Avermedia USB TV Tuner
Avermedia USB TV Tuner
Avermedia produces a range of models of USB TV tuner. The two most popular models of
Avermedia USB TV tuner are: the Avermedia AverTVHD Volar Max USB TV tuner, and the Avermedia
AverTV Hybrid Volar Max USB TV tuner.
Avermedia AverTVHD Volar Max USB TV Tuner
This model of Avermedia USB TV tuner is very compact, about the size of a USB stick.
Unlike many other USB TV tuners, it is designed for both Mac and Windows operating systems. It can pick up
over-the-air digital TV signals, and unencrypted cable (these are cable channels which are broadcast 'in the
clear'). Viewing features include pausing, rewinding and fast-forwarding. This model of Avermedia USB TV tuner is
capable of recording TV too.
Recordings are saved in the newer H.264 format for PC, which is good news for those who plan on
archiving their recordings, because this format uses four times less disk space than the older MPEG-2 format.
However, this option does not exist for the Mac version, so these users are stuck with the MPEG-2 format, which
users find frustrating because this format is not otherwise supported on their platform. In order to view recorded
files, Mac users need to purchase a QuickTime add-on called QuickTime MPEG2 PlayBack Component. Their recordings
can then be viewed via QuickTime.
This Avermedia USB TV tuner has its own antenna included, allowing users even from areas with
poor TV signal to get set up immediately. The antenna is surprisingly compact; it folds down into a similar size as
the tuner (about the size of a USB stick). Unfolded, there are two telescoping rods which can be set to a range of
angles.
There is considerable variation in the amount of channels users can pick up in their location
and the quality of the picture can also vary from one place to another; this is simply due to the location-specific
quality of the TV signals available and not the Avermedia USB TV tuner. Users are pleased with the software's
ability to record shows without having to keep the application open. Another pleasing feature is the ability of the
software to give post-recording options when setting up a recording, for example telling the software to shut down
the computer after the recording is completed (other options include quitting the software but leaving the computer
on, switching to regular TV, or having the compute enter sleep mode).
Avermedia AverTV Hybrid Volar Max USB TV Tuner
This model of Avermedia USB TV tuner is a compact, stick-sized hybrid tuner for Windows
environments. It can pick up over-the-air analog and digital TV signals, unencrypted digital cable (called QAM;
these are cable channels which are broadcast 'in the clear'), and FM radio. This model of Avermedia USB TV tuner
is also capable of time shifting (pause, rewind, fast-forward) and can record TV. The recordings are saved in
the newer H.264 format which uses four times less disk space than the previous MPEG-2 format, a valuable feature
for users who plan on archiving a lot of shows.
This Avermedia USB TV tuner is reasonably priced for a hybrid tuner. Users are pleased with its
ability to auto-scan for channels. Any problems experienced tend to be with installation rather than with
performance. Some users found installation very straightforward, while for others it took a few repeated
efforts.
This model of Avermedia USB TV tuner comes with its own antenna (unlike a lot of other brands
which require the user to purchase this separately). It also includes an S-Video composite 2-in-1 cable for
connecting to other devices such as a PlayStation or DVD player. It does not come with a remote control, although a
compatible Avermedia remote may be purchased separately. This Avermedia USB TV tuner would be particularly helpful for a moderately
computer-savvy Windows user who is looking to record and archive many shows from both analog and digital
signals.
Hauppauge USB TV Tuner
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