So, you want to turn your PC into a multimedia monster, do you? Well, the Kworld X-Pert PVR TV Tuner will provide you with a great many features to get you started, all with a plug and pay USB interface. The X-Pert will allow you to watch live TV in a resizable window on your computer, record and playback TV programs, and convert .avi, and .mpg files to .mpeg files. Burning software is also included for burns to DVD, VCD, or SVCD.

One thing you need to be aware of if you’re considering buying this PVR unit is the minimum system specs you need to have in order to get it working properly. From an operating standpoint, you need to have either Windows 2000 (SP 4) or Windows XP (SP2). Okay, that’s pretty standard, what about hardware specs? Well, you need USB 2.0, at least a 20 gig hard drive at 7200 RPM, 256 MB Ram, and an AC ’97 compatible sound card. Also, you need to have at least a P4, 2.0GHz or better CPU under the hood.

If you can make it past the system spec requirements, you do have some options. Video input options include a coaxial TV input, composite and S-Video input, and a FM antenna input (yes, you can listen to the radio and record programs with this box as well). Video output can be via either USB 2.0 or USB 1.1, though USB 2.0 is STRONGLY recommended. You can connect the Kworld PVR to your TV, DVD player, VCR, cable box, and satellite box. The X-Pert also supports up to 120 channels and features a video processor and compression up to 30 frames per second at 720 X 480 resolution. There have been reports, however, that large viewing windows on bigger monitors begin to distort.

In the Box

• V-Stream Xpert TV - PVR USB2.0 TV Box
• Installation CD
• Remote Control
• AC adapter (110v ~60Hz, 8v/1.A)
• RCA to S-Video converter
• 1/8″ mini audio cable

In Sum

If you’re looking for a USB PVR solution, and do not wish to open your PC to install a PCI card, then the Kworld X-Pert TV Tuner Box is a serviceable option. Bear in mind the required system specifications when considering your purchase, and also the reports that large screen viewing windows begin to distort programming. The Kworld USB X-Pert TV Tuner is an inexpensive alternative to other USB PVRs, and does offer a wide array of options from both a hardware and software perspective.

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 24th, 2006 at 12:48 pm and is filed under Reviews, Video Cards. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.