Everyone's talking about HDTV these days, as most manufacturers of consumer electronics try their best to come up with certain products which either generate/display or record video content in this format. And one of these companies is Pinnacle, who launched the PCTV HD Stick, a very cheap solution that allows users to enjoy HDTV programming on their computers directly via USB.

Thus, this very compact USB-compatible and bus powered device allows the consumers to view live television on their PC complete with pause, rewind and fast-forward time-shifting functionality. Moreover, they can even record their favorite programs for viewing later, much in the same way as the owners of TiVo systems do. Actually, that's the device's main selling point, as Jeff Hastings, general manager for Pinnacle Systems, admits it: "The PC is no longer just a device to create and store information. It has become an entertainment center for many consumers. The PCTV HD Stick, a device about the size of a key, instantly turns a PC into a personal video recorder. Consumers can enjoy TiVo-like television features on their computer at home or on the road."

But let's see exactly what this device is all about. Thus, the Pinnacle PCTV HD Stick is an ultra-compact USB 2.0-powered TV tuner that brings HDTV programs to a PC or laptop via ATSC. For those of you who don't know what this acronym stands for, it's sufficient to say that ATSC is a new free-of-charge, over-the-air digital TV standard capable of delivering either HD or standard programs.

However, the device from Pinnacle is not restricted to ATSC functionality. Thus, it's also compatible with standard analog TV (NTSC), which can be received either via cable or an antenna. Moreover, for those users who want more from their tuners, Pinnacle also offers an upgraded version of the PCTV HD Stick, dubbed PCTV HD Pro Stick, which is equipped with a mini remote control, a portable high-gain telescopic antenna and provides support for capturing from set-top boxes, camcorders or VCRs.

As mentioned earlier, this thing is pretty cheap. Thus, the device has a MSRP of around 100 US dollars, while the PCTV HD Pro Stick retails for around $130, quite inexpensive for a device capable of bringing HDTV functionality to one's PC in such a simple manner.

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