[ceecee]

I'm so much of a novice that I don't even know which forum to put this question in


I want to buy a Win-TV digital TV thingy for my laptop but it needs a USB 2 port. My laptop is only 1.1 USB.

If I get a USB 2 hub to plug into my 1.1 port, will it be upgraded? and will I be able to run a digital TV receiver ??????

Thanks for any help. Please could you reply in easy words !!!! (not in computer speak)

[Hybr!d]

Plugging a USB 2 hub into a USB 1 port will mean the hub will operate at USB 1 speeds.

It is essentially only a speed issue and most USB 2 devices will still operate in a USB 1 port.

I'm not 100% on this, but a Google search says I'm right.

Not great advice I know, best thing would be to email the manufacturer and ask them.

[hAvAAck]

No, if you have USB 1.1 it will only ever transfer at the maximum speed of USB 1.1, never USB 2.0 speed. If the hardware requires USB 2.0 to be effective, it will not work on 1.1 properly.

[Hybr!d]

So basically there is no solution either than to get a USB 1.1 Win-TV device or change the laptop?

[hAvAAck]

correct, the device requires whatever 2.0 has in order for it to be smooth in every way, so by not giving it the transfer rate it will lag and be distorted

this is unlike some flash drives and other external devices that will just slow down to whatever speed is offered and work slower but properly

[Hybr!d]

Ah I see, that's what confused me, drives just operate slower, devices don't operate at all.

[ceecee]

Thanks for quick responses. Is it possible then to get an upgrade for the ones on a laptop or is that a no-no?

[Hybr!d]

It's a no, no. :)

[ceecee]

OK thanks - looks like I'll have to have a re-think