Products that allow you to watch television on your computer have been around for some time now, but there are an increasing number of these add-ons developed specifically for notebooks. The Avermedia AverTV USB2.0 Plus is one such device.

Installing it is very straightforward, requiring a simple connection to an empty USB port. Unfortunately some inexperienced users may find that configuring the software and tuning in new channels isn't very intuitive. The manual isn't very detailed and the accompanying software lacks the automatic set-up wizards seen on some products.

Once you're up and running, though, the AverTV USB2.0 Plus works well. We were able to receive all terrestrial broadcasts, and once we manually selected the correct options for the country we live in, picture quality was very clear.

The device can't receive digital Freeview broadcasts but includes a facility called time-shifting using your PC's hard disk, which allows live television to be paused and rewound.

The AverTV USB2.0 Plus measures less than four inches square, so you can easily take it on your travels. Inside the box you'll find a wireless remote control and a miniature antenna with a magnetic base.

It may lack the ease of use and features of some rival brands, but on the whole it is a very useful device that works well.

Contact:
AverMedia 0870 224 7116
www.averm.co.uk