HDTV for your laptop from Pinnacle

Friday, March 02, 2007

A new product from Pinnacle brings HDTV to your laptop via the USB 2.0 connection. One thing that a lot of people don't know about HDTV is that it comes in well over the airwaves. As long as your area is served by providers of ATSC, you can get a nice HD signal of the major networks.

This Pinnacle PCTV HD Pro Stick is an antenna that plugs into your laptop via USB. Plug it in and install the included software and you will soon enjoy HDTV function with DVR and an included remote, turning your laptop into a fully functioning HDTV setup.

* Watch live high quality digital HD and SD TV without service fees on your laptop
* full remote control access features
* Full support for both analog (NTSC) and digital (ATSC) reception
* Transforms your PC into a personal digital video recorder (DVR)
* The Power Stick lets you pause, rewind and replay HDTV.
* TimeShifting and automated digital recording of TV shows in SD and HD with Pinnacle MediaCenter and integrated Electronic Program Guide
* Full support for Microsoft Media Center Edition environment (a MMCE Kit is sold separately.)
* Automatically records shows direct-to-DVD and/or in the destination file format of choice (i.e. iPod, PSP, DivX, etc.)
* Capture from most consumer devices with analog outputs (e.g. VCRs, camcorders, DVD players, etc.) and then edit and enhance with the included Pinnacle Studio QuickStart software

This set up is not meant for use in moving vehicles, so mobile use is out, but as long as you have signal, you will have HD. In areas with weaker signal, the unit can be connected to a rooftop antenna.(not included). The program guide requires an internet connection, and comes with a one year subscription.

The Pinnacle PCTV HD Pro Stick runs about $130.