Test of almost half a dozen tuner cards - in the spirit of DVB-T

A total of five products were received representing a total of three brands, but we are still indebted to the exact list:

• AVerMedia AVerTV Hybrid Volar HX
• AVerMedia AVerTV Hybrid + FM Cardbus
• Items ITV540 Express Hybrid
• Items ITV723 PenDrive Hybrid
• Not Only TV Hybrid USB

Perhaps we have already guessed from the names that there is not a single internal unit on the list - not by chance. On the one hand, we have already dealt with an internal DVB-T tuner (also), and on the other hand, one of the advantages of digital reception is that we have a good chance to watch our favorite program on the go. Accordingly, in terms of interfaces, we can divide our competitors into three groups - that is, actually two (see later) -: USB 2.0, Express Card and Cardbus.

Not Only TV Hybrid USB (LV5H)

Our first test participant to be introduced is the NOT hybrid portable solution, which uses USB 2.0 as a medium for its communication - that is, it can be easily connected to our desktop PCs. Not Only TV, as a brand owned by Lifeview, was unknown to us so far, so we were particularly pleased to welcome the manufacturer's product in the package, which wears a red (white) robe inside and out.

The tuner itself is "coated" in black, however, the brand inscription and the very attention-grabbing "spy strip" are bright green. On an older tuner with the size of a slightly fattened flash drive, we can pay attention to three connections: USB 2.0 (under the protective cap), AV output (using a converter) and antenna input - the latter two are also gold-plated.

The small device is capable of receiving both analogue and digital terrestrial programs, and it also has all the conveniences that are common today. By this we mean recording options, receiving radio broadcasts (both FM and digital), and with the added software, you can listen to music, view pictures - and burn your recordings to DVD.

specifications:

• Connection: USB 2.0
• DVB-T MPEG-4: yes
• Analogue broadcasts: yes
• Radio: FM and digital
• Connections: AV (composite with converter, S-video and stereo RCA audio) and antenna (coax)
• Accessories: antenna, remote control, AV cable, quick start guide, CD
• Size:
• Crowd:
• Supported operating systems: Windows XP (SP2) and Vista (64-bit support is officially available for LV5H Power only)

As you can see, a remote control is included with the package - despite being marked as an optional accessory on the international website - which is simple but fit for purpose. There’s also a LV5H Power version of Hybrid USB that comes with an active antenna - to help with even better reception.

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