Freecom DVB-T Stick

Multimedia Programmes

There are various possibilities as regards multimedia programmes which can be used with the stick. Some are supplied with the stick, by Freecom -

Freecom Player - understood to have been supplied with earlier models of the stick, the Player is apparently a fairly basic, but perfectly satisfactory, programme. There may be difficulties using this programme with Windows XP and it is believed that the Player does not operate with Windows Vista. (If anyone would like to submit a review of this programme, please post on the Forum with "techie - Freecom Player" in the title).

Total Media - understood to be supplied with recent models of the stick, this is a more extensive programme which provides a useful range of multimedia applications for playing music files, running photograph slide shows, and as a video capture programme. Users who wish to update to the latest version (currently 3.4) can download this here. The update to Version 3.4 may require you to carry out the two updates on the page. If your stick did not come with Total Media, if you email Freecom Support (supportuk@freecom.com) and ask them very nicely they may send you a weblink from which you can download the programme, which you can then update. (Note that Freecom do not have to supply this programme, so be nice when you ask them!). ***NEWS NEWS NEWS ***** I've recently completed the construction of a PC-based, distributed Multimedia system in my home. You'll find some info on it, and some recommendations on Multimedia Programmes, by clicking here.

Non-Freecom Multimedia Programmes

There are a number of alternative programmes available, some pay-for, some free, which are capable of use with the stick, (depending on Operating System used).

Windows Vista Media Centre - Microsoft's own multimedia programme, which you can read all about here. Seemingly an excellent programme - if you can get it to work....There are a number of reports of difficulties for Windows Vista users using this programme with the stick - but there are also reports of users who have been successful in getting it to work satisfactorily. You can read more about how others are tackling the problems with Media Centre here.

GB-PVR - an excellent, freeware, programme with extensive applications and which is undergoing constant updating and improvement by a range of enthusiasts. Can be straightforward - or a little tricky - to setup, depending on your luck. Read all about it here, where there's access to a very useful setup and configuration guide from a Forum user - MarkyMark.

MyTheatre - we have a report by a Forum user - KingJ - who advises this programme works flawlessly with Windows Vista. There is apparently a free version available, which has a minor restriction attached, limiting it's use to one hour before requiring a restart. Read all about it here.

Nero 7 - It is reported that the stick works with Nero 7 in Windows Vista. Fine if you already have Nero 7, or are entitled to a free upgrade, otherwise you have to pay for iot. You can, hoewvever, download a 30 day trials version for free from the Nero website - very useful if you want to doublecheck your stick is properly installed and working..

Avs TV Box - reported as being a "TV Viewer only", this programme can be found at www.avsmedia.com/TVBox/ and apparently works with the stick and Vista. An evaluation copy is free for download.

The Techie from Sneckie