According to the guys over at Everything USB, you can now watch TV on your Asus Eee PC.
You will need an Asus My Cinema U3100 Mini DVB-T USB TV tuner, which now works thanks to some updated Linux drivers from Asus.
Setting Up the TV Tuner
The USB TV tuner was tested out by a Hong Kong based magazine and the tuner worked well except for h.264 software decoding. Channels which were sent over MPEG-2 worked perfectly on the Asus Eee. This means that while you may encounter some limitations with certain types of high-definition content, standard definition and MPEG-2 encoded channels should provide a smooth viewing experience.
To set up the TV tuner, you will need to install the updated Linux drivers provided by Asus. These drivers are essential for ensuring compatibility and optimal performance of the TV tuner with your Asus Eee PC. Once the drivers are installed, you can connect the USB TV tuner to your Eee PC and start scanning for available channels.
Benefits and Limitations
One of the main benefits of using the Asus My Cinema U3100 Mini DVB-T USB TV tuner is its portability. The compact size of the tuner makes it easy to carry around, allowing you to watch TV on your Eee PC wherever you go. This can be particularly useful for travelers or for those who want to watch TV in different rooms of their home without needing a separate TV set.
However, there are some limitations to be aware of. As mentioned earlier, the tuner struggles with h.264 software decoding. This means that if you are trying to watch high-definition channels that use this encoding, you may experience issues such as lag or poor picture quality. Additionally, the performance of the TV tuner can be affected by the signal strength in your area. If you are in a location with weak signal reception, you may encounter difficulties in receiving certain channels.
Despite these limitations, the ability to watch TV on your Asus Eee PC adds a new level of functionality to the device. It transforms the Eee PC from a simple netbook into a versatile entertainment system.
For those interested in understanding more about TV technologies, have a look at our handy guide which explains the difference between LCD and LED TVs. This guide will help you understand the various display technologies available and how they impact your viewing experience. Additionally, our new OLED TV Explained article provides an in-depth look at OLED technology, which is becoming increasingly popular in modern TVs.
The Asus My Cinema U3100 Mini DVB-T USB TV tuner is a great accessory for Asus Eee PC users who want to add TV functionality to their device. While there are some limitations to be aware of, the overall performance and portability of the tuner make it a worthwhile investment for those looking to enhance their Eee PC experience.
via Everything USB
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