DVB-T USB device

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Bee

741 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 189

#38654 3-Aug-2009 15:44

ok so there do seem to be a few threads around this but nothing recent and nothing really with a definitive answer.

Basically Im looking for something to plugin to my laptop so that I can watch freeview, mostly at home with an external aerial but would be good if I can watch with a small aerial in other locations - and even maybe on the train?

Laptop is a single core 2.1Ghz CPU with 2GB Ram - I see some reccomend dual core at least for this type of device while others say a P4 CPU is fine.

So suggestions please? whats the cheapest price and place to get one that will do a good job?

Doing your best is much more important than being the best.

Fossie

1240 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#241866 3-Aug-2009 16:36

Unless you have an alright video card, your CPU will die.

I use the HVR-900.

Bee

741 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 189

#241893 3-Aug-2009 17:26

video card is a Intel 4500HD...

I dont know if its because of the graphics card or the RAM but I have noticed the CPU often sits on 100% but the laptop goes along just fine without any problems at all so far...

I guess for the price of these things its worth buying and seeing if it works or not, but Im thinking that it will work well enough on at least one of my PC's...

Still cheaper than a second TV

Doing your best is much more important than being the best.

tanivula

998 posts

Ultimate Geek
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Lifetime subscriber

#242591 4-Aug-2009 18:39

What sort of processor is in your laptop? I presume intel but is it a celeron or what?

I've had a bit of success with a Pinnacle PC-TV 73e nanostick with mine, it sounds a bit gruntier than yours (P8400 - core 2 duo 2.26GHz with 2gig of ram, running XP pro). I hate the Pinnacle software though but does the job. The device works very well in Win7 MC on my main comp while I wait for some cash before buying a PCI card.

I'm using the supplied mini antenna and had a 'fun' time getting the direction and placement correct to get decent picture quality. I highly dount you'd have much success while you're moving with the small antenna.

Like you I took the risk and bought a cheap USB device to see if it'd work. I was suprised it worked so well the device is used every day now!