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Detailed Review of the Autumnwave OnAir Creator USB Hybrid    
The OnAir Creator is a great tuner for those who don't have an available PCI or PCI-e slot, or who just don't want to mess with the inside of their PC. It was the first external hybrid tuner with a analog hardware encoder. A hardware encoder uses less PC processor than software encoders and usually produces a higher quality picture. For more on encoders go here. The package includes the DC power supply, USB cable, remote control (w/batteries), OnAir Creator Tuner and tuner stand. INSTALLATION The Creator install procedure is a little different from other devices in that you install the drivers and then plug in the device. The driver software gives you a friendly reminder prior to the install.
Regardless which application you will be using with the Creator (Vista Media Center, MCE 2005, BeyondTV, etc.), install the Creator application software from the CD the first time. Along with the application, it will load the Nvidia Purevideo decoders, which are generally regarded as the best around. Next, download and install the latest drivers and application (if you will be using the OnAir software program) from the Autumnwave site here. NOTE: To reload the Nvidia Decoders without rerunning the application from the CD go here. You will be prompted for licensing info as you would from the CD. The installs for both the drivers and application are very fast and there are few questions, however during the application install, if you plan on using another application, uncheck all the boxes at this prompt:
Once installed, it’s time to plug in the Creator. First, make sure you have your cable coax, external antenna or the included antenna attached to the Creator’s RF port and the DC power is connected. Then plug the USB cable into the PC. You’ll get the usual device found message from XP and MCE 2005 and an install prompt.
Answer, “No, not this time”, click next, and then select Install Software Automatically on the next prompt. Once the drivers are found, you will get a Not Passed Windows Logo prompt, allow them to install. Vista won’t prompt for an install location, it'll find it on it's own, but will give you a Not Passed Windows Logo prompt. Once installed, you’re ready to scan for TV channels. CABLE QAM TUNING If you are using cable, you have several application options, unlike most QAM tuners which work only with their application. The list applications that support QAM with the GT include: GB-PVR, SageTV, as well as the OnAir application. If you use the OnAir app, not only can you tune digital QAM, but analog cable channels as well. The OnAir app is easy to set up and the station scan is very fast (at least twice as quick as any other PC QAM tuners). Here's an example of what you'll see using the OnAir application as stations are found:
Obviously the channel numbers mean nothing, however the ones with a "C" after the number are encrypted and hence cannot be viewed. You can toggle those channels off display if you want. It is easy to map the viewable channels to the TitanTV schedule program. Just follow the instructions here. For more info on TitanTV, go here. OVER THE AIR TUNING The Creator with it's 5th generation tuner (the latest & greatest) is the best tuner around for pulling in weak and multi-path over the air (OTA) signals. If you plan to use OTA, you have even more application options. Besides the ones listed for QAM (above), Microsoft Media Center (both 2005 and Vista), BeyondTV, and WatchHDTV can be used. There are probably others, but that should get you started. The OnAir application tunes both analog and digital OTA TV. Microsoft Media Center will also tune both digital and analog stations though the Creator. However for both to work under Vista Media Center you will need to follow the fairly simple process described here. Here's an example of what you'll see when scanning for OTA digital channels using the OnAir app:
USING THE ONAIR Creator Changing channels is very quick with the Creator, something taken for granted with the old TV analog tuners, but many digital tuners are quite slow. The included remote works will with the OnAir application. It can also be remapped to work with other applications including Media Center, Media Player, GB-PVR, SageTV, & Winamp. Go here for more info on programming the remote. This is a well made remote and works from a respectable distance. SUPPORT Support for the OnAir Creator and other OnAir products is excellent. There is also an ongoing support thread at AVS Forum here monitored by OnAir support staff. You can also contact OnAir support here. CONCLUSION The Creator is a bit more expensive than other similar products but the quality, support, included Nvidia Purevideo decoders, and ease of use more than make up the difference. Personally, I like the unique design. It's definitely a conversation piece.
THANK YOU!
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