Because I, like many others, did not want to run around with TV card, but wanted to have on every computer Freeview, I resorted to doing some research on this baby. The device is nice (should probably mimic Apple design, but can also be in a Windows Household pass), solid and not too big (a little more than hand size). It should not be a problem, build hides the device and cabling. The unit is hand-hot during operation with a tuner (have not tested whether it is warmer at two tuners in operation, but should really only marginal differences give).
In addition to the power supply only thing missing is the plugging of the network cable into a router / hub / WLAN access point and, of course, the cable from the antenna. If UPnP is enabled in the network and on the computers, the Elgato is immediately recognized in the network environment (at least in my network setup as the default IP of Elgato in the range of my existing network was - but changed rather quickly, the Elgato've now the DHCP lease assigned NEN solid and well-ists). Commissioning is actually quite easily (in the web interface of Elgato's even there direct links to the latest software versions, losing CD or sometimes not at hand is not a problem [if the serial is at hand.]), But I would personally from the initial installation with Windows Media Center in Windows 7 dissuade ... Only one of 3 PCs has agreed to cooperate, after rebooting but also refused this PC, the Elgato to appeal again. With the supplied software but everything goes without problems, via the web interface can be determined by the start-up and the first transmitter passage then even directly download an M3U file with the principle of each operating system incl. Linux can immediately access the TV card. Thus, third-party software and third-party operating systems are no problem.
Since the card installed locally no BDA driver, this is basically the only way to alternative software (ala MediaPortal) to operate. For this purpose also of a point deduction, because it is not natively possible to use any software with Elgato because the TV card is not installed as hardware in the computer - depends indeed on the network. But the M3U solution saves the Elgato card before Compatibility disaster.
Whether the Elgato now can stream directly on iPhone and iPad is relatively unimportant to me (habs bought for computers); Just a shame that it does not work, otherwise I would have discovered the FIRST meaningful application for the iPad. Well, this is just on the edge.
Priced the Elgato Netstream DTT is much more expensive than single USB receiver. It should therefore be weighed up whether you do not prefer to invest in commodity hardware. This solution actually is rather aimed at special applications (the reception is poor, so that can be streamed into rooms without antenna cable; if it is necessary to look at the laptop (via wireless); if the HTPC near has no antenna, or the slenderness sake should not be hung with Dongeln).
So all round, for this very special requirement profiles the ideal hardware for many other users should be worth normal USB sticks more.
For people who are interested in this solution:
There is a similar solution as DVB-C / DVB-T hybrid solution: the HDHomeRun either 2 DVB-C or DVB-T 2 or 1 DVB-C and DVB-T 1 can be used tuner (2 inputs, each with Hybrid tuner). So if next DVB-T still wants to bring DVB-C in its network, is hereby well served.
For DVB-S there are only a solution of Devolo, namely the satellite TV from Devolo. This appliance is supplied with Dlan (network via the socket). One can so thus bridge the distance to the main switch / wireless Access Point, or directly to a PC, the signal routing to also have to draw without a LAN cable somewhere across the room. This solution can only one station at the same time claim the signal, otherwise must be found a second device.
These devices can be any multimedia signals are distributed via Ethernet to any PC.
I hope I could help one or the other here.
