Watch the World Cup on your Computer with a USB TV Receiver

With a USB TV receiver you can watch and record digital TV programmes on your computer or laptop. Most have nothing to envy of a real TV either, with automatic channel searching, an electronic programme guide (EPG), podcast recording for you iPod and even a time-shift function for pausing your favourite show while you go make a cuppa.

One of the main differences between the various models is the accessories they come bundled with. Some come with a remote control, which is generally very basic, and a far cry from the average universal remote. Other models come with an extra aerial to improve reception, although these are only intended for occasional use. If you have poor reception in your home, or wherever else you usually watch TV, then they won't work any miracles. Plus, poor digital TV reception can make programmes simply impossible to watch as they're full of glitches in the picture and sound, and the sound can sometimes be out of sync with the picture etc.

Receivers compatible with Mac are relatively few and far between. The Terratec T3 is one of the few that can be used with Mac OS X, but it's also the most also the most expensive item in our selection. Some receivers do work with Linux; just make sure you check the product spec thoroughly to avoid disappointment.

The digital TV receivers below should give you a basic idea of what's currently out there. We've tried to cater for all tastes, budgets and hardware by picking examples of the various different models, bundles and price tags available. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to test them to check out their reception, but to be honest, don't expect reception to be great unless you live in an area with a strong signal.

The Avermedia AverTV Volar HD Pro FIFA edition is compact and HD-compatible. It can be used with all versions of Windows, from XP to W7. Available from £47.60 The AverMedia Volar Black HD comes with a foldable high-gain antenna with a blue LED showing signal strength. It can be used with Windows XP and Vista but not W7. Available from £29.99 The Hauppauge WINTV Mini-Stick HD comes complete with a portable aerial and a remote control. It's compatible with Windows XP, Vista and W7.   Available from £29.95 The August DVB-T201 USB Freeview TV receiver and recorder is a great budget solution and comes bundled with an aerial and a remote control Available from £21.50 The PCTV NanoStick claims to pick up digital TV signals even in when reception is low thanks to its high-sensitivity design. It's available in PC and Mac versions.   Available from £39.00 The Hauppauge WinTV-NOVA-TD USB stick has two digital TV tuners for improved reception of all your favourite terrestrial digital TV channels. Available from £57.20 The Terratec T3 can be used with both Windows and Mac OS X, and comes with a magnetic aerial, an extension lead and a full-size remote control. Available from £64.30 The Terratec Cinergy T USB XXS is apparently a 'state-of-the-art' TV tuner. It comes with similar accessories to the T3 but is for Windows only. Available from £44.40

Prices are correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.

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