8 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
Better Pro Stick version available 12/2006
Date of Review: Dec 17, 2006
The Bottom Line: BEST PCTV value to date, excellent reception, no software bugs.
The 2005 version might have had a number of shortcomings but the Pinnacle PCTV USB Pro Stick I bought this month is THE BEST TV tuner adaptor I've ever tried in a desktop or notebook.
WHAT YOU GET:
Pen-drive sized USB adaptor includes a snap=on cover/cap to protect the USB connector when not attached to your notebook. On the other end, you simply screw-on the antenna cable.
Antenna looks similar to what came with CB radios years ago, including a collapsible antenna mast and magnetic base. The standard coax connector also lets you hook-up your cable TV signal or a different antenna if you choose. I tried a different (more expensive) antenna but went back to the Pinnacle which pulled in more stations.
Wireless Infrared Remote control is about same size as the USB adaptor but the buttons are large enough for adult male fingers. Runs on 2 AAA batteries which are included.
Driver & Software CD installed without any glitch. Channel scan lets you seek radio, analog TV and digital (including HDTV) stations. Normal scan takes about 3 minutes. The digital channels appear as sharp and clear as my more expensive and much larger Terk HDTV antenna delivers to my DLP big screen TV. Intuitive functions let you watch TV in a window or full-screen, change channels, record live TV or use timer functions. You can record in a variety of formats that let you transfer TV shows to your Ipod or burn a DVD.
Video editing software is also included on a separate CD but I haven't tried it.
BOTTOM LINE: If you want a great way to watch digital channels or HDTV on your computer for under $80 ... get it!
