Product Reviews

We've been seeing motherboards with PCI-Express slots for some time now. Although the large x16 slots were soon provided for by the latest graphics cards, the smaller x1 and x2 slots have sat empty. But finally a card has arrived to fill this void: Terratec's Cinergy 2400i DT.

PCI-Express isn't the only big draw here. The Cinergy 2400i DT is also the first dual digital tuner TV card we've seen. Previously you needed to use two separate TV tuner devices if you wanted to record one programme while watching another. This was often not possible in mini PCs that have only a single PCI slot. Even if you did have space, it could prove a rather expensive choice.

The card is built around a stylish white PCB, which is great for those with translucent cases. It's a full length card, measuring 148mm long, and wouldn't fit in the first PC we tried because of an inconsiderately placed heat sink. So check that your PCI-Express x1 slot has the necessary space

Once the card was installed, setup was hassle free. The manual is well written with a friendly and understanding tone. Windows detected the card automatically and found the drivers on the CD without a problem. It comes bundled with CyberLink's excellent PowerCinema 4 software. We followed the setup wizard and it found all the usual digital TV and radio stations without a problem. Channel information was stored for both tuners, so you don't have to search twice.

Initially the software functions as if there were a single tuner. Picture quality is good, on a par with most single tuner cards we've seen. Press the Twin TV button and a second window opens. You can then watch one channel while keeping an eye on another; useful for simultaneous World Cup games. You can also record one programme while watching another. But the PowerCinema scheduler software won't let you record two programmes simultaneously. This is a shame, as both Windows Media Center and Sky+ are capable of doing this. Hopefully the next version of PowerCinema will.

Fortunately for users of Windows Media Center the card is also available without bundled software for around £73 including VAT. So if you want to upgrade to twin digital tuners it's an ideal product. With or without the software it works out cheaper than two separate cards, and takes up less space.

It's not often that a new product is a first in two different respects. It's a pity about the omission of simultaneous recording, but the card works so well it's still a great buy.