USB TV Tuners - ANY GOOD???

Kamran

Hello all

I'm moving into student accomodation soon (ie limited space). I'm NOT a TV addict but i may want to watch something from time to time, but at the same time i wouldnt mind conserving some space by not havng a tv.

so, i thougt about getting a USB freeview tv tuner, such as the following 2 i randomly googled so u know what product im talking about:

http://www.techfocus.co.uk/pages/product/product.asp?prod=TFPC08A&ctgry=USB-Gadgets&TFPC08A&utm_source=kelkoo&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=TFPC08A&tduid=7ebd886cf5c6d77b1ed6173e8db8cab4&cookie%5Ftest=1

http://www.techfocus.co.uk/pages/product/product.asp?prod=TFPC08A&ctgry=USB-Gadgets&TFPC08A&utm_source=kelkoo&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=TFPC08A&tduid=7ebd886cf5c6d77b1ed6173e8db8cab4&cookie%5Ftest=1

BUT my question is, are these product types (in general, not just the 2 above) any good? do you get good quality? how about the recording software?

any info/feedback would be much appreciated! :T

wolfman

Make sure you get one that has BDA drivers available. The Freecom one does. That way you can use any software with the tuner, and not be stuck with whatever they supply.

Kamran

so you guys would reccomend one? (so long as it has BDA drivers)
thanks!

Kamran

woah ther are so many to choose from- i went to kelkoo, http://shopping.kelkoo.co.uk/ctl/do/search?siteSearchQuery=usb+tv&fromform=true&catId=100164013&x=7&y=12


any recommendations?

http://www.misco.co.uk/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=220541&sourceid=2004

http://www.techfocus.co.uk/USB-Gadgets/TFPC08A.htm?utm_source=kelkoo&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=TFPC08A&tduid=7ebd886cf5c6d77b1ed6173e8db8cab4

http://www.datakits.co.uk/store/dvbt-usb-stick-watch-hdtv-freeview-on-your-computer-p-1545.html

thanks!

Seagull

My wife bought me one of the cheap one's from ebay, around £20 I think. It works fine so long as I use the roof aerial, the little aerial supplied was hopeless. I wasn't able to recieve BBC1 or BBC2 using it with XP, since I switched to Vista (Home Premium) I can get both.

P.S we receive feeview just fine using the standard tv box.

firbyfred

I am considering buying this freecom one from Amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000ALAWQ6/ref=s9_asin_title_1-1966_g1/202-9538952-1589461?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=00AKTXMAZD0NWH7CBF6N&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=139042391&pf_rd_i=468294 but its reviews are a bit hit and miss, mainly the aerial reception.
My desktop computer is through the wall from our television which has a good freeview reception, is it possible to connect/share this aerial? or will it reduce the good quality reception we have at the moment?

wolfman

It's a good usb receiver. Works well in Windows and Linux, and has BDA drivers available for it.

Regarding reception you'll find that the case with most usb adapters, especially as the aerials supplied are basically for more mobile situations. I've got mine plugged up to an argos aerial and it works fine, but yeah you'll be able to plug it into the roof aerial should you wish.

I'm in Zone 2 London and found the little aerial supplied ok, hit and miss with some channels. It still worked though. But with a bigger aerial, or a booster, or using a roof aerial you shouldn't have any problems depending upon where you live.

soulandy

i have one of these and it is OK http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/New-USB-2-0-DIGITAL-WandTV-Turner-HDTV-Receiver-DVBT-WH_W0QQitemZ290155628045QQihZ019QQcategoryZ96964QQcmdZViewItem
Although I paid 20 quid for it a bit ago. You do need a rooftop arial though for the best reception