Thoughts & HEXUS.right2reply
Contrary to the expectations we had when we started off this review, the Compro did manage to keep our attention for the most part. There's no one thing with amazing 'wow' factor but the U3 can muster up a few cool and nice moments. First, we have the casing. It's good to feel something solid and metallic rather than plastic. If only the U3's antenna connection didn't let it down. Next we have the software, which, though not the most pleasant to set up, was rather nice to use.
There's no doubt that the U3 is a solidly-built product. However, with such a tiny connector as the one on its back, it doesn't matter how well built it is - there's a risk you're going to run into hassle, like we did. We'd rather see a USB-mini style connector on there instead, given they've proven sturdier on other tuners of similar design. The adapter cable could be longer, too.
If you're going to be sticking with the bundled software, then we think you'll be happy with the U3. Some of the features don't immediately jump out at you in, perhaps, the way they should but once you know they're there, they are useful - particularly the multi-channel viewing function. Indeed, such a feature - a bit like having dual monitors - is the sort of thing that you don't see the need for until you've tried it, then quickly realise that it's rather more than just handy.
We're torn over whether to recommend the product or not. However, since we have issues with such a fundamental thing as the aerial connection, we simply can't go giving it a big thumbs-up.
What we can say, though, is that the rest of the construction seems good as does the software. If you're not going to be moving the U3 around much, then the connector may not be a problem. But we think that there are always likely to be some circumstances where the connector proves troublesome. Overall, we do rate the U3 a good product - it's just that we'd rate it even higher if Compro were to use a better type of aerial connector.
HEXUS Right2Reply - Compro TechnologyWe've offered Compro the opportunity to comment about our review under the world-leading HEXUS Right2Reply initiative and will include here, unedited, any company response.
