The Change Mariner

Radeon's Personal Video and Audio Recorder in a PC Slot

About:
...Along with the TV application, there is the Gemstar Guide+ TV listing software that is integral to the EASYLOOK functions. This application downloads TV listings based on your television service and location to provide up to a week's worth of programming schedules. While using this application, it is also possible to watch the TV tuner in the upper left corner. This application is ad supported with two ads displayed on the left side of the programming window.

One of the outstanding features of the All-In-Wonder software bundle is the video recording capability. Video can be captured and stored to the hard drive for later viewing or through time shifted display similar to a personal video recorder. Programs can be scheduled for recording through the TV listings or by browsing the listings with the remote control via EASYLOOK. The programming can be stored in the ATI VCR format that provides high quality with low file sizes or the more standard MPEG standards. The MPEG standard is the choice to use if you would like to record the programs onto CD or DVD.

One of the major additions to the All-In-Wonder 9600 Pro is the inclusion of an FM tuner. A simple FM antenna is necessary in order to use the tuner. Once installed, simply load up the FM player tool to start listening to the radio. Of course, finding stations will be a bit more of a challenge than the TV tuner. First it does not have an autoscan feature like the TV player. This means you must manually tune them in.

...Similar to the TV recording functions, the FM tuner also has an on-demand feature for scheduled recording or time delayed playback. Recordings are restricted to the MP3 format with a fixed 224 Kbps constant bit rate. This isn't much of a problem since the MP3 format is very portable, but the bit rate is much higher than is required for FM radio quality sound.

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Note: There is no charge for the directory service and prices for the cards that pop into an AGP slot on a PC range from $100 - $400. This is another strong indication that PVRs and PARs (personal audio recorders) will probably be standard features in future PCs and LCD TVs. - N. Wada