Compro: TV Cards Without Compromise

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There’s a double announcement of multimedia PC expert Compro this month as it roles out two highly flexible new TV tuners.

First up is the VideoMate DVB-U2200, a USB2.0 external TV tuner which supports high definition HDTV digital broadcasts. The pocket sized device needs no separate power adaptor and supports all DVB-T audio formats.

Bundled with the company’s own ComproDTV software, it can also play, record timeshift and capture still shots of programmes, while there is support for EPG and Teletext. Ulead’s Photo Explorer 8 SE software for watching DVDs and managing multimedia files is also included.

Should you get bored of the goggle box, a built in digital FM radio receiver (though not DAB) means it can hook up to your favourite stations and everything can be operated from a suitably couch-like position because of the included IR remote.

The other new kid on the block (that phrase still strikes fear into my heart) is the VideoMate DVB-T300, a PCI based TV Tuner which can receive both HDTV and analogue signals. Given that the switch over to full digital broadcasting will still take several more years, the clear aim here is offer the best of both worlds.

The T300 is not a one trick pony, however, as it similarly sports an FM radio receiver (also not DAB) and the same ComproDTV software as the U2200 meaning it can play, record, timeshift and capture TV images. In addition, “Power Up Scheduling” means programmes can be set to record that will then automatically boot the PC when needed.

Both the U2200 and T300 should be landing on shelves as you read this. The T300 will retail for £59.99 including VAT, while the U2200’s price remains mysteriously absent. We’ll chase that up for you before all this TV talk gives us square eyes.

Update 22/04/2005:
We've got that U2200 price for you. A very reasonable £64.99 including VAT as it turns out. Nice.

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