Computex 2006 - Taipei : Preview :: Compro VideoMate V550

[Bob Crabtree]

Compro will be using the giant Computex Taipei show - kick off Tuesday (June 6), watch here for our in-depth coverage - to debut its rather unusual PC TV tuner, the VideoMate V550. Unlike previous Compro TV tuners and most competing products, the V550 doesn't require a free PCI slot or even a spare USB port. Instead, it's a standalone device that connects directly to the PC's monitor, turning it into a TV set.

As a result, the company points out, it also doesn't involve the installation of any drivers or other supporting software and completely avoids any possible problems with compatibility. On the downside, though, the V550 lacks many of the features that we take for granted with PC TV tuners, based around having sophisticated recording and time-shifting capabilities.

More in this Computex preview piece. And check out here all of our comprehensive coverage of Computex Taipei 2006

[YorkieBen]

Hey Bob, any idea of when this will be available in the UK??

[Bob Crabtree]

Hey Bob, any idea of when this will be available in the UK??

I don't know, so I have just emailed my contact at Compro.

[YorkieBen]

thanks Bob

[Bob Crabtree]

Haven't heard a dicky bird, yet.

[DR]

I've just checked with Compro - it will be late August.

[EllTheGamer]

Does anyone know any prices or are they tbc?
Edit: any currency im just interested to see what it would be 'competing' against price-wise for a pc counterpart.

[YorkieBen]

I've just checked with Compro - it will be late August.

thanks David (and thanks to Bob for asking as well)

[newfan]

That looks cool... I may buy one and hook it up to the Hyundai Q995.
I did have a compro Free view card not long ago... I was impressed with the quality of it, and the fact I could turn my PC on/off with remote.

Get me an AMP some little speakers and I’m away...

[YorkieBen]

any ideas on when this is coming out in the UK?