Aver TV DVB Review

Overall Rating

Freecom USB stick (Not Hybrid) Versus AVerTV USB A800

I have both of these on my Home PC tower (Avertv) and one for my Laptop (Freecom). I don't use these very much but it's nice to have them and as I do not use them all the time and they both do the same job I decided to keep the winner of my test and sell the looser.

Freecom, Very small, small remote,
AverTV Larger ( bit bigger than a 20 pack of fags). Full size remote

Tested using laptop 2.4 GHz and Home PC 2.2 GHz

The Freecom needs a more powerful CPU to work (recommended 2GHz) and the picture breaks up sooner than the AVerTV, the Freecom sticks out of the laptop a long way with the aerial plugged in and blocks use of the other USB port because of it size but has a short USB cable to cure this.
The AverTV plus in using a USB cable, Less CPU Demand (recommended 800 MHz) and holds a picture better, the software for both do the same job but the AverTV is easer and better to use, recording on my laptop is better with the Aver with less problems, less frame dropping and picture lock ups.

Did a lot of side by side comparisons and the AverTV is the winner. The only thing the Freecom has is its size, but would not plug it direct into my laptop when using a home TV cable because of pull on the USB stick ( Try bending the aerial in your home to get some idea). I used both on my laptop using Velcro sticky pads and stuck them to the lid, the Velcro pads pull of the lid and leave no marks when removed.

Outdoor use with the aerial supplied, the Aver wins again, stronger reception less picture break up, both take power from the USB port and your laptop battery will suffer if you try using the record function

Score Laptop: AverTV 8/10 | Freecom 6/10
Score Home PC: AverTV 9/10 | Freecom 6/10

This may sound daft, but will be keeping both after all the testing, the Freecom will only ever be used on the laptop just in case I ever wanted to watch TV, but if I ever took the laptop anywhere and knew I was going to watch TV the AverTV would be definitely used.
Both do digital radio the same and that's about it.

Members' Comments onDave017's Review

• tomba on 28th Jun 2008

  I found this review helpful because...i've been looking to buy and noticed the Aver at £19.99 in Maplin. Thanks!