ATSC Digital TV Converter Box Dongle with TV Tuner, TV Recording, USB Multimedia Function, 1080P HDMI Output, Clear QAM by Mediasonic HomeWorx (HW135STB)
Quick take
The Mediasonic HomeWorx HW135STB is a small ATSC over-the-air tuner that connects to your TV or monitor via HDMI and can also record and pause live TV using a USB external hard drive or SSD. It is best for viewers who want OTA channels on a screen that lacks a built-in ATSC tuner, but it is not meant to replace a cable box and it can be sensitive to power setup for stable channel scanning.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 1080P HDMI output with included HDMI cable for modern HDTV/projector viewing.
- Supports ATSC OTA reception and can also function with cable providers for unscrambled cable channels using Clear QAM.
- Recording and pause live TV support via USB external hard drive or SSD up to 4TB (USB flash drives not recommended for recording).
- Includes an IR receiver with display panel for channel and sub-channel visibility.
Cons
- Requires an external antenna for over-the-air signal, it will not work with encrypted cable services.
- Recording practicality depends on providing sufficient 5V power, and initial scanning can be impacted by using an underpowered USB port.
- Limited to ATSC (1.0 and 2.0 only), so it is not a universal tuner for every region’s digital standards.
- AAA batteries for the remote are not included, and a 5V charger/power adapter is not included.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence points to a clear theme: the HW135STB performs well when it is set up with appropriate power and antenna conditions. Several buyers highlight improved convenience and picture clarity compared with larger or older tuner boxes, and they appreciate the compact footprint and the channel display/favorite channel options. Power source matters for stable scanning and operation, and the unit may run warm enough that leaving it unused when you do not need it is a reasonable habit. At the same time, reception quality can vary with location and antenna setup, and at least some buyers report that OTA performance is not as consistent as a previous wall-powered tuner in their specific environment.
What it is and who it is for
The HW135STB is an ATSC digital TV converter dongle that adds an OTA tuner to devices that can show video input but do not have an ATSC TV tuner built in. In practice, that often means adding live TV to a secondary room TV, a projector, or a monitor that takes HDMI input.
It is also designed to act as a “tuner add-on” when your main TV already has its own OTA tuner. In that scenario, you can use the dongle to watch one set of channels while your TV’s built-in tuner handles another, depending on your setup.
Key features that affect your day-to-day use
1080P HDMI output and audio
Video output is capped at 1080P via HDMI, paired with Dolby Digital audio support. That makes it a good match for HDTVs and many projectors, as long as your display has an HDMI input.
Clear QAM and what it can and cannot do
Clear QAM is intended for watching unscrambled cable channels through a cable connection. This is not the same as supporting full cable TV service, and the unit is not a replacement for a cable box. If your cable provider uses encrypted signals, the dongle will not be able to decode them.
Recording and pause live TV (USB drive requirements)
For DVR-style recording and “record and pause live TV,” you need a compatible external hard drive or SSD connected to the unit. The product information specifies support for drives up to 4TB, and it advises that USB flash drives are not recommended for recording.
There is also a practical power note: recording may require you to use enough 5V power (the unit can be powered through the TV’s USB, or via a 5V USB charger). Underpowered setups can lead to scanning issues or instability, so if you plan to record often, plan your power source carefully.
USB multimedia playback
Beyond live TV, it can play photos, music, and video from a USB flash drive or external hard drive. If your main goal is media playback, this feature can be useful without needing to set up an antenna every time, but live TV still requires OTA antenna input.
Reception, antenna, and power sensitivity
OTA performance depends on your signal conditions and antenna setup. Reviews suggest that, in some cases, a power source that does not deliver enough current can cause scanning errors, reboots, or failure to find channels until the unit is powered from a more reliable 5V source. The unit also includes an IR receiver with a display panel to help with navigation and channel confirmation, which can reduce setup frustration.
Setup checklist before you buy
- Confirm you have the right signal source: an external antenna for ATSC over-the-air reception.
- If you want cable channels via Clear QAM, make sure your cable lineup is not encrypted.
- Plan for power: the dongle can be powered through USB, but recording may require a stronger 5V supply than what some TV USB ports provide.
- If you want recording, choose a USB external hard drive or SSD (USB flash drives are not recommended for recording) and keep an eye on formatting needs such as NTFS/MBR, plus the drive size you want (up to 4TB support is listed).
- Check remote requirements: AAA batteries are not included.
Pros and cons in plain terms
Best for
- People who want OTA ATSC channels on a TV, projector, or monitor without an ATSC tuner.
- Viewers who want an easy way to record and pause live TV using a USB external drive (with proper power).
- Households with good antenna signal who want a compact setup and clear HDMI output.
Who should avoid it
- Anyone hoping to replace an encrypted cable box, especially with services like Comcast, DirecTV, DISH Network, or similar encrypted cable lineups.
- Buyers in areas where OTA reception is marginal and antenna upgrades are not feasible.
- Those who want to record using a USB flash drive, since it is not recommended for recording.
Alternatives to consider
- A wall-powered ATSC tuner: If your TV’s USB port is weak, a model with a dedicated power adapter may reduce troubleshooting for channel scanning and recording stability.
- A full DVR-capable OTA receiver: If recording is your top priority and you want a more complete “set-top box” experience, a larger OTA DVR with robust power and storage support can feel easier than dongles.
- Build your setup around a TV with a built-in tuner: If you are buying or already have a TV that supports ATSC, skipping a converter can avoid power and antenna compatibility variables.
Verdict
The HW135STB is a strong option for adding over-the-air ATSC TV to an HDMI-ready screen in a compact form factor. The main buying caveat is practical, not theoretical: stable performance often comes down to using the right antenna and ensuring the unit gets enough 5V power, especially if you want recording and pause live TV. If you match it to the right signal source and power setup, it can be a straightforward way to get local channels and basic DVR features without a bulky tuner box.
FAQs
Does the HW135STB work with cable TV like Comcast or DirecTV?
No. It is designed for over-the-air ATSC reception, and it is not a replacement for encrypted cable services. It may support Clear QAM for unscrambled cable channels, but encrypted lineups will not work.
Do I need an external antenna?
Yes, for over-the-air channels you need an external antenna connected to the converter for reception.
Can it record TV to a USB flash drive?
USB flash drives are not recommended for the recording function. For recording and pause live TV, the product information points to using a USB external hard drive or SSD (up to 4TB supported).
What power source should I use for recording?
The unit can be powered via your TV’s USB port or a 5V USB charger. Recording may require a 5V supply that provides enough power for the external drive, so if you see scanning or stability issues, consider powering it from a dedicated 5V source.
What video quality can it output?
It outputs up to 1080P via HDMI (with Dolby Digital audio support).
Is it compatible with non-ATSC regions?
It is intended for ATSC (1.0 and 2.0). If you are outside the listed regions, check your local TV broadcast standard before buying.
Specifications
| Product Title | ATSC Digital TV Converter Box Dongle with TV Tuner, TV Recording, USB Multimedia Function, 1080P HDMI Output, Clear QAM by Mediasonic HomeWorx (HW135STB) |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Television & Video > Analog-to-Digital (DTV) Converters |
| Brand | Mediasonic |
| Manufacturer | Mediasonic |
| Model Number | HW135STB |
| Color | Black |
| Item Weight | 1.7 Ounces |
| Compatible Devices | Television |
| Connector Type | USB Type A, USB Type C |
| Connectivity Technology | HDMI, USB |
| AntennaDescription | Television |
| Tuner Type | ATSC |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 4.65"L x 1.38"W x 0.67"H |
| Includes Remote | Yes |
| UPC | 850040109030 |
| Mfr Part Number | HW135STB |
| Built-In Media | ATSC TV Dongle, HDMI Cable 3.3 ft | AV Cable 3.3 ft. | User Manual, IR Receiver with Display, Remote Control | 3M two sides stickers, USB-C to USB-A Power Cable 3.3 ft |
| Warranty Description | 1 Year Warranty from Mediasonic Store |
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