• TV
  • MOVIES
  • MUSIC
  • SHOWBIZ
  • SOAPS
  • GAMING
  • TECH
  • FORUMS
  • Follow
    • Follow
    • facebook
    • twitter
    • google+
    • instagram
    • youtube
Hearst Corporation
  • TV
  • MOVIES
  • MUSIC
  • SHOWBIZ
  • SOAPS
  • GAMING
  • TECH
  • FORUMS
Forums
  • Register
  • Login
  • Forums
  • Gadgets
  • Tablets and e-Readers
USB TV Sticks. Any good?
GoodBuddy
24-12-2007
Bought this last week for a present but changed my mind as decided it was a bit to gadgety for the particular "relative".

It's unopened and unsure whether or not to keep it or take it back for a refund. Are they any good? I don't exactly live close to a transmitter but in the summer go travelling and may find it useful then I guess.
tealady
24-12-2007
I have cinergy one which doesn't work too well at home but I expected that as we get a poor signal here.
There are a number of factors to consider:
Reception: type you postcode in here to see likely reception
http://www.wolfbane.com/cgi-bin/tvd.exe?
Aerial: A portable one isn't likely to be up to the job, so it depends whether you can use a external aerial. Wolfbane also gives you an idea of the aerial required.

I am off to relatives soon, so can post back my experiences.
pault2006
24-12-2007
I've had a couple of Freeview USB sticks but always had problems with them - despite being able to get all the Freeview channels on my main TV.

The aerials you get with the sticks are rubbish and I think only the 'double-tuner' sticks are any good.
GoodBuddy
24-12-2007
Sounds like it will be going back to Maplins then

Would not really use it at home-no point given we have Sky but thought it may be good on travels.
iGEEK
30-12-2007
USB Tv sticks are a big no no! They are flimsy and easy to break!
tealady
31-12-2007
I used mine at the relatives. When using the external aerial, the picture was great and everything worked well. When trying to use the portable aerial, no success, although this was not helped by the decorative metal on the windows.
I understand it is possible to buy a portable powered aerial, so I might try that.
Actually the cinergy one
http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/4968...-usb-cine.html
works really well and has had good reviews:
http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/accessorie...9287150,00.htm
Mark in Essex
02-01-2008
I bought one for the wifes laptop for when we are away camping and love it (although we have bought a bigger TV top style aerial for it).

We have always got the analogue stations as well as a load of freeview ones where we have been (North Cornwall, South Devon, South West Dorset and near Alton Towers).

I think the main thing is that they usually come with a crappy little aerial that not even a normal TV would pick anything up on.
steveOooo
02-01-2008
using eye tv hybrid for mac - no probs,

used terratec cynergy for mac - no probs? i have the main roof aerial connected - when living away from home i have it connected with a indoor aerial - again no probs.
dfgh
02-01-2008
A majority of the USB sticks are good yes.However like with any digibox receiver, you really need a decent aerial and is some cases a booster.Although saying that, the one that came with my laptop works really well with the small magnet aerial that cam with it, especially when used in conjunction with some tin foil.As for them being easy to break, I'd hae to contest that.The build quality on mine is quiet high, and has done quite a lot of travelling in two years and still worsk perfectly well.
VIEW DESKTOP SITE TOP

JOIN US HERE

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Hearst Corporation

Hearst Corporation

DIGITAL SPY, PART OF THE HEARST UK ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK

© 2015 Hearst Magazines UK is the trading name of the National Magazine Company Ltd, 72 Broadwick Street, London, W1F 9EP. Registered in England 112955. All rights reserved.

  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Complaints
  • Site Map