receiver stands a better chance of finding marginal channels.

Reaching its potential

The BGT3540 is one of the most flexible PC TV products available and, if carefully set up, can perform very well.

Its full potential is currently realised only by oddball hybrid software solutions like that described above. New drivers will address this and, we hope, the limited DiSEqC capabilities.