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The concept of the computer being the centerpiece for home entertainment has been a persistent one. Fighting different standards, difficult price points and the sheer complexity of merging television, recorded video and music into one package have presented considerable obstacles to creating a unified environment for all of these mediums. One avenue that Microsoft has taken is that of creating an entire computer OS with the idea of home entertainment based around the PC.
Sold only with new computers already equipped to handle a wide range of devices, formats and inputs, this is one approach to the problem of integrating the various elements needed to make the computer an entertainment hub. As admirable as this is, the big problem is still cost and complexity. For those that already own PCs and would like to integrate television, camcorders and recording programs into their PCs, Pinnacle offers an elegant solution to the problem.
One way to bring television to the PC has been via the video card. ATI offered the All-In-Wonder card as a way to literally pull cable, analog camcorders and other video data into the computer via one card. For those that were a bit skittish about opening their PC and installing cards and removing old ones, this solution worked, but involved a considerable amount of work to pull all of the parts together. In one instance I discovered that one video card simply did not work with my particular system (for the record it was not an ATI card). Even if you find a video card that fits your needs and is well made, that does not necessarily mean it will cooperate with your system.
Keeping ease of use in mind, Pinnacle Systems has provided a solution to the problem that is about as simple, and non-intrusive, as possible. Rather than offering a card, The Pinnacle PCTV Deluxe package includes a device that connects to your USB port. Utilizing both the newer standard, USB 2.0 and USB 1.1, connecting the hardware involves plugging the device to the PC USB port. It is actually that simple. Pinnacle even provides the cord to connect their device to your PC.
Offering S-Video In, Composite Video In and Left and Right audio inputs, as well as an attachment in the back for coaxial cable, the PCTV Deluxe apparatus is an elegant blue and grey colored curved shaped device that has consideration aesthetics. Certainly, attractive boxes are not a reason to purchase a device. This is just an added feature that means you will not be forced to place some banal beige box on your work space.
One added feature of the PCTV Deluxe package that sets it apart from others is the inclusion of a remote control. With other devices I have used in the past, remotes were not part of the equation. When one considers how television, cable and recording devices are used, the smooth grey and blue remote offers another level of ease of use to an already straightforward peripheral.
Setting up the PCTV Deluxe software and hardware is simple. Upon inserting the CD, assuming you have auto run activated on your CD ROM drive, the program starts off with the basic installation we have seen time and time again. You are asked to select your language and then setup type. For most purposes, it is wise to select Typical.
The install I ran placed the appropriate drivers and software on the hard drive in a straightforward fashion. The menus and instructions explain what is taking place and the appropriate action to take. Let me suggest that you read the menus and take your time. The process is simple, but I could see how not paying attention could lead to problems later on with the application.
One installation issue that came up, but did not result in a faulty install, were reminder notes that Microsoft has not signed off on the compatibility of the drivers and software with Windows XP. This does not mean that this program will wreck your system. It simple means that what is installed has not been cleared, not that it will not work, with the OS. For newbies I could envision that this may strike terror during an installation. Rest assured that the drivers indeed work with Windows XP. So do not be alarmed if presented with that screen during the install. My experiences with past Pinnacle System products have not resulted in wrecked systems or faulty installations.
Once you move past the installation, you are presented with the PCTV Assistant. This application runs a series of tests to see if your PC can handle the demands of the device. After the tests are run, the Assistant is available to run tests in the future as well. For most new systems passing this series of tests will not be a problem. I do see where older systems may have some difficulties with the demands of this program. Plus, it will not run on either Windows 95 or 98. (See the notes in summation on operating systems that it will support.)
The recommended system is one running a Pentium III, or Celeron, running at 700 MHz with at least 128 MB RAM. I do feel that you may want a bit more power. For video I do suggest at the very least a system running 1 GHz and at least 256 MB RAM. The system I used had 256 MB RAM with a 1.7 GHz processor. I cannot imagine going lower. While I am sure you can, for ease of use and having the power needed to make things work well, do consider running this application using no less than 256 MB RAM and a 1.6 Ghz processor.
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After the PCTV Assistant worked through its various tests, the system was ready to run. The cable setup was fast and went without any issues. The software scans the channels and then allows you to access them directly. All of this takes place in the PCTV Vision window. In order to use the included remote, you do need to run the remote software on your PC. It runs silently in the background allowing you to use the remote as you would using a standard device like this one.
Setting up a video camcorder to capture and view video on the PC was literally a no brainer. Choosing between the S video input or the standard video input, being able to view video was a matter of selecting the input device on the main window and letting things happen. For the most part, the process runs smoothly. However, do anticipate that there can be lags running certain features with the remote and without. This was not a huge obstacle, but one to keep in mind when using this software.
The quality of captured video from both the cable television and the Hi-8 Camcorder used were excellent. Naturally you can view all of your captured video and taped video at full screen. All of the expected features one would expect on your average camcorder are here. Skip, edit, delay, they are all here. You can actually watch television, stop the program, rejoin viewing and what was missed will be saved as you watch the program delayed. Consider the features available something like TiVo. Of course all of your captured video is saved to your hard drive for editing, saving etc.
Unlike some of the past products I have used in this area, Pinnacle has included the ability to record your captured video to both CD and DVD. The supported formats for recordable disc media include CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R and DVD+RW. The supported capture formats include MPEG 1 and MPEG 2. So you will not need to go to a third party application to burn. Pinnacle has created a total capture, recording application with no need for outside help burning your video creations to a recordable format.
Included with the product are all that is needed, but you will need to purchase cables separately for your various machines. Pinnacle does include two batteries for the remote, so the system is complete and self contained. Just keep in mind your cable needs ahead of time.
In terms of quality and functionality, I discovered no issues. The pictures are as sharp as they can be. The entire process from installation to actual use moves with amazing ease. Quality overall is consistent and is in keeping with other products in the field. Plus, when one factors in the remote, the ability to burn directly, and the inclusiveness of the application, PCTV Deluxe is a total solution for capturing analog material to be converted to digital.
This is where I see the device fitting. For those that have material in the Hi-8 or 8 mm formats, this is one convenient way to bring those videos into the digital realm. For those that wish to watch television, compute and capture those images and video, PCTV Deluxe offers a comprehensive feature set. A great deal depends on the system you are running to decide if this is the option for you. If you have analog material, such as cable signals and camcorders that are not digital, and you wish to work with them, this is an excellent vehicle. Point for point, this is a stand out product.
Included with the product comes support in the form of PDF files, which is becoming more and more the standard format for instructions. Also enclosed is an actual hard copy booklet spanning about 70 pages. These provide some details about the program. My only real gripe is that I wish a more comprehensive printed instruction set described the functions of the remote. The remote, as ergonomically designed as it is, offers a plethora of buttons and features that are a bit perplexing. Although this is an intuitive program, there are going to be instances when you will need help to discover what is where. There are certain features that are not apparent when first using the program.
Point for point, PCTV Deluxe comes out as a stand out product. Considering what the application can do, and the issues that these features present, Pinnacle has done an excellent job of keeping it as intuitive as possible. I strongly suggest reading support materials and visiting sites on the Web for additional information. There are features, and no doubt questions, that may come up that will require some support. Aside from these minor points, this is an excellent product for capturing video from either television or camcorders.
The intended audience for this product is the home user. Users that want or need more control, may find this program not powerful enough or customizable enough. For the really high end home user that wants all of the bells and whistles, they may need to turn to more powerful systems and software. For those that simply want to digitize their camcorder material, VHS tape source matter or watch television on their PC, this is one excellent solution to that problem. Price point wise, this application offers a great deal without breaking the bank. Do take into consideration that whenever images and video are involved, you may need a machine powerful enough to run the software and hardware needed. So do take a look at the system requirements and do consider a relatively new machine before purchasing this well rounded package.
Overall, Pinnacle Systems has a super reputation, reliable software and in this case PCTV Deluxe is one super package that brings video to PCs lacking such features.
Before closing keep in mind that not all operating systems will run PCTV Deluxe. It does not work in Windows 95 all versions, Windows 98, all versions, and Windows NT 4.0.
The following operating systems will run this application: Windows ME, Windows 2000 and Windows XP. As you can see, only the newer operating systems will accommodate PCTV Deluxe.
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