Plextor Unveils USB-Size HD Interface for Laptops

Plextor said it has produced a mini-digital HD receiver that will pull DTV terrestrial signals from local broadcasters to a portable laptop (or desktop) for HD viewing.

The new mini-interface includes playback, pause and record modes and will interact with Microsoft's XP Media Center Edition, according to the firm whose U.S. base is Fremont, Calif.

Setup includes downloading software and plugging the receiver (model PX-HDTV500U) into a standard USB 2.0 port. Plextor said the USB memory stick-sized unit also includes automatic channel scanning, integrated electronic program guide, both 4:3 and 16:9, and a scalable screen for "multitask" or full-screen viewing. It carries an MSRP of about $100.