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Topic: USB Freeview Devices

ChrisS23

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.

HelenaB

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!)

smee05

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.

Gram

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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Andy R

25/8/2008 at 8:40am
Location: Brigg North Lincolnshire
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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.

dezzie

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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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,

matty2303

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!

HelenaB

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.

johnks

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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John

Vectratot

26/8/2008 at 6:48pm
Location: DURHAM
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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.

tony+vivienne

26/8/2008 at 7:11pm
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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'.

tigang

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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