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HDTV on Your PC

Techstination feature for Wednesday, November 28, 2007

HDTV…on your PC. Bloomberg Boot Camp, a report on today's technology. Chances are the screen that you use on your personal computer or laptop….is good enough to display high def TV. What you need to take advantage of that capability is a TV tuner capable of receiving high definition. There are tuner cards you can buy to install inside of desktop PCs…and others that simply plug into a USB port that can be used on desktops or laptops. The most unique version is being sold by Pinnacle Systems…the PCTV HD Pro Stick. What makes it unique is that the needed software is contained on the device. Pinnacle's Robert Evans….

"These tuners are called hybrid tuners. They do NTSC, which is the broadcast standard that's been out for quite a while. It allows you to get those analog over air signals. But it also does the new ATSC, which is the new digital standard. So rabbit ears are making a comeback. You can now use that same kind of technology, but instead of getting that snowy picture, you're getting crystal clear digital, free high definition TV."

You can record programs much like a DVR…

"We'll allow you to also use your Tivo type PVR, DVR functionality, where you can schedule all of your recordings. And now it will actually do HD cable and digital cable as well."

How well it all works may depend on how new your PC is. If it isn't of recent vintage….success isn't very likely. The price, about a hundred thirty dollars. Bloomberg Boot Camp, I'm Fred Fishkin.