The gf has a tv license but wont be able to take a tv back to uni this term.  So, USB tv tuners: anyone got any recommendations?  Freeview would be nice too, anything in particular I should look out for in this regard?  Some of them say stuff like DVB and DVB-T, wossatthen?

The T means terrestial, I only found that out the other day. Theres -S and -C ones too for sky and cable ones, iirc. DVB is short for Usb Telly Stick.

I got the freecom one. Its ok but the aerial is crap (can use a better one) and it takes time to switch between channels.

DVB = Digital Video Broadcast lol.

Some work really well, others are sh*te, and some even have the gay pigtail to a proprietary connector so you can only use the gay little aerial that comes with the bloody usb device.

Myself and the missus bought a TV licence when we moved into this place, only to find out we can only get BBC1/2/3 and CBeebies on digital /sigh.

Cant afford to fork out for a new ariel as I only watch TV for a couple of hours a week.

So anyone know of any that do freeview and have a reasonable rep?  external ariel input is a must as were in a low signal area and use one of these active booster antennas

All of the USB DVB-T sticks do freeview, thats what they were made for!

As to the quality, some of them are really poor at reception, my brother has one that, unless its got a near enough direct line to the transmitter and is close it wont work very well. Check out some reviews before she puts the money down. Some of the latest ones are supposedly better at low signal strengths and you should be able to sort out a reasonable one.

Im using a PCI one that works great.

Yeah, Id rather go for a PCI one, but sadly its a laptop  Cheers, Ill have a google for some reviews.

WG: Just get the £8 roof/loft mount aerial from wilkinsons, it works a treat

I,ve had a Nebula Tv Tuner for a few years & except for a few driver issues it has been superb.
As a PVR it does go a bit flakey every now & again but the playback is far superior to my TV & CDRW combo.
I use a Freeview receiver with it & have a bigger choice of channels than with my TV.
Not cheap but i,m more than pleased with the performance & features.
http://www.nebula-electronics.com/products/products.asp?class=Bundle