AMD Tunes into Cable HDTV

The latest TV Wonder models offer support for Clear QAM, the format used in unencrypted HDTV signals that come in over digital cable.

Those looking to tap into cable HDTV channels on their computers will soon have a new option. AMD announced the expansion of its ATI TV Wonder line on Monday, with three new models that pick up Clear QAM high-def content.

The ATI TV Wonder 650 Combo USB will be the most flexible of the bunch, offering two tuners to allow simultaneous viewing and recording on different channels. Both tuners will work not only with off-the-air HD content, but also unencrypted Clear QAM cable channels, making the new models a significant advance from previous models, which only offered off-the-air capabilities.

The Clear QAM tuners will allow for recording of select digital cable channels, while premium encrypted stations will still be off-limits. The same tuners will also pick up conventional analog broadcasts and FM radio. AMD’s TV Wonder 600 PCI and PCI Express version will offer the same capabilities, but with only one tuner.

The TV Wonder 650 Combo USB sells for $149, while the single-tuner versions will both go for $99. They are available now.