Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This is an updated version of this product. I first saw it in July 2008. I was unaware of that initially and I first bought the older version that does not tune Clear QAM or FM. Since these features didn't work, I contacted Pinnacle's support. They were completely useless, they drug me around for weeks trying this and that until I did a whole lot of research and found there were two models of the same product. I returned the old model and got the new one (both the old and new were on the shelf and had the same sku, the packaging is slightly different.)
That fiasco aside, I installed the new model and it worked great. I had to download and install an update to the application, but it wasn't too big and I had it working within 15 minutes of opening it. Much easier than the older version which had some software issues.
It tunes Clear QAM, OTA DTV, analog cable, and FM, I tested all, and they all work well. I'm using primarily using it to tune ATSC (Broadcast Digital TV.) I used the antenna that came with it at first, and it's okay, but I get a lot better reception with a cheap set($8) of "bunny ears." With that antenna, I get very good reception, despite where I live, which is a very bad spot to pick up signals. My HDTV only picked up two digital channels with the same antenna I'm using. This tuner gets every channel available to me and they look very good.
Although I couldn't get the old model to work with Windows Media Center, this one works fine.
The remote control works as long as it's pointed to the tuner, but be careful as I have found that the tuner will pick up rf signals from other remotes.
The recording feature works, but I have found the audio and video don't sync up perfectly some times.
I've tried using the SVIDEO/composite in to view external video, and that works as well.
It does get warm during use. It also uses quite a bit of CPU, even when not recording. I have a new, high-end laptop, and would be concerned about performance when using an older laptop.
Overall, I'm pleased with this product. The older model was pretty much a nightmare, but this one works, and works well. I can attest that it works with Vista, as that's what I'm running. It uses any TV source you can throw at it, and tunes them all well. The sync problem with recordings is really the only shortfall I can find. I would recommend this product.
A few notes though: First, don't blame this tuner for poor OTA reception. Where you live in relation to the signals you want to pick up, what antenna you use and how you have your antenna aimed make the biggest difference. I am not using the included antenna because it's not that great. It's not bad, but I know I need a more tunable antenna for where I live. Please keep that in mind. Secondly, I would not recommend attempting to use this on an older laptop or PC. It does use a good amount of CPU. Make sure your computer meets the recommended specs before buying this. Other than that, enjoy!
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