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Subject Topic: USB Freeview Devices Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonChrisS23
24/8/2008 at 11:27am
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Hi All,

Like the idea of a USB Freeview dongle for use with the laptop on rainy days/nights.

I have searched this site and the whole web for a recent group test/review of these devices, but couldn't find one.

Would be grateful for some recommendations. I noticed Aldi do one for £19.99 which seems very reasonable, but not sure if it would work too well.

Thanks in advance.


PersonHelenaB
24/8/2008 at 4:31pm
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The problem with these things is that you need a bloomin' great aerial to get them to work - the little portable aerials just don't do the job reliably enough (no matter what they tell you in Maplins!)


Personsmee05
24/8/2008 at 8:03pm
 Location: Padiham - East Lancs.
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Quote: Originally posted by HelenaB on 24/8/2008
The problem with these things is that you need a bloomin' great aerial to get them to work - the little portable aerials just don't do the job reliably enough (no matter what they tell you in Maplins!)

is correct, absolutely useless unless parked next to one of the tv transmitters.....IE: camping on winter hill.


PersonGram
24/8/2008 at 8:11pm
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I bought one (Peak) from a Computer fair (have also seen them in shops) and it was totally useless; even when plugged into the main rooftop aerial at home, it only picked up two or three TV stations.....
If your laptop has a PCMCIA slot, you can get something like this Aver card (my son has one, and it works very well), or if your laptop has the newer 'expresscard' slot, you could go for something like this expresscard - unfortunately, both styles are dearer (at the moment) than the usb, but they are more reliable..... also, both of these are hybrid - digital and analogue versions

Gram

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What's the difference between a chicken?


PersonAndy R
25/8/2008 at 8:40am
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Got one from Maplin for £15.   Works really well, but the thing I don't like is that the fan on the laptop makes such a noise, it's distracting to watch TV on it.   Also, many laptop speakers are rubbish too, so may not be adequate for TV viewing. I have to plug mine into an ipod amplified speaker.


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Persondezzie
25/8/2008 at 11:50pm
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See Here

£7.50, dont know how good they are though?

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Always forgive,Never forget;Learn from mistakes,But Never regret;People change,Things go wrong;Just remember life goes on

Cool campers use Delta Pegs.

The happiest people aren't the ones who have everything they are the ones who make the most of everything they have


jasper15
26/8/2008 at 9:08am
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You have to check you specs on your lap top the one we have needs 2 gigs to run it, we got it from Maplins £19.99 and it works great, but its only for free view and radio you can get them that cover all terrestrial free view and radio but cost about £50.00. It also depends on the area your in We have just come back from Blackpool 43 tv channels and 33 radio and that was just plugged into the ariel on top the van,


Personmatty2303
26/8/2008 at 4:44pm
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recieved one today , lets just say ill be selling it on the car boot at the weekend doesnt work unless i buy a different aerial!


PersonHelenaB
26/8/2008 at 5:13pm
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Yep that's about the size of it!

You're better off (in the UK only) getting one of those broadband mobile dongles and seeing what you can watch via the internet.


Personjohnks
26/8/2008 at 5:19pm
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I have one which I use all the time on my laptop at home. Works extremely well but we are in a good reception area.

Try http://www.freecom.com/ecproduct_detail.asp?id=2234 although they seem to be out of stock at the moment.

There are some here http://www.datakits.co.uk/store/freecom-dvbt-digital-freeview-tv-radio-usb-stick-adapter-25451-p-755.html?osCsid=706a12fe5832d632ea25837956e4bcbd



Post last edited on 26/08/2008 17:25:55

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PersonVectratot
26/8/2008 at 6:48pm
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I bought one on ebay about a year ago think it was about £12 +postage £2/3. Works quite well at home on my PC, receives most of the freeview channels as well as the mormal 5 channels and I can record any of the programs direct to my PC, I do live in a good reception area.


Persontony+vivienne
26/8/2008 at 7:11pm
 Location: Suffolk
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We have a DVB-T dongle and it wouldn't work until I invested in 25 metres of coaxial. Bought it from Woolworths for £7.99 and then just trailed it across to the nearest vacant aerial point. Of course no good if you are in the middle of a field, but with 25 metres you could always plumb it into an aerial up a tree!   Think you can get a 50 metre version as well for not much more money.

Many an evening sat in the tent watching the freeview channels. Crystal clear with no problems whatsoever. I do agree re the speakers, although we tended to turn ours down anyway because of the 'neighbours'.


Persontigang
27/8/2008 at 4:06pm
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I was just laughing at the thought of someone shinning up a tall tree with a 50 metre reel of coax to mount a multi-element, high gain aerial all for the love of watching Coronation Street

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