With the Pinnacle PCTV HD Pro Stick, you can watch TV on your computer.
Introduced in 2006, the Pinnacle PCTV HD Pro Stick is a small USB antenna connector that allows users to watch and record HDTV programs on their computer. Critics and consumers both gave the HD Pro Stick high marks for functionality, portability and affordability at an initial retail price of $149. In 2009, the Pinnacle product line was sold to Hauppauge Digital. However, the HD Pro Stick remains popular and can be found used as of November 2010 for $60 to $100.
Instructions
1. Install the software that came included with your Pinnacle PCTV HD Pro Stick device. Just pop the CD into your computer's disc drive, then follow the onscreen prompts.
2. Plug the Pinnacle device's USB end into the USB port on your computer.
3. Place the included antenna device on a desk or nearby bookshelf. Avoid placing it on or near anything made of metal; this will interfere with reception.
Alternatively, you can plug your cable or satellite box into the device directly using the coaxial connector.
4. Your operating system (Windows or Mac) should automatically detect the new hardware device and will guide you through a few final configuration questions. The Pinnacle software will then download all of your standard definition and HD channels. This may take a few minutes. Once the process is complete, use the handy mini-remote control that came with your Pinnacle device to flip through channels.
5. Press the red "Record" button to record a program to your computer. You will be asked to choose an output format. Select "Direct to DVD Recording" at the bottom of the screen.
6. Insert a blank recordable DVD into your computer's disc drive and allow a moment for the disc to format.
7. Select your recording options in the Pinnacle software's record dialog box. Here you can choose your video quality and auto chapter settings. Click "OK" when you are ready for recording to begin.
8. Eject the DVD when recording is complete.
Tags: your computer, Pinnacle PCTV Stick, computer disc, computer disc drive, disc drive, format Select
