Pinnacle USB TV Tuner
Pinnacle USB TV Tuner
Pinnacle makes several different models of USB TV tuner. Two popular models of Pinnacle
USB TV tuner are the Pinnacle PCTV USB 2.0 Stick 23049 and the very small sized Pinnacle 22427 PCTV HD USB
Mini Stick.
A USB TV tuner is an electronic device which lets the user watch TV on the computer. This works
by the tuner transmitting the signals from the TV to the computer. Most models of tuner additionally allow
recording of TV shows and can do most of the same things a DVR can, sometimes with some extra features. A USB TV
tuner plugs into the computer via a USB 2.0 port.
Pinnacle USB TV Tuner Model PCTV USB 2.0 Stick 23049
This Pinnacle USB TV tuner, as the model names implies, is the size of a small USB
stick. It also comes with a mini-remote, which sets it apart from a lot of other USB TV tuners. This Pinnacle USB
tuner is actually a hybrid tuner, meaning it can pick up digital and analog signals. Specifically, it is designed
to receive digital TV signals, analog cable TV, and QAM digital cable (QAM cable channels are a subset of cable
channels broadcast 'in the clear' i.e. unscrambled; typically local channels).
This USB TV tuner is also capable of pausing, fast-forwarding, rewinding, and scheduling
recording of shows. It also comes with a USB extender cable. However, most users are unlikely to need the extender
cable due to the compact stick size of this tuner, making it unlikely to compete for space with other nearby USB
devices. An antenna is recommended, but users should be aware that none is supplied with the product, so this needs
to be purchased separately. Pinnacle TVCenter viewing software is included with this USB TV tuner.
This Pinnacle USB TV tuner also features an added extra which sets it apart from others:
VideoSpin editing software. This Pinnacle USB TV tuner offers hybrid tuner capability at a very reasonable price,
but users need to be aware of the need to purchase a separate antenna.
Pinnacle USB TV Tuner Model 22427 PCTV HD USB Mini
Stick
This Pinnacle USB TV tuner is smaller than the typical USB stick. It is a digital TV tuner,
meaning that it can get digital TV and unencrypted QAM digital cable (these are cable channels broadcast 'in the
clear', usually local channels). This model of Pinnacle USB TV tuner comes with both a remote control and a
telescoping antenna. Not all makes and models of USB TV tuner include an antenna, so this is will be helpful to the
user who wishes to get started right away. Also included is a USB extender cable, but this is unlikely to be a big
advantage due to the already small size of this mini stick which can be plugged directly into a USB port without
any physical strain on device or port.
This Pinnacle USB TV tuner can fast-forward, rewind and pause, and can schedule TV
recordings to be watched later. Setting it apart from a lot of other brands is the VideoSpin editing software
which is bundled with the product. The viewing platform, Pinnacle TVCenter, is also included.
This Pinnacle USB TV tuner is a little pricey for a digital-only tuner, but
users reported good TV reception and excellent picture quality. In cases of problems with the bundled software,
Windows Media Player (which comes with most computer models) was reported to work just fine as an alternative
viewing platform. Overall, this model of USB TV tuner is great for users who need the best possible signal
reception but who do not need to view or record cable TV other than the unscrambled QAM channels.
Sabrent USB TV Tuner
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