Desktop Computer Review: My Cinema U3100 Mini Review

Have used this stick with an Asus Eee PC 1000 and 900, both Linux models. U.S. owners will use KDE's Kaffeine player to watch digital TV broadcasts or cable channels.

Installation of the software was easy via dpkg install of two .deb files (available via Asus support Web site). Configuring Kaffeine for local broadcast reception simply requires plugging in the stick (attached to a cable or antenna source); this results in an auto-download of U.S. digital frequencies, and an auto-launch of Kaffeine's config dialog to choose the stick. You then go to the Kaffeine's Settings menu, choose Channels, click the Scan button, scan for available channels, and then save the channels. This is just like most other digital TV applications, such as EyeTV.

Performance is on a par with other digital video USB sticks. I also use a Hauppauge HVR-950, which cost twice as much, but the U3100 also supports clear QAM (digital cable viewing) - a definite bonus.

This stick is not popular with non-Eee PC Linux users and is not supported by MythTV and other open-source projects as the manufacturer will not release specs. But if you're an Eee pc Linux user, you will be happy that this stick works well for watching, time-shifting, and scheduled recording of digital TV via broadcast or cable reception. (I highly recommend an omnidirectional DB2 type antenna for digital broadcast reception; I get 24 channels via a Kaffeine scan with this stick using a DB2 mounted at 14 feet inside the house, which is 30 miles from station transmitters.)

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Product Description:
Just plug the My Cinema-U3100Mini to your computer's USB 2.0 connector, and you're ready to watch and record high-quality ATSC or Clear QAM digital TV programs. Furthermore, with its miniature design, you can take it along on travels. Whether you want to watch TV, record TV, make scheduled recording, edit and make your own movies, play DVD/VCD, or listen to MP3 music, this product can satisfy all your needs. ASUS My Cinema-U3100Mini can easily help you turn the PC into an all-around entertainment center!

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