Watching live high-definition signals on my
computer is oddly addicting, though. Picture quality from the tuner is
excellent. The zoom feature works well, especially with HD signals (which
provide plenty of detail to zoom in on). You can even move the zoomed window
around the image. You can also take still images from high-definition
broadcasts. (Actually, you can take them from any broadcast, but they only look
good from a high-def source.) I have a 6-foot projection screen in the next
room, yet I often found myself sitting at the computer writing articles (like
this one) while watching some random show (and listening through my 5.1
headphones) just because it was in HD.
 |
| The tuner’s signal will show up on your Windows desktop, but the round
multipin connector provides a second video signal for your HDTV. Dongle adapters
give you your choice of composite and S-video, or component video outputs. An
audio output is available through the mini-plug. |
Multitasking is manageable, so long
as the alternate task isn’t too processor intensive. Surfing the Internet proved
too much. The tuner relies heavily on the system’s central processor, so you
need a beefy computer for it to work. ATI recommends something with at least a
1.3 GHz processor, 256 MB of RAM and a video card with 64 MB or more of onboard
memory. My computer exceeds this spec, and the picture still stutters at times.
Back when HDTVs were expensive and HDTV tuners were scarce, the HD tuner
card made sense, as it was an inexpensive option for getting high-def signals,
even if they were on your computer.
Nowadays, that’s less of a factor, but
this is still an interesting item. ATI could use a major software upgrade for
this product, as the price is great. Things could get really interesting when I
add the HDTV tuner card to my upcoming homemade Windows Media Center Edition PC,
which will use the MCE software interface. Stay tuned.
RATING: GUARDED
Description: ATI HDTV Wonder
High Points: Includes an RF remote; digital
tuner capabilities are exceptional; zoom and still image capture functions are
neat
Low Points: Software leaves a lot to be desired; recording and playing
back TV shows is difficult
Contact: ATI Inc., 888.974.6728,
www.ati.comPrice: $149
