|
|
|
|
Technology Bytes
by Francine Brokaw
PCTV HD Pro Stick from Pinnacle
This little gadget turns your PC or laptop into a digital video recorder and TV. All you need is a USB outlet and you’re on your way.
To find out what stations are available in a particular location, simply go to antennaweb.org, enter your location and you’ll be able to see what stations you can receive. It’s so easy, and fun.
Ok, so you might be wondering why you would want something like this. Well, there are several opportunities to use this. Kids are going off to school soon. Instead of buying them a laptop (which they definitely need) and a television, you can get away with just the laptop. And what about when you’re outside enjoying the beautiful sunshine, sipping a cool glass of iced tea and you want to see what is happening on your favorite soap opera but don’t want to go inside? Just bring out your laptop and voila. Or when you’re outside slaving away at the bar-be-que and don’t want to miss an inning of the game? Hey, just set up your laptop next to your grill and you can multitask!
The unit has “ultra-sensitive reception” of analog and digital signals. And there is stereo FM radio reception as well as stereo sound for both digital and analog TV.
Not only does this work away from your TV, but you can attach it directly to your cable or satellite box or even your camcorder to directly record to your hard drive or DVD.
It’s easy to set up and use and comes with its own remote control and telescopic antenna. Plus, they also include VideoSpin video editing software which is a wonderful and easy program for editing your pictures.
If you are not part of the new age and haven’t already purchased a DVR, this little unit will do the job. But more than that, as stated above, when you are away from your home you can still access TV, FM radio, and have your computer with you – all in one.
Yes, there are a few things you have to remember. First of all, you need a PC or laptop with Windows XP or Vista. They are just now releasing a version for Mac too! A large hard drive is necessary if you want to record, time-shift (pause, repeat, etc), and you need a DVD or CD drive as well as a spare USB input. Most of us have these anyway.
Now you don’t have to pay the extra fee for HD TV, provided you haven’t already signed up for that. This Pro Stick is a handy little item. It can save you money while being your best friend. Imagine being able to sit on your front porch, watch the sunset and the nightly news at the same time. Of course, the news will probably spoil the beauty of the sunset, but you get the picture.
And when you are on vacation, you can instantly record from your camera and make CDs or DVDs from your trip and at the same time you’ll know your video/pictures are being backed up in case something happens to your camera and you lose your visual memories of your vacation. For about $100, this little gadget does a whole lot of work.
© 2008 Francine Brokaw
Let's Talk About It!
Issues newsgroup
Join us to talk about this article!
|
|
|
