ProgDVB

What is ProgDVB?

ProgDVB is a comprehensive universal software for watching digital TV and listening to radio channels on Windows computers, supporting DVB-S (satellite), DVB-S2, DVB-C (cable), DVB-T (terrestrial), IPTV, and analog TV sources. Developed by ProgDVB Software, this application transforms Windows PCs into full-featured TV receivers when combined with compatible TV tuner hardware or IPTV streaming sources. ProgDVB offers advanced features including electronic program guide (EPG), teletext, subtitles, multi-audio track support, recording with scheduler, time-shifting, picture-in-picture viewing, and network streaming capabilities. The software supports multiple simultaneous tuners, allowing users to watch one channel while recording others, and includes comprehensive channel management with favorites, sorting, and search functionality. ProgDVB serves cord-cutters, international TV enthusiasts, satellite dish owners, and anyone seeking to centralize TV viewing on their PC with professional-grade features typically found in dedicated set-top boxes.

Key Features

Universal TV Source Support: Compatible with DVB-S/S2 satellite, DVB-T/T2 terrestrial, DVB-C cable, IPTV streams, analog TV cards, and online streaming sources through single unified interface.

EPG and Program Guide: Full electronic program guide showing current and upcoming programming for supported channels, enabling easy browsing of schedules and planning recordings days in advance.

Recording and Timeshifting: Record live TV to hard drive in various formats (MPEG-2, MPEG-4, H.264), schedule recordings via EPG, pause and rewind live TV with timeshift buffer.

Multiple Audio/Subtitle Tracks: Support for multi-language audio tracks and subtitles, teletext for European broadcasts, subtitle rendering with customizable fonts and positioning.

Picture-in-Picture: Watch multiple channels simultaneously through PIP mode, monitor several news channels, or keep eye on sports while browsing other content.

Network Streaming: Stream TV to other devices on local network, share tuner access with multiple PCs, remote control via web interface for media server functionality.

Channel Editor: Comprehensive channel management allowing manual editing, importing channel lists, organizing favorites, creating custom bouquets, and channel reordering.

Hardware Acceleration: Support for GPU-accelerated video decoding (DXVA, CUDA, QuickSync) reducing CPU usage and enabling smooth HD and 4K playback on modest hardware.

What’s New in Recent Versions

H.265/HEVC Support: Full support for modern HEVC video codec used by Ultra HD and 4K broadcasts, with hardware decoding acceleration for smooth playback.

DVB-T2 and DVB-S2X: Support for latest broadcasting standards including second-generation digital terrestrial and advanced satellite standards.

Improved IPTV: Enhanced IPTV playlist support for M3U formats, better handling of online streams, EPG integration for IPTV sources.

4K Resolution Support: Native Ultra HD 4K channel viewing and recording with appropriate tuner hardware and sufficient system resources.

Modern Codec Support: Updated video and audio codec libraries supporting latest broadcasting formats and standards including AAC audio and advanced DVB subtitles.

System Requirements

Operating System: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP (32-bit and 64-bit). Separate builds for different Windows versions ensure optimal compatibility.

Hardware – Minimum: 1GHz CPU, 512MB RAM, DirectX 9 compatible graphics, compatible TV tuner device (for broadcast TV), internet connection (for IPTV), sound card for audio.

Recommended: Dual-core 2GHz+ CPU, 2GB+ RAM, GPU with hardware video decoding (DXVA, CUDA, or QuickSync), SSD for smooth recording, DVB-S2/T2/C tuner card or USB device.

Supported Tuners: Wide range including TechnoTrend, TBS, SkyStar, TeVii, Prof, DVBSky, Hauppauge, and many more DVB devices. Check compatibility list on ProgDVB website.

Download and Installation

Step 1: Visit progdvb.com, navigate to Downloads section, select appropriate version (Professional, Standard, or IPTV-specific), choose Windows version (32/64-bit), download installer (30-50MB depending on version).

Step 2: Run ProgDVB_Setup.exe installer, click Yes for UAC permission, select installation language, accept license agreement, choose components to install (full installation recommended for first-time users).

Step 3: Select installation directory, choose whether to create desktop shortcuts and Start menu entries, click Install and wait for completion (2-3 minutes).

Step 4: Connect TV tuner hardware if using broadcast TV, launch ProgDVB from desktop shortcut, run initial setup wizard selecting your signal source (satellite, terrestrial, cable, or IPTV).

Step 5: For satellite: configure DiSEqC settings, LNB frequency, and satellite position. For terrestrial/cable: select region and scan for channels. For IPTV: load M3U playlist file or URL.

Step 6: Perform channel scan (takes 5-30 minutes depending on source), review discovered channels, organize favorites, configure EPG sources if available, test playback quality.

ProgDVB vs Alternatives

vs DVBViewer: DVBViewer offers similar features with different interface philosophy and pricing. ProgDVB has more aggressive pricing and free version; DVBViewer provides more polish and better support but higher cost.

vs MyTheatre: MyTheatre is free alternative with good DVB-S support but development slowed. ProgDVB has active development, modern features, broader hardware support, and professional recording capabilities.

vs VLC Media Player: VLC can play some DVB streams but lacks proper EPG, recording scheduler, or comprehensive DVB features. ProgDVB is dedicated TV application; VLC is general media player with basic TV capability.

vs Kodi/XBMC: Kodi emphasizes media center experience with extensive plugins but DVB support varies by platform and requires plugins. ProgDVB specializes in DVB/IPTV with deeper feature set for TV enthusiasts.

Pros and Cons

Advantages: Comprehensive TV source support (satellite, terrestrial, cable, IPTV), feature-rich with EPG, recording, timeshift, PiP, supports wide range of TV tuner hardware, free standard version available (limited features), network streaming transforms PC into media server, hardware acceleration enables smooth HD playback, active development with regular updates, customizable interface and keyboard shortcuts, multi-language support, channel list sharing community.

Disadvantages: Interface feels dated compared to modern applications, steep learning curve for beginners especially satellite configuration, professional version costs €20-30 for full features, some features require compatible hardware not all tuners support, occasional stability issues with certain tuner/driver combinations, limited built-in codec support requiring external codec packs, configuration complexity overwhelming for basic users, Windows-only (no Mac/Linux native versions).

Who Should Use ProgDVB?

Cord-Cutters: Users abandoning cable/satellite subscriptions in favor of free over-the-air digital TV benefit from professional recording and EPG features.

International TV Enthusiasts: Expats watching satellite TV from home countries or polyglots accessing multiple language broadcasts use ProgDVB’s extensive satellite support.

IPTV Users: Those with IPTV subscriptions or free IPTV sources benefit from unified interface, EPG integration, and recording capabilities for online streams.

Home Theater PC Builders: HTPC enthusiasts integrating broadcast TV reception into media center setups use ProgDVB as TV tuner frontend.

Sports and Live Event Viewers: Users frequently recording sports, news, or live events appreciate scheduled recording, multi-channel recording, and timeshift capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need special hardware to use ProgDVB?
A: For broadcast TV (satellite, terrestrial, cable), you need compatible TV tuner hardware (PCI card or USB device). For IPTV, just internet connection and valid IPTV source. Check progdvb.com for compatible hardware list.

Q: Can ProgDVB replace my satellite/cable box?
A: Yes, with appropriate tuner hardware and subscription card (if required). You can watch and record channels just like set-top box. However, encrypted premium channels may require compatible CAM modules or card readers.

Q: Is ProgDVB free or paid?
A: ProgDVB offers free Standard version with basic features and Professional version (€20-30 one-time purchase) adding network broadcasting, advanced recording, plugin support, and additional features. Many users find Standard sufficient.

Q: Can I watch encrypted/scrambled channels?
A: ProgDVB supports CAM modules and smart card readers for legitimate encrypted channel access with valid subscriptions. It doesn’t include card sharing or unauthorized decryption capabilities.

Q: How much hard drive space do recordings use?
A: Depends on broadcast quality and recording format. Standard definition: 1-2GB per hour. HD: 3-8GB per hour. 4K: 15-25GB+ per hour. Recording in native transport stream format uses least space.

Final Verdict

ProgDVB stands as a capable and comprehensive solution for PC-based TV viewing, offering professional-grade features that rival or exceed dedicated set-top boxes at fraction of the cost. For users with compatible TV tuner hardware or IPTV sources, the software provides centralized access to broadcast and streaming television with advanced capabilities like multi-channel recording, timeshift, and EPG integration that enhance the viewing experience beyond basic playback.

The software particularly shines for satellite enthusiasts managing multiple LNBs and DiSEqC configurations, IPTV users aggregating various streaming sources, and anyone building home theater PCs requiring robust TV tuner software. The free Standard version provides sufficient functionality for casual users, while the Professional version’s network streaming and advanced features justify the modest one-time cost for serious TV enthusiasts.

However, ProgDVB isn’t for everyone. The dated interface, configuration complexity, and hardware requirements present barriers for non-technical users who might prefer simpler solutions or dedicated TV hardware. Modern smart TVs and streaming devices offer easier plug-and-play experiences, though without ProgDVB’s recording flexibility and customization depth.

For the target audience—TV enthusiasts wanting PC-based viewing with professional features, international content access via satellite, or IPTV aggregation with recording capabilities—ProgDVB delivers substantial value. It’s not the prettiest or most beginner-friendly option, but it’s among the most capable and actively developed DVB software for Windows, earning its place as go-to solution for those willing to invest time in configuration for long-term TV viewing and recording flexibility.