External TV Tuners / PVR Devices: 3-way shootout

Transcend TV-Box USB 2.0

Right after I finished testing the Digistor, the other two products arrived. Trying to be fair and balanced, I chose the Transcend unit next, because it resembled more closely what I had previously tested.

The tuner unit is about 3 times bigger than Digistor’s offering while the remote control remains at about the same size (it actually looks the same, with some different coloring and button placement). This tuner is powered through the USB port instead of using an external 12V source, and it’s also controlled through a USB port (so you will need two). This could be either good or bad depending on the computer you are working with. In my case it did turn bad because my laptop only has 1 USB port, if you have more it can actually help a lot with cable clutter.

Here is what’s included:

• TV-BOX device

• Audio cable

• Audio and video connection cables

• USB 2.0 cable

• Remote controller with batteries

• Software

• User manual

• USB to DC jack power cable

• WIN DVR 3

Minimum requirements:

• P3 800MHz for viewing; P3 1GHz for VCD recording; P4 1.7 GHz for DVD recording

• USB 2.0 interface X 2

• 128 MB or more

• Windows XP or Windows 2000

Impressions

Installation of this unit was effortless, unlike the previous battle I was entrenched in. The included instruction manual is simple to follow, yet it also contains additional content to help you with your media experience. You will also find connectivity tips, and troubleshooting techniques. The overall quality of this unit seems top-notch, and I did not experience any speed bumps whatsoever.

The included software is good and will get the job done, but in my opinion, it’s not as good as the Ulead package. I think the WinDVR suite lags slightly behind the Ulead software when it comes to PVR functionality. Here is a look at the interface:

And now for a look at the scheduling application:

Here is the wizard for adding scheduled programming:

The Transcend package worked very well. It offers the best owners manual, great support, and is a polished product. You should not encounter any problems whatsoever when installing or using this product, and it’s still small enough to carry around in the business bag. The more I used WinDVR, the more I liked it. It’s user friendly, and almost keeps up with the suite from rival Ulead.

Select External TV Tuners / PVR Devices Digistor USB 2.0 TV Tuner Transcend TV-BOX USB 2.0 RTV VEG-N Video Entertainment Generator Screen Captures Final Thoughts

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