Conclusion:
In the end, the results I had anticipated before starting the review had been reversed. I wasn't expecting much from a PCMCIA tuner for reasons related to the interface and the specifications of the host system, but I was quite surprised at just how well TV viewing, basic recording, and time shifting functioned. Although the system did limit what the card was capable of, the AVerTV Cardbus showed that it can definitely be recommended for anyone looking to add a TV tuner to their notebook computer.
A search of PriceGrabber shows that the AVerMedia AVerTV Cardbus can be purchased for as low as $65 (US), making it competitive with other cardbus, PCI, and USB based tuners. If you are looking for a powerful PVR solution, this may not be the correct card (or interface) to consider, but if you simply want to enjoy TV, make basic recordings, or capture from composite or s-video, the AVerTV Cardbus is worth the money.
Going into the review of the UltraTV USB 300, I had higher expectations, and they weren't necessarily met. My experience with other USB 2.0 based tuners has educated me as to what is possible, and considering the impressive performance of AVermedia's PCMCIA tuner, I was expecting great things. The UltraTV USB 300 didn't do poorly, but it definitely wasn't the best, and failed to really "wow" me when it came to image quality, recording quality, or time shifting options.
A search of PriceGrabber shows that the UltraTV USB 300 can be had for as low as $75 (US), making it competitively priced, but not quite as appealing as the cardbus version for use on a notebook, especially considering the performance. There are numerous USB 2.0 TV tuners available on the market with lower prices, and my experience with just a couple of them shows that you can luck out for less money.
AVerTV Cardbus Final Rating (4.5 out of 5 stars):  
AVerTV Cardbus Pros:
» Easy Installation
» Stylish and compact design
» Performance exceeded expectations
» Interface is attractive and intuitive
» Allows for time shifting
» Numerous recording modes
» Can setup recordings easily via Titan TV
AVerTV Cardbus Cons:
» No remote control
UltraTV USB 300 Final Rating (3 out of 5 stars):
UltraTV USB 300 Pros:
» Easy installation
» Stylish and conveniently laid out design
» Nice software bundle allows for TV and A/V editing
» Interface is attractive and intuitive
» Allows for time shifting
» Numerous recording modes
» Can setup recordings easily via Titan TV
UltraTV USB 300 Cons:
» No remote control
» Reduced image quality
» Reduced recording quality
» Limited time shifting options
» Audio and USB cables could be longer
Special thanks to AVerMedia for providing the AVerTV Cardbus and UltraTV USB 300 TV tuners to Bigbruin.com for review!
Please drop by the Bigbruin.com Forum and feel free to post any comments or questions.
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