ATI makes the HDTV WONDER, a PCI card for analog TV, over-the-air digital TV and full quality free over-the-air HDTV reception. It offers Digital Video Recorder capabilities, with the controls to watch, pause and record TV to your computers hard drive, or to CDs and DVDs. In addition to analog cable support, the HDTV WONDER includes an HDTV antenna which allows consumers to experience over-the-air HDTV broadcasts without having to subscribe to Cable or Satellite service charges. An antenna is used to pick up OTA HD Broadcasts, which can then be recorded and time-shifted like any DVR system.
The AVerMedia AVerTVHD MCE A180 is a PCI ATSC HDTV TV and Video Capture Card for free over-the-air digital TV and full quality free over-the-air HDTV reception. This allows for free over-the-air HDTV on a PC, so you can watch, pause and record HDTV programs on your PC. To use this card you must buy a seperate HDTV antenna. The ATI card works on Windows XP or Windows Media Center O/S. The AverMedia card only works with Windows Media Center.
Microsoft's Windows Media Center Operating System is now offered by many computer manufacturer's and many of those manufacturer's offer an HDTV upgrade to either an ATI or Avermedia HD card. Or, if you don't want to use the Media Center O/S, then the ATI card could be used on a Windows XP machine.
The bottom line on HDTV on a PC is that many computer makers now offer a Media Center PC with HDTV capabilities. Some of these include:
- •Alienware
- •Dell
- •HP
- •Cyberpower
Other computer manufacturers also build Media Center PCs as well. Some include the Avermedia HDTV Card, or the ATI or Avermedia Cards can be installed on the PC.
The final decision on what type of device you use to record HD broadcasts is driven by many factors, including price, type of television service you currently have, and your comfort level on a PC. This is an exciting time for recording in High Definition, and I encourage everyone to look into the different options available to you. (Just remember the HDTV as well!)