Do you have a beautiful, widescreen, high-definition monitor in your office but no television and you wish you could watch your favorite shows? How about if you were able to use that beautiful monitor then with a simple click of a remote change it into a high definition television. Maybe you even have an old analog television that you are not able to pick up over-the-air signals. The KWorld External TVBox HDMI Edition will enable you to not only turn your computer monitor into a high definition television, but also allow you to pick up high def broadcasts on an old analog television. The unit is very nice and includes many connection possibilities, read more of what I thought of this review unit after the break.
Styling
My review unit has a black top with silver accents. The unit is 8 inches wide by 5 inches deep and only stands about an inch and a half tall as highest point. The buttons are small yet very accessible and the connectors are inset so that none of them protrude from the unit. The product is quite attractive and will look nice sitting on the desk or next to any television. A small blue light on the front indicates power being on.
What is included?
The TVBox comes equipped with all of the connectors and adapters that you will need for connecting this to a variety of sources. A small antenna, remote control, batteries, and stereo audio cable are even provided. The unit is DVI, but includes several cables which will allow connection to VGA or HDMI. I was quite impressed with the contents of the package since you rarely get all of the adapters and wires one might need to connect to virtually any device. About the only adapter not included is a component video and audio.
Performance
I first connected the TVBox to my desktop computer. I have a standard Asus LCD monitor. It is not high end by any means, but it does have nice clear resolution. Connecting the VGA adapters was quick and easy and within minutes I had the unit connected. A button on the remote toggles between the computer and television. Once I connected the antennae and scanned for stations, I was in business.
Adjustments for contrast, brightness, and hue are available on the menu screen. The box truly functions as any converter box would, but does it while connected to your computer monitor. The included remote is fully functional and easy to use.
In addition to watching HD broadcasts and cable, the front USB port allows mp3 playback and the ability to make the monitor a digital picture frame with jpg playback. A very nice feature!
In my office I have a small LCD television connected to standard definition Dish Network. I have attempted to get local HD channels but with little success. My small antennae has just never worked in that room. I first hooked up the TVBox via VGA. The picture was clear but did not have 1920×1080 resolution. I then used the DVI to HDMI cable to connect for full resolution. I now am receiving full HD broadcasts using the same small antennae, which means the Cowboys games in HD in my office!
Packed with features and nicely designed, the KWorld External TVBox HDMI Edition is a wonderful solution for watching TV on a computer monitor or analog television. Almost any connector that could be used is provided and the product works perfectly! Find out more here at KWorld’s web site. Read the original press release from Gear Diary here.
All KWorld products can be purchased from authorized resellers, DMRs, VARs, and distributors including: Ingram Micro, NewEgg, Fry’s Electronics, TigerDirect, PC Bay and many others. The MSRP for the External TVBox is $109.
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