Thoughts and HEXUS.right2reply
So, what's the HEXUS.conclusion about the AVerTV DVB-T? Two words spring to mind - mixed bag. There are good and not so good bits about this package - though you might not be affected by the not-so-good bits and decide the product is for you anyway.
First off, the good stuff. We like the size of the device and think that it works in its favour. The box can be positioned where you need it and isn't as likely as a thumb-drive tuner to get accidentally damaged. You could readily hide your media center PC around the back of your spiffy HDTV and have the small AverMedia box up front with the IR receiver in line of sight.
Unfortunately, the software, while providing a full set of functions, doesn't seem very polished. The interface feels a bit dated in some ways. Of course, such an opinion is subjective - others may find the interface to their liking. We, however, would prefer to couple the product with something like CyberLink's PowerCinema and are pleased that this does work with AVerMedia's tuner even though it's not included in the bundle.
The remote is the second let down, requiring you to almost push your finger through some of the buttons to get them to work. When the handset does work, the AVerTV software's functionality is fine but we just wish there was some way of knowing whether you've pressed a button properly (a variable-volume audible bleep, perhaps?).
As a result, we wouldn't go so far as to recommend AVerMedia's offering even though we're sure a number of users won't be affected by its shortcoming. If you're included in that number, then the AVerTV DVB-T could turn out to be a worthy tuner for your media center PC, assuming, that is, you're in area where there's decent digital TV reception and have a decent main aerial. That said, and even if the AVerMedia product were perfect, we'd suggest looking around for a product with two built-in digital tuners, to allow yourself to record one programme while watching another one on a different channel.
HEXUS Right2Reply - AVerMedia
Commenting under the world-leading HEXUS Right2Reply initiative, Jon Rainford from AVerMedia Technologies (UK) Ltd had this to say about our article:"First, AverMedia would like to
thank Hexus for another very in depth review. By receiving feedback
like this AverMedia can improve its products to offer customers greater
satisfaction.
You commented on the dated interface. Whilst AverMedia is proud of its software developments in the last 12 months, we know there is still some way to go to make it perfect. With AP6 that this product uses, there are plans to make refinements and add new skins in 2006 to offer options for customers to choose from. By doing this we can offer new features such as UK digital teletext support (MHEG-5) to new and existing users alike."
You commented on the dated interface. Whilst AverMedia is proud of its software developments in the last 12 months, we know there is still some way to go to make it perfect. With AP6 that this product uses, there are plans to make refinements and add new skins in 2006 to offer options for customers to choose from. By doing this we can offer new features such as UK digital teletext support (MHEG-5) to new and existing users alike."
Jon Rainford
Multimedia Product Manager
AverMedia Technologies (UK) Ltd
