This wasn�t supposed to be �universal�...
During early remote control testing, I noticed that on occasion the software would perform the wrong function � for example I would push [Channel Down] and the number �5� would appear on-screen. This generally happened when I wasn�t aiming the remote absolutely perfectly at the infrared receiver. A mild nuisance, but troubling nonetheless.
Once I started using the HD Pro with the rest of my home theater, it became obvious that the infrared receiver and/or its software driver are almost entirely indiscriminate in responding to IR codes � random functions occurred in TVCenter Pro no matter what device I was actually controlling. Sony, Toshiba, Pioneer, JVC � all of them had commands that would cause something to occur in TVCenter Pro. In the end I had to disable the remote control receiver (which thankfully is even possible) to finish testing, since it was becoming impossible to keep the software on a single channel.
Unfortunately, because of this oversight the HD Pro will not be an ideal choice for home theater integration � at least not if you had any plans of using the integrated IR receiver.
Final Thoughts
Despite a professional appearance and robust feature set, TVCenter Pro suffers from a number of bugs. I came across at least a dozen issues during testing, ranging from problems loading channel lists and on-screen displays that wouldn�t turn off, to an inability to surf past channels that had no signal strength at that moment. These weren�t the kind of problems that perhaps only a small percentage of the installed base might experience, but obvious ones happening in frequently used areas.
For this reason I�m going to split my rating of the PCTV HD Pro Stick into two parts.
First, the software. The bundled applications that come by default with multimedia devices are often considered �throw away� programs, used merely to verify that the hardware works before installing something else. Pinnacle�s TVCenter Pro actually has the potential of being a rather decent full-time TV application, but the bugs, EPG de-integration and awkwardness of using it by remote will hamper it from making the transition from �free� to �value added�. For occasional viewing, or users who just want some HDTV while travelling, TVCenter Pro is probably good enough.
And as for that adorable little remote control� well, it�s tied completely to TVCenter Pro, so if you opt to use other software such as Windows Media Center both the remote and its quirky infrared receiver will be rendered non-functional.
Second, the hardware. What can I say? This tiny tuner�s ATSC reception managed to put my big Sony HDTV DVR to shame. It fits in the palm of your hand, can plug into any Windows PC, and has a complete selection of analog, digital, SD, HD and radio capabilities to tune practically anything you want, anywhere. Pair the PCTV HD Pro Stick with mature and robust DVR software for a winning combination.
- Daniel Tonks (Remote Central)
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