What is the difference between dual tunner and a cable card in HD DVR?

Question

What is the difference between dual tunner and a cable card in HD DVR?

Answer 1

To clarify the two tuners/two cards.

There are two kinds of cards, "S" cards and "M" cards.

The "S" cards can only work with one channel at a time, as stated above.

The "M" cards can work with multiple channels, so you only need one card for a dual tuner dvr.

S-Single

M-Multi (capable of working as an "S" card as well)

If you put an "M" card in a device thats designed for "S" cards, it will work fine, just in "S" mode.

Some dvr's only have "S" slots, so in that case you need two cards, but most have "M" slots so you only need one.

If you find out your dvr can use "M" cards, ask specifically for one, most cable companies don't charge extra for an "M" card, but will charge you extra for the second "S" card.

Answer 2

Dual tuner means that the DVR is capable of recording 2 programs (or live viewing one and recording one) at the same time.  These can be any programs you can receive normally.

A cable card allows the DVR to interface directly with the cable system so that you can see the digital tier channels without using a cable box.  If you have a dual tuner DVR you will need TWO cable cards, one for each tuner.