14 DAY TRIAL // Pinnacle PCTV HD Pro Stick is designed to transform your PC or laptop into a HDTV-ready system which can act as personal video recorder as well, including a program guide software. The stick comes with a remote control and it can team up with an additional RC that can call PCTV MCE Companion ($100), working with Windows XP Media Center Edition and transforming PCs into an analog and digital TV set.
It also features both analog NTSC and digital ATSC reception and pause-rewind-replay capabilities allowing users to TimeShift programs and never miss those important shows. You can schedule recordings with the integrated Electronic Program Guide and you can automatically record shows direct-to-DVD and/or in the destination DivX, iPod or PSP file format of choice. The stick also allows you to capture from VCRs, camcorders, DVD players etc.
The device features full ATSC reception which is the new broadcast standard in many areas of the United States. ATSC reception is dependent on many factors. The provided antenna will allow reception in areas where there is a good ATSC signal. In regions or rooms where the signal is not strong, an amplified rooftop antenna will be required. It is generally not possible to receive an ATSC signal while en route (e.g. in a car or train).
There is a downside too. HDTV signal has to be received with an old-fashioned antenna as Pinnacle did not include any CableCards. PCTV HD Pro Stick is now available for $129.9.