Analog v/s HDTV Reception:

It is difficult to describe how we individually perceive image color, sharpness, and crispness. However, if you remember how the old VHS tape performs versus today’s DVD movies I could "feel" the difference; this is what you would experience in TV broadcast and reception of analog to HD.

I took the AutumnWave OnAirGT with me to Cincinnati a month ago; where they have 5 free on-air HD TV broadcast channels. The difference was simply amazing. Since I am about 40 miles away from Chicago where HDTV broadcast is available at certain time of the day, I was unable to receive the signal.

I made a couple video clips; see if you could tell the difference. Bear in mind, the actual quality is much better.

Analog

High Definition

Thoughts:

I have been using the OnAir GT for a couple of months on and off. The winter weather in the Mid-West wasn't fun with snow storms damaging trees and power lines. My cable connection was down for almost a week; reception was marginal after the service was restored. The OnAir GT allows me to receive three channels via the tiny antenna. I only wish it has a signal booster to pull in more stations farther out.

I have to admit when Digital (High Definition) is available the picture quality is superior to analog by far. CPU usage was ~25% usage in my Dual Core Intel laptop with 2GB memory and onboard graphic. However, the CPU usage would be as high as 50-55% when I am browsing the internet and do some light office work such as Word or Excel using the laptop.

Using a desktop, again an Intel C2D @3Ghz speed and 8500GT graphic card, the CPU usage is down to 10% and no more than 15 browsing the internet and office work. I believe it has a lot to do with the graphic card taking up much of the work.

As for the full size remote control, I could live with a much smaller one with channel up/down, volume and on/off.

Conclusion :

The price is set rather high at about US$180. I am not quite sure if I would pack the remote control in my laptop bag. I certainly would like to see a place in the carrying case to include the USB cable, or I will be certain I forget to bring it with.

I no longer travel as much as before. When I did, I use "SlingPlayer". A device hooked up at home that allows me to watch my subscribe TV provider at home when I am away. For example, my trip to Asia last September I was watching all my favorite U.S. TV channels in Hong Kong from my laptop. But, I could not watch the local channels in Hong Kong.

OnAir GT will allow me to watch whatever I can pull in from local TV broadcast; both HD and Analog signals. Of course, I know I won't miss much when I travel within the country. With this in mind, "SlingPlayer" and "OnAir GT" are too different products aim at two different applications and usages, hence not competing with each other. Besides, there is no match on picture quality, the OnAir GT is far better than "SlingPlayer".

To sum up my feeling; I like the OnAir GT because it is easy to hook up, portable, provides excellent picture quality and HD ready. Yes, my nags; antenna booster, smaller remote and don't let me forget the USB cable.

+ Excellent picture quality
+ Bundled software
+ Digital HD ready
+ USB connectivity; ease of use

- Price