Receive and record all free HD channels for a good price; HD on the go

The HDTV-GT is an OTA (over the air) and cable TV tuner for both HD - High Definition (digital), and SD – Standard Definition (digital and analog) channels that plugs into your computer’s USB port.

I was interested in a device that could not only tune clear QAM (unencrypted over cable) channels, but also record them. I had read that cable companies were required to provide as unencrypted (clear) the channels that are also available for free over the air. However, a (QAM) tuner is still needed to be able to view these channels. Some high end TVs have a QAM tuner but mine doesn’t.

While my cable company claims that one needs to upgrade to their “IO digital package” and rent one of their cable boxes to get HD over cable, neither claim is true. With the OnAir HDTV-GT, I am successfully, and legally, playing the unencrypted HD and other digital channels available over my “analog” cable package.

Another one of my requirements was to be able to record and time-shift live TV. The OnAir HDTV-GT allows me to schedule recordings. A set-top-box QAM tuner, such as the Samsung one available at Circuit City, does not record, or time-shift live TV.

Set up is extremely easy. Just pop in the CD first, install the driver, plug in the device to any USB port, and install the OnAir HDTV Program. The program will ask to scan available channels. I’d recommend upgrading to the latest driver and program, after installing the CD versions (it doesn’t work to install the web versions first as the CD version does the authentication of the decoder).

My set up with the OnAir HDTV-GT:
* A 1080p TV (Samsung HL-S5687W) connected through VGA (1920x1080 @ 60MHz).
* A Creative Audigy2 ZS Notebook PCMCIA sound card connected through 5.1 analog audio to a Panasonic SA-XR55S receiver for full surround sound.
* A Harmony 676 universal programmable remote that turns on the OnAir HDTV Program, switches the TV and receiver to the correct inputs, and controls the HDTV-GT.

Everything works as advertised. The picture and sound quality are excellent, as good as any other tuner that I’ve used. Recording can be done using their scheduling program. An easier method for me is to log into my account on titantv.com, view the channel line-ups, and click the “record” button next to the program I want to watch or record. The web-site downloads a file that is opened by the OnAir HDTV Program that plays/schedules to record the selected program.

The only snafu I’ve had with the device/software so far is when a program did not record. I discovered that with some older machines, the system resources can become overburdened. The solution was to uncheck the “No Decoding (Recording is possible)” box under “Dec/Encoder” tab within Options while leaving the program to record. I haven’t had any recording problems since. Given that my laptop is about 4 years old (Dell Inspiron 8600 with Pentium M 1.6 GHz w/ATI Mobility Radeon 9700), I am impressed with how well the HDTV-GT works on it. The system requirements for the HDTV-GT are surprisingly undemanding. I also really like that it is USB bus powered and does not need its separate power source. Not only do I not need to fit in yet another adapter into my crowded home theater outlet, but there is also less to carry. In another example of thoughtful design, the included antenna adapter just slides out from the device (instead of requiring laborious unscrewing) which anticipates that users will need to frequently unplug and replug the antenna and cable sources.

Some improvements that would be welcome include the ability to easily access the recorded programs by using the remote alone, and an utility that would scan the system before an install and choose set up parameters/options for your computer depending upon the results of the scan. The viewing program occasionally freezes (seems to happen when the incoming signal drops). I’ve noticed that the OnAir/Autumnwave folks are active in the HDTV-GT thread at avsforum.com – a definite plus.

In conclusion, this little device offers a lot of bang for the buck. Autumnwave has done a good job of simplifying a complex device which carries a lot of features. When I travel next, the OnAir HDTV-GT will certainly come along with my laptop.

If you want a tuner that can display all freely available HD content (both over the air and cable), function as an HD PVR (Personal Video Recorder), is easy to use, and mobile, the OnAir HDTV-GT is highly recommended. It has also received excellent professional reviews.