AVerMedia AVerTV Hybrid Volar Max - TV Tuner Kit for Windows H826-AK USB 2.0 Interface

Pros: it's really plug and play. Drivers automatically detected and installed by Windows. It was a brand new clean Windows installation.

The images were clear, tuner was quick. I was recording shows in about 15 minutes after I installed this thing. I have already records hundred of hours of shows since installation and haven't had any problems.

The package came with a usb extender. I thought was it pretty thoughtful. I needed it.

Cons: none (yet)

Pros: I purchased this device for typical retail price in early 2010 to receive OTA HD broadcasts on a custom HTPC. I was initially impressed with the purchase:

- Had slick packaging
- Came with a USB extender
- Relatively unobtrusive design
- Picked up (in some form) all of the available OTA channels in my area.

Cons: Unfortunately, after extended use, I had two main issues with it:

- Some OTA channels did not have very good reception when compared with the tuner in my TV using the same antenna, and those channels were, at times, unwatchable.

- Somewhere between 18 months and 2 years after purchase, the unit randomly stopped receiving broadcast signals. It is still detected by the OS, the driver works, and the activity light illuminates, but no signal is detected in Media Center. Just to clarify, the unit worked FINE, and then one day a recording failed due to no signal. It never picked up a signal again.

I performed extensive troubleshooting and ruled out the antenna, the cabling, the TV, and the computer (installed on three different PCs with the same result every time). I also scrounged up older drivers (to no avail), even though I knew it had been working with the most recent one. The unit is busted and no longer within warranty. Since it still costs as much as I paid for it over 2 years ago, I won't be buying another of this model.

Other Thoughts: It's worth noting that at the same time as purchasing this device, I also bought a very similar tuner made by MyGica (for less than a quarter of the price) to be used on another HTPC. It is still working fine, and it gets better reception than the AverTV or even the TV's built-in tuner. The only downside is that Windows doesn't find the driver automatically, but the driver installation is painless, so I'll be purchasing another one of those to replace the AverTV.

Pros: Automatically detected by Windows 7 Media Center
Software Installed, setup. without a hitch
No driver disks, no nothin'

Cons: Ummm, sticks out a little bit?

Other Thoughts: OK, it's perfect for me, but I have what appears to be the perfect application. I have a dedicated HTPC running Windows 7 Home Premium and an OTA antenna mounted outdoors that gets a strong signal.

That said, all I had to do was connect the antenna, plug it in hot, and click "Yes," "Next," "Continue," "Whatever," or "Herp-derp" a few times. It's automatically detected by Media Center and the Media Center software is re-configured to it.

If you're running cable, or another OS, I dunno - you're on your own. But for me, it was perfect.

Pros: Reasonable price, very compact and portable.

Cons: Does not include any software to actually use it. I downloaded the driver and Averymedia software from their website, but the software says no tv tuner found. A search of their support forums says the "Starter kit" version of this tuner is not compatible with their software, and only works in Media center, so perhaps that's what this is.

However, Media center does not recognise the tuner either.

Other Thoughts: unfortunately, I took a hammer to it, so I can't return it. I also bought 2 more elsewhere, 1 the "starter kit" version, and 1 of the "full version" of the card.

Same results with all 3 cards, on 2 computers, 1 running Windows 7 64 bit, an one computer running Windows 2000. Cards are recognised by Windows, but not by Media Center or Averymedia software.

Manufacturer Response:

Dear Customer,

AVerTV Hybrid Volar Max is designed for Windows Media Center. On order for you to use with Windows Media Center you will need to configure the TV Tuner to scan for channels. Go to task, settings, TV, setup TV signal.

Please contact Technical Support if you have any questions.

http://support.avermedia-usa.com

Pros: Does the job

Cons: none

Other Thoughts: In the QAM help review I posted here, in error I said open 'windows7 media player,..., should be Windows Media Center

Pros: Works great after you have the kinks worked out.

Cons: none

Other Thoughts: This may at least get you started in the right direction.
After purchasing this I was unhappy with the results of the QAM channels found.
Many of the network channels were missing (along with the sub channels)
The solution was to go here http://www.silicondust.com/support/channels/

Enter your zip code and cable provider.
Locate your missing channels. Then......
I opened ‘Windows7 Media player and navigated to settings, TV, Guide, add missing channels.
Here you add the Qam channel #, not the virtual channel.
For instance in my area, 43.1 is the Fox Affiliate, but to receive this I must enter 47.3 the QAM channel its on
Entering the virtual channel 43.1 I got nothing.

After doing this I finally got my entire local lineup and sub channels.

Good Luck

Pros: Excellent picture quality for HD stations. Very good quality for SD & analog stations.
No software or drivers necessary for Win7 - Plug 'n play.

Cons: Station detection in Media Center is slow, and results can be misleading.
When windowed and in background still tends to overlay browser windows in foreground (especially Chrome).

Other Thoughts: I was lucky that some of the previous reviewers left sufficient detail to figure out what was up with Media Center not detecting stations. They WERE being detected, but since there was no station info detected they weren't showing up in the list. A trip to Microsoft's website helped with learning how to manually add station info. Other than that issue (not enough to subtract an egg, as that's my cable provider's fault) everything just works. The video quality is great, and I was surprised by the quality of analog video (especially windowed). I'm going to try out the streaming software AVerMedia recommended to stream to my Android phones and provide an update at that time.

Pros: finishing, advertisement

Cons: defected and confusing software

Manufacturer Response:

Dear Customer,

AVerTV Hybrid Volar Max Starter Kit requires Windows Media Center. You will need to install the drivers from our website http://www.avermedia-usa.com/AVerTV/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?Id=481&tab=APDriver

Then open Windows Media Center to run Setup and configure the TV Tuner.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

http://support.avermedia-usa.com/

Pros: Works flawlessly with Windows 7 Media Center. Used as backup DVR when cable box is tied up with dual recordings. Also great to watch TV especially football games. TV Guide syncs perfectly with cable feed with program info on channels.

Cons: Not the greatest sharpness with full screen.

Other Thoughts: I do have a rather wide 24 " 1080P HD ASUS ML238H monitor 1920x1080. View does look GREAT in normal window size.

Pros: Plug & Play. Works great with Windows 7 x64. Don't kow about folks with ClearQAM. ATSC OTA HD is where it's at and this stick works like a charm with it.

Cons: None.

Other Thoughts: Much more trouble-free than the Hauppauge 850 I had.