In January 2009, Hauppauge (see Hauppauge USB TV tuner review) bought the Pinnacle line of TV tuners for personal computers from Avid. Hauppauge now markets the former Pinnacle line of tuners under the name PCTV which is separate from its Hauppauge line.
PCTV offers three versions of a USB TV tuner:
- HD Mini Stick 80e (PC version) and the 80eM for Macs
- HD Pro Stick 801e – premium level
- HD SE Stick 801e – entry level model
I will review the HD Mini and HD Pro Sticks together because they share the same functions and components. The HD SE Stick is an entry level model and you are much better spending a little more for either the Mini or Pro Stick.
PCTV Mini Stick and PCTV HD Pro Stick Review
The only difference in the PCTV HD Mini and Pro sticks is size. The Mini is designed for mobile use and with ultra small notebook computers. If you intend to use the tuner primarily for traveling or away from home (the yard, beach, tailgating, etc.) the Mini is perfect. If you intend to use your tuner in one place to simply be able to watch TV on your computer as a replacement for your DVR you are better off with the Hauppauge HVR 1950.
The strong suit of the Mini and Pro sticks is their over the air reception. A number of things likely contribute to this. The sticks have an integrated signal booster which improves reception sensitivity for weak signals which improves both picture quality and lets you receive more channels. The sticks also have an on-screen signal strength monitor to help you position the antenna for the best reception. These tuners have perhaps the best over the air signal reception of any USB TV tuner and if you plan on watching primarily over the air signals they are perfect.
They also come with VideoSpin video editing software which offers one click uploading to YouTube and easy to use basic video editing such as shortening the length of a show, cutting out commercials or “best of” type videos. Windows Movie Maker (you can download it for free from Microsoft) is a better free video editing program. Finally, the set up instructions are weak and may be challenging for persons not super comfortable with computer settings.
Features
- Supports ATSC HD digital TV formats, including 1080i
- Supports analog NTSC TV
- Supports digital over-the-air ATSC TV
- Supports clear QAM digital cable TV (where available)
Ships With
- Antenna
- Remote
- Carry pouch
- USB cable
- Analog adaptors (S-Video and composite)
- Quick start guide
- Pinnacle TVCenter Pro software (on CD)
- VideoSpin video editing software
Pros:
- Great reception for over the air signals
- Excellent antenna – telescoping and magnetic
Cons:
- Uncertainty related to the sale to Hauppauge
- Poor set up instructions
- No FM radio tuner
Summary
If you plan on using your tuner primarily away from home, which also means you will most likely be watching primarily over the air signals the PCTV HD Mini Stick USB TV tuner is my top choice. It’s compact size, excellent antenna, on screen signal strength meter and signal booster combine for excellent over the air signal performance. The included carry pouch is also convenient for travel.
However, the acquisition of the PCTV line of tuners by Hauppauge who produces its own excellent line of tuners (see Hauppauge USB TV tuner review) raises some concern as to the future of the line as it relates to support, software upgrades, etc. As a result, if you intend on using your tuner primarily as a replacement for your DVR or to replace your cable or satellite TV I recommend either the Hauppauge HVR 950Q (stick tuner) or Hauppauge HVR 1950.
Where to Buy
I recommend buying either the PCTV HD Mini or Pro Stick USB TV tuner from Amazon for the best price, return policy and free shipping.
>>More information on the PCTV HD Mini for Windows and for Mac
>>More information on the PCTV HD Pro for Windows and for Mac
PCTV HD Mini Stick Review Video
PCTV HD Pro Stick Review Video
