StarTech TV Jockey
For the modest among us, it doesn’t
really make sense to have a separate computer monitor and a TV screen, when
only one can replace both. Say hello to the StarTech TV Jockey. This nifty
little device acts as a converter for TV signals to computer monitor signals
and vice versa. It packs in a few extra features as well, including a remote
control, multiple inputs and outputs. Let’s see what the StarTech
TV Jockey has to offer
| Features |
The
Product |
- Compatible
with NTSC (North America) or PAL (Europe) standards
- Audio stereo
output capabilities permits a connection to be made to external
speakers
In addition, a connection directly to a computer’s sound card
“line in” socket is also possible through the use of
the included stereo cable
- Pure hardware
design with no software or drivers required
|
|
Out of the box, the StarTech
TV jockey comes with the unit itself, a 24-button remote control, an AC adapter
and a compact stand. Although it does not include AV wiring, it does come
with VGA and audio wires. The inputs on the TV Jockey include RCA audio and
video, line audio, S-video, VGA and cable. The outputs are VGA (monitor) out,
RCA video out, as well as a line audio output.
Setup is amazingly simple, and only involves hooking up
appropriate inputs and outputs. No drivers are needed, and neither is a
PC. We tried a few different setups on this system. First we watched cable
TV into on our computer monitor through unit, and then tired DVD, through
the S-video jack. Finally, we also tried the reverse, plugging and a digital
camera and watching it simultaneously on TV and computer screen. Since both
the Computer and TV signals must pass through the StarTech TV jockey, it
is very simple to switch between the two, by using the “PC/TV”
button. The unit itself is very compact, and convenient in its design; it
can be placed horizontally or vertically on the included base. This shows
that the makers did put some thought into making the StarTech TV Jockey
compact, considering most of its users will need to save space.
The remote control is a perfect companion to
this setup, and gives the user more of a “TV” feel when using
the product. It allows access to features normally found on regular TVs,
including changing channels, switching inputs, as well as the on-screen
display, all from a safe distance. When watching cable, auto-scanning is
available for tuning up to 181 NTSC and 106 PAL channels. Volume control
is also on the remote control, and it changes the intensity of the speaker
output (which should connect to powered speakers). Finally, the remote allows
for the input to be changed from PC mode to TV mode and the other way around.
One aspect where the TV jockey fails to live up to our standards;
however, is display quality; it is simply not up to par with a direct connection,
or even ATI TV/video cards which I have previously tried (but it was close).
The maximum supported resolution supported in NTSC mode is 858 X 525 @ 60Hz.
It also seems as though some color richness and a bit of definition is lost
in the process of conversion (when the TV signal is de-interlaced). Solid
lines sometimes appear blurry (like ghosting). Although it should not be
a problem for an average TV-watcher, it might bother some quality-philes.
But then again, quality seekers are better off buying HD TVs if pure quality
is what they’re after.
Second, what frustrated me was the quality of display when
working in PC mode, which is below average as well. Since (in PC mode) the
device should act as nothing more than a pass-through connector, going from
VGA to VGA without being processed, I expected very little loss of quality.
In practice however, there is quite a bit of distortion in the displayed
images. The maximum supported resolution in PC mode is 640 X 480 at 60 Hz,
which is quite low even compared to its competitors. First, there is significant
ghosting around dark black objects, such as text. Second, colors appear
dull and lifeless. I would definitely have trouble staring at the monitor
for extended periods of time.
Contrary to video performance, however, the audio output
from the StarTech TV Jockey is great. It produced very little distortion
and good response at all frequencies. Of course you’ll need to have
good powered speakers or headphones to enjoy it.
Retailing at $99, the StarTech clearly sells for at least
$50 less than its closest competitor “AVerMedia AVerTV Box ”.
It certainly has all the features one would want in an external TV tuner,
but lacks some extras such as PIP (picture in picture) or a timer. The main
drawback is image quality, which I would say is below average. Overall the
StarTech TV jockey is best described as adequate and highly convenient,
and is very fitting for tight situations.
Amit
Rahman 
04.03.12
