HDTV Wonder question

[MrScott81]

So I was wondering, with the ATI HDTV Wonder, what format can you record the OTA HDTV signals on? Is it possible to record the raw TS files, or is compression required? Any info or links would be appreciated! Thanks!
Scott

 

[rbV5]

The transport streams never make it to your hardrive with an HDTV Wonder. They are transcoded in real-time to your hardrive using ATI's proprietary VCR format (a superset of MPEG-2) but are not compressed, the VCR files retain the full resolution of the native transport stream.

From the ATI library app, you can then export to an MPEG format (MPEG-2 full resolution HD, or compressed MPEG 1/2/4)

I've had mine for only a short time, but my overall first impressions are positive, but haven't had the time to really run it through the paces yet.

Ask away, and I'll try to answer any questios you might have.

 

[MrScott81]

Well I guess the first question is how well does it pick up the signals? I know it depends on your area, but how is your signal strength? Also, does the quality of the signal effect the quality of the recording? do you know if it's possible to encode the ATI files directly to xvid? You don't need to have any cable subscription for this to work right? Thanks for your help so far! Also where did you get yours and how much was it?

 

[rbV5]

1. Very well in my area, YMMV.
2. Signal Strength varies between the channels. I get good signals on all the broacast channels. Good signals are not always broadcast however.
3. Its basically the same quality as long as you have a clean interupted signal..its digital.
4. I've not had a chance to try any encoding of the files, nor do I use xvid. I'll try some encodings when I get a chance soon.
5. No subscription, its a free broadcast. Check TitanTV for the broadcasts in your area.
6. ATI sent me one to test, no cost to me. It was extremely late in the beta process, so with my vacations and such, I've had little time to check it out. I was watching the Olympics this last couple of weeks when I did have time, so I didn't play around much, just watched.