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Detailed Review of the OnAir Solution USB HDTV-GT     The OnAir GT is definitely best in class when it comes to digital tuners for a PC and it's highly recommended for the user buying a PC tuner for the first time. Let’s see why:
CONTENTS The box includes an installation CD, the tuner, a remote control, a composite/s-video dongle cable (for analog recording), a digital camera style USB cable, black carrying pouch (not shown), and a telescopic antenna. INSTALLATION The GT 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 GT (MCE 2005, BeyondTV, etc.), install the GT 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 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 tuner. First, make sure you have your cable coax, external antenna or the included antenna attached to the GT’s RF port. Once plugged in 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, 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, and the OnAir application. If you use the OnAir app, not only can you tuner digital QAM, but analog cable channels as well. The OnAir app is easy to set up and station scan is very fast (at least twice as quick as any other PC QAM tuner). Here's an example of what you'll see using the OnAir application as stations are found: 
OVER THE AIR TUNING The GT is the best tuner around for pulling in weak and multipath 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 also 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 only tune digital stations though the GT. An installation guide for using the GT without an analog tuner under Media Center 2005 is here. The GT will install under Vista Media Center as a digital only tuner without this routine. Here's an example of what you'll see when scanning for OTA digital channels using the OnAir app: 
USING THE ONAIR GT Changing channels is very quick with the GT, something taken for granted with the old 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 it. This is a well made remote and works from a respectable distance. The GT get a little warm during use, but as external USB tuners go, it’s one of the cooler ones. SUPPORT Support for the OnAir GT 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 ease of installation and use along with the great support make this one of my favorite digital tuners for both laptops and HTPC’s.
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