It’s a well known secret; I guess then that it’s not really a secret, that you can get HDTV broadcasts over the airwaves. That’s right; if you have an HDTV tuner you can pick up many of the local stations that broadcast in High-Def. If you’re a mobile type and travel a lot and you want to watch HDTV broadcasts anywhere with an HDTV signal, you are in luck. AutumnWave’s OnAir HDTV-GT lets you connect an HDTV tuner to your laptop or PC with a USB connection.

The HDTV-GT features a remote control and DVR features so you can record and watch your High-Def shows any time you want. A rather surprising feature is that the HDTV-GT allows you to receive QAM signals, the unencrypted cable signals that cable companies sometimes use to broadcast local stations.

The HDTV-GT comes with a tuner application that allows the user to time shift programming with the built in DVR feature. Users can also schedule recording of up to 80 shows. The unit can also record while playing back other programming. It also allows the streaming of HD files in ATSC formats. It also tunes in regular television channels (NTSC) when there is no digital goodness.

The HDTV-GT has the capability to show program guides (EPG). It has a SPDIF output for output to an AAC compatible sound card. The unit is powered by the USB connection so there is no need for batteries, except for the remote.

The HDTV-GT does have a downside. The remote control is rather large. For a mobile device such a large remote control definitely hinders storage and portability.

Specs

HDTV (ATSC) / Analog TV (NTSC) / QAM Digital Cable Features

* Supports HDTV resolutions up to 1920 x 1080 (ATSC)
* Watch Digital (ATSC), Analog (NTSC), or Digital Cable (unencrypted QAM) TV
* The latest 5th-generation LG Electronics tuner/demodulator offers unsurpassed metro and fringe area reception with virtually no multi-path problems

Playback Features

* Pause Live TV and Timeshift using DVR features (Digital TV)
* Playback HD stream files (ATSC)
* Select from six speeds for fast forwarding or rewinding through recorded files

Recording Features

* Schedule to record up to 80 programs
* Real-time or Scheduled Recording on Digital / Analog TV
* Still image capture on Digital and Analog TV (JPEG or BMP format)
* Time-shift support (Digital TV)
* Record while in time-shifting mode (Digital TV)
* Recording during playback (allows editing / saving of previously recorded material)
* D-VHS HD Stream playback and recording (Windows XP only)
* Connect your VCR or Camcorder to record your favorite tapes to PC
* Connect your favorite gaming console to play and record games on your PC

Audio and Video Features

* Dolby Digital® 5.1 Channel support (Digital TV)
* AC3 / AAC audio decoding
* Stereo and multiplex sound support
* SPDIF Output for Digital TV through an AAC compatible sound card (not included)

User-Friendly Features

* GT easily fits into pocket, backpack or laptop case
* USB Powered for maximum mobility
* Remote control
* Digital Signal Strength Display makes antenna pointing easy
* Electronic Programming Guide (EPG) (OTA Digital TV)
* Sleep timer
* Zoom Navigator to select and enlarge the TV picture
* Wallpaper TV View (live video or captured images as your desktop background)

Manufacturer’s site
OnAir USB HDTV-GT Product Page