Digitisation of the UK television infrastructure will see the end of the analogue service by 2012. The terrestrial services are being replace by Digital Video Broadcasting - Terrestrial (DVB-T), this is the European standard for the terrestrial transmission of digital television.
Digital free to air (FTA) television currently provides 35+ channels across most of the UK, user satisfaction will vary depending on location in relation to the closest transmitter.
Freecom's Digital TV DVB-T is a terrestrial receiver & radio input adapter stick for PC's. It is about the same size as a USB memory pen, making it the world's smallest digital TV and radio receiver, allowing access to digital TV and radio programs anywhere, subject to reception, topography, objects, weather and Freeview coverage. However most of these restrictions are resolved by simply connecting an indoor TV aerial into the adapter between the aerial cable and the stick itself.
Here's a look at the features and specifications of the Freecom Digital T Freeview receiver:
Features:
Receive digital terrestrial TV & radio stations;
Support DVB protocol (ETS 300 744);
Real time Digital Video Recording (DVR);
Supports EPG (Electronic Program Guide);
Scheduled recording & time-shifting;
Multi-channel preview;
Includes antenna;
Record Digital TV shows;
Fully resizable TV, up to full screen;
System Requirements:
MicrosoftWindows XP SP1 or above;
PIII 800MHz CPU or above;
128MB RAM, 1GB Free hard disk space, Graphic Card (Support Microsoft DirectX 9.0 or above), Microsoft Direct X 9.0b or above;
Available Digital signal in your region;
Box Contents:
Freecom DVB-T Stick;
IR Remote Control;
Quick Installation Guide;
Terrestrial Antenna;
MCX-IEC Connector;
Application CD & online manual;
USE extension cable;
This stick probably won't fit into a back USB socket if the nearby one is in use due to its cross-section, but Freecom bundle a short extension lead.
A complete substitute without adapters or subscription, enabling you to totally dispense with the need for that outdated and space-consuming television. This little USB stick frees you from programming schedules as it allows you to record television on your hard disk so you can watch at your convenience.
In the unlikely event you do not already have a TV license, purchase of this equipment will make this necessary. Fail to do so, and you risk a trip to court and a possible £1,000 fine and no one has ever successfully managed to dispute it.
The application interface consists of a configuration & viewing program; the video is displayed in a standard window and there is an independent ‘remote' window with all the channel and video selection controls, which are also accessible from the video window via a popup menu.
The video window can display any size up to full screen, between 4:3 for standard TV and 16:9 for wide screen movies, with a small loose of screen area, and stereo output, if the programme is transmitted in stereo.
