AVerMedia AVerTV Hybrid+FM Cardbus review

The Hybrid in this Type II PC Card's name refers to its dual analog and digital TV capability - not to mention the option of listening to FM radio. Some might wonder why anyone would want to use analog TV, but as yet not every region in the UK can receive Freeview, and even if you can you won't be able to watch Channel Five on digital. Fortunately, AVerMedia's application allows you to quickly switch between analog and digital as and when you desire.

You can also use the bundled remote to switch sources, but don't expect a fantastic user experience. The buttons lack precision, while the software is difficult to read when sitting at typical TV-watching distances. This is a particular issue when trying to read Teletext or the EPG (electronic programming guide); you simply won't be able to without getting off the sofa. Fortunately, the AVerTV Cardbus is compatible with Windows Media Center, which provides a much better '10ft' interface.

We tested the PC Card on a 1.5GHz Pentium M notebook, hooked up to a standard fixed aerial. Quality was generally superb - the picture looked sharp and smooth, with our only quibble being occasional skips. But that's more likely due to digital TV transmission than the AVerMedia hardware. Theoretically, you can also use the bundled travel aerial, but we found reception to be patchy at best.

Recording TV is a simple process: press Record then answer the phone without fear of missing your programme. If you want to set the timer in advance, though, beware that you may find the end of your programme chopped off. The EPG doesn't use PDC (programme delivery control), so if your program overruns - as Match of the Day 2 did in our tests - then you'll lose those extra minutes. We do appreciate support for both MPEG1 and MPEG2 though, while its ability to wake up for recording when in S3 (standby) or S4 (hibernate) modes is a vital inclusion.

Although we do have some quibbles with the interface and the EPG, which gives programme schedule details up to one week in advance, this is still a very neat way to add digital TV to your notebook. And the price isn't outrageous either.

Author: Tim Danton