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There are several TV tuners in Pinnacle's PCTV range, but most of them are PCI expansion cards that require you to open up your PC in order to install them.
The new PCTV Deluxe is the first external one to use USB, which makes it quicker and easier to install than an internal PCI version.
All you have to do is install the software supplied on CD-Rom and connect the PCTV module to one of your PC's USB ports. The small blue and grey unit is equipped with a number of input sockets.
At the back of the unit is a socket for a TV aerial, so you can record TV programmes or display a live television signal in a window on your computer monitor.
There are two video input connectors on the front, along with stereo audio connectors, so you can also watch video input from a source such as a camcorder or VCR.
Pinnacle's software is easy to use and provides options such as 'time-shifting', which allows you to record and pause a TV broadcast while you stop to make a cup of tea or to answer the phone.
There are a couple of important limitations, though. Pinnacle says that the PCTV Deluxe works with 'practically any video source'.
It would be more accurate to say that it will work with 'practically any analogue video source' because there's no option for connecting a digital video source, such as a DV camcorder. You can't use it with Sky's digital satellite system either, which is a serious limitation for UK users.
You'll also need a fairly fast PC to make best use of the device. Capturing full-screen video requires a PC running at around 1.8GHz, although you can work with smaller video sizes if your PC runs at around 1GHz.
The PCTV Deluxe works well and is easy to use - so long as you're working with analogue video or terrestrial TV.
However, the lack of support for digital video and TV is disappointing, especially as there are rival products that do provide these features.
Contact: Pinnacle Systems 01895 424228
www.pinnaclesys.com
Also consider
Hauppauge WinTV Nova-t USB
Digital TV support and a great price.
See also:
A low-cost option for watching TV or listening to the radio on your PC. 13 Aug 2002
All Video and TV Cards
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