Turn your PC into a Freeview PVR for £18 and other offers

Pie123

I went into Currys today and they had
USB dongle which acts as a Freeview box for your PC. You plug it in, then plug an aerial into it, and you can (reception permitting) watch Freeview channels from the relative comfort of your office chair.

What's more, you can then use your computer's hard drive to record shows in advance, so you essentially get PVR (Personal Video Recorder) functionality for under £20.

• Pinnacle PCTV DVB-T USB Solo 72e dongle. £17.99 delivered.
  
  There are an awful lot of letters in the name, but the product's not as complex as it might appear. It gives you a full 7-day programme guide, the ability to pause live TV, and record shows directly to DVD to save precious hard drive space.
  
  It also includes a miniature aerial, but unless you happen to live next door to a huge DVB transmitter, this is unlikely to be sufficient. To get a consistently clear picture you'll probably have to tether it to a proper rooftop aerial, so it's not as portable as its physical size suggests.
  
  This dongle costs a couple of quid more than the absolute cheapest, but it has received good feedback. If you got a cheaper one which performs well please add it below and I'll put it in this post.

Does it work on Mac?

The software included with Pinnacle's USB Freeview dongle is PC-only, but the hardware's compatible with Elgato's EyeTV software for Mac OSX, which has excellent reviews but costs a fair whack. Still, if you can find somewhere to source it cheaply it's well worth considering.

Can I get Freeview?

Sadly, for all the hype about Freeview, up to 25% of the population still can't receive it, and yet more have troubled reception. The Freeview website's coverage checker should give you a rough idea of whether you can get it if you haven't already. Yet there's really no substitute for asking people who live nearby whether it works for them.

Do I need a TV licence?

Yep. While it may seem like by watching TV on your PC you shouldn't need one, the fact is that as you'll be watching live BBC broadcasts, you do. Read the TV Licences article for more info.

PS: Many thanks to MasterOfNinja for posting this on another thread




Also
A pillow which had speakerin it for 97p

williham

Where was the pillow/ what's it called?

Pie123

Stero speaker bag

Pie123

The EX8008 is produced to protect and store your audio source when on the move or on holiday.
The compact storage case is big enough to fit your portable CD player and up to 12 CD’s.
If you are a MP3 user then the CD sleeves can be removed and becomes a protctive area for other loose items.
Both compartments are protected by a splashproof neoprene cover which shuts out your audio source from the outside elements.

Once the neoprene covers are shut the case can be opened up and is ready for the inflatable headrest to be attached. Listen to your music whilst relaxing, and protecting your device.

The EX8008 comes complete with a stylish pair of MP3 headphones.
Attach the headphones to your audio device and place them outside of the neoprene covers.

Once you have inflated your headrest, placed your audio device into the protective case and attached the stylish headphones then lie back and relax to your favourite tunes knowing full well that your expensive audio unit is safe.
Enjoy!

Once the speaker bag is working and you are happy with the volume, place the headrest on top of the bag and relax. There REALLY is no better way to listen to your music

Deep_888

for anyone thats interested theres an easier way no through TV catch up to watch freeview online:

http://www.tvcatchup.com/index.php

kizziedog

Thanks DEEP - didn't know that existed.

robnye

thanks, but i cant receive freeview on my current tv...... so wouldnt be able to pick it up on the pc either...... not yet anyway

seatzie

if you want to watch the TV without a freeview aerial, live rather than catch up try
www.zattoo.com
list of channels here
http://zattoo.com/en/tv-channels

I've used it a few times, very impressive

ebsay2000

Deep_888 wrote: »

for anyone thats interested theres an easier way no through TV catch up to watch freeview online:

http://www.tvcatchup.com/index.php

This link above has better channels.........

You just need to register.