VideoMate Package Content

No time to waste, only time to open up the package and get a view on the content and what is included with the bundle from Compro. As mentioned earlier the VideoMate TV Gold Plus II comes in a box which details on the front the strengths of this analog TV card. On opening the box our main attention gets drawn towards the TV card itself, which is of course what this bundle is all about. In fact you have two versions of this package the standard version and the even better Plus version. And yes we got the later one, which actually is a slightly better version and bundle, including extra software and features. None the less, both TV cards are of equal quality production wise with the Plus version just giving that bit extra to the more demanding enthusiasts. But the bundle includes more than just the TV card...

Looking at the package, it certainly is attractive and colorful just as the VideoMate TV card itself. Next to the TV tuner card you will find quite some extra components and items in the box. These will come in handy during the installation, the use of the TV tuner or just finding out more information and specific details about the TV card. And indeed, most of the features and details you can find clearly on the box itself, which to that extend is an added value for any potential buyer. This way you know the features, requirements and the content of the package. Doing so Compro makes sure that every interested soul knows upfront what their package is all about.

Components

• VideoMate TV Gold Plus II TV Tuner Card
• Compro Installation/Driver CD
• Ulead DVD MovieFactory 4 SE
• Ulead VideoStudio 8 SE DVD
• Compro VideoMate Start Up Guide
• Compro Remote Control (incl. batteries)
• Compro IR Remote Control Receiver
• Compro Audio Patch Cable
• Compro FM Radio Antenna
• Compro Power Switch Cable
• AUX-Out 4-pin Audio Cable

What we saw first in the package was the TV tuner card, a small back card that will fit in a standard PCI expansion slot. The tuner card is fairly small and sports an attractive black PCB. The TV tuner is actually powered by a Philips chip which receives both the TV and FM signals, which are decoded afterwards. There's a small green status LED on the front rear side of the card. This card is incredibly easy to install as the connectors are clearly labeled on the back side of the card itself. There's a big sticker on the back warning you that the card should be installed with the power supply disconnected and with good reason as the card is designed to actually start your system. This is the so called Compro power up scheduling feature, which will power up the PC on its own to record a scheduled show or program.

Checking further we find the Start Up Guide and some extra additional papers about the new Compro TV software. This is actually a rather small booklet that provides details about the package, installation of the TV tuner and the different programs provided by Compro. This Start Up Guide is well designed and informative, with some focus as well on the technical details and references. And although it is a small booklet, it details all you need to know to install and use the TV and FM tuner. So, that is more than enough. Next to the reading material we found as well some CD's, so meaning the Installation CD and the two Ulead software CD's as advertised on the box.

Okay, there is indeed one other bigger item included, namely the Compro remote control. In fact it is a full featured though compact remote control. And yes, Compro included the required batteries so you don't need to go out immediately to buy some. We personally find that a good idea, cause when you buy a TV tuner card we don't like it that when all is installed and ready, to realize that no batteries are included and that you don't have any laying around. So, good thinking of Compro as that is standard included, so we could just immediately use it and enjoy our favorite show and able to zap away whenever we wanted. The remote control is compact, feels good and comes with easy to use buttons and functions.

And last but not least, we found the various cables included by Compro. You have the cables required for the power up function and the audio patching. These cables are small though of high quality and just the length they should be. The more lengthy cables are the IR remote control receiver and the FM radio antenna. Both cables have an average length, are very flexible and of excellent quality. With all the items covered that come with the Compro package it is time to plug in the TV tuner and start playing around... Yeps, you got that right that is exactly what we are going to do. Let's plug it in and enjoy the TV channels and shows we like so much.