WFAA-TV

The HVR-950 isn't much bigger than a pack of gum.

As you've no doubt heard by now, all of Channel 8's local news programs are now broadcast in digital high definition.

We know that most of our viewers don't yet have an HDTV set, and the lowest priced models are still $500 and up.

But unlike the transition from black-and-white to color TV (when the first sets would set you back several house payments), you can sample the incredible picture quality of HD for under $100 as long as you have a compatible computer.

The Hauppauge WinTV HVR-950 is about the size of a pack of gum. It connects to your Windows computer using a built-in USB connector (or an extension cable if your USB ports are in close quarters). The only other connection on the HVR-950 lets you screw in a TV antenna cable to supply the signal (a simple telescoping antenna is inluded).

After installing the software, you can watch HD or the original analog TV right on your PC.

The included software scans through all the available channels. There will be at least two entries for each station in the Dallas—one digital and the other analog.

The analog image is prone to snow, ghosts and other picture imperfections; the digital channels—even the ones not sending out an HD signal—are all studio quality.

Some stations even broadcast multiple channels using their digital signal. On Channel 8, for instance, you'll find our familiar programing on Channel 8.1 (in HD); Channel 8.2 has 24-hour news and weather and will soon be used to rebroadcast other programming. Channel 8.3 currently lets you take a look at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and listen in to air traffic transmissions.

I tested the HVR-950 at my home in Denton County. The bundled antenna wasn't up to the task of bringing in Channel 8's digital signal, so I hooked it up to the antenna in my attic. Using the WinTV software, I was able to record extended segments of WFAA-TV's 10 o'clock news in both analog and digital formats, and there was a big difference in quality between the two.

Even with a big antenna, Channel 8's analog signal was slightly snowy and prone to interference. The digital signal, however, was picture-perfect.

Recordings can be scheduled in advance, like a VCR or a TiVo.

The image can be displayed either in a window or full screen. I did observe, however, that the picture occasionally "stuttered." That's because the notebook PC I was using falls just shy of the minimum specifications required by the HVR-950; I have a Dell Latitude notebook with a 1.73 gigahertz Pentium processor; the HVR-950 wants to see 2.2 gigahertz.

While the software-hardware combo did work on my machine, the processor was running at 100 percent much of the time, making it impossible to use the computer for anything else while watching TV.

So be sure to pay attention to the specifications if you decide to try the HVR-950, and if your computer is underpowered, you might wish to choose an alternative HDTV tuner that absorbs much of the processing burden before the picture gets to your PC. The OnAir GT, which we reviewed last October, is friendlier to slower computers (although it costs about $80 more than the HVR-950).

While this is far from a perfect product, it couldn't be more convenient to toss the HVR-950 into a traveling bag for on-the-go entertainment, or even to hook it up to your desktop PC for TV-watching when you get tired of instant messages, e-mail and YouTube.

Hauppauge's WinTV HVR-950 is $99, and you should be able to find it at most local computer merchants.

•LINK: Hauppauge WinTV HVR-950

This week, I stumbled upon a Web site that offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of air transportation.

Airchive.com, "the webseum of commercial aviation," is run by Miami Beach TV executive Chris Sloan, who is sharing his collection of maps, timetables and other interesting tidbits from airlines past and present.

You'll get nostalgic as you browse through the extensive display of content from Dallas-based Braniff International. A route map from their pinnacle shows you could go just about anywhere in the world on one of their colorful jets.

Airchive also reproduces advertising and photos of vintage planes—even haunting images of jets now conscripted to airliner graveyards.

Hats off to Airchive; even if you don't have an active interest in aviation, you're sure to enjoy your visit.

•LINK: Airchive: The museum of commercial aviation

Watch Computer orner every week on News 8 Midday at noon, or online any time.

E-mail askwalt@wfaa.com