Advanced Media to Introduce ATSC USB 2.0 Dongle

Advanced Media, Inc., manufacturer and marketer of the popular RIDATA brand of recordable CD and DVD media, electronic storage products, and digital media accessories, is set to introduce an ATSC USB-powered dongle. The unit, the first external HDTV device to interface with USB 2.0, allows both analog and digital video and audio signals to be received by and shown on PCs and laptops. It is applicable anywhere the ATSC standard is followed. The new product will be on display in the Advanced Media 2007 International CES booth, South Hall 3 (Upper Level, S3) Booth 31573.

"The conversion to all digital television programming is well underway," commented Harvey Liu, Advanced Media president. "Now, anyone in the Unites States can enjoy it as well as analog television programs on their PC or laptop simply by inserting our RIDATA ATSC USB dongle. They can keep up with their favorite shows, follow the big game, or watch the news as they surf the Web, work, or play games. This easy-to-use, plug-and-watch device also delivers theater-quality audio and has record and playback capability."

A compact, easy-to-transport size (it resembles a RIDATA USB EZ Drive portable storage device) assures users are able to take it and use virtually anywhere. All they have to do is first download the software then simply plug it into a computer or laptop's USB 2.0 port.

The RIDATA ATSC USB-powered dongle supports ATSC HD 1920 x 1080i format. It can capture high-resolution still images from both digital and analog signals, perform both digital and analog time shifting, as well as pause live television broadcasts in both modes. It has embedded MPEG1/ MPEG2 high-quality, realtime encoding for analog video sources. Also included are an electronic program guide (EPG) for instant program information; a multi-window previewer; and 16:9, 4:3, or free aspect ratios.

The unit works with Windows 2000 and Windows XP operating systems as well as with DirectX v9 or above. It supports 64QAM/256QAM unencrypted digital cable channels. It meets a wide input frequency range of from 55.25MHz to 801.25MHz, while offering a bandwidth of 6MHz. No manual tuning or external tunable parts are required.

The RIDATA ATSC USB-powered dongle carries an MSRP of $149.00/pc and will be available around middle of Dec., 2006. As with most other RIDATA products, it will be available through selected retailers, RIDATA distributors, and at various online outlets. A complete listing of locations may be found on the Advanced Media website, www.ritekusa.com.