Are you constantly having arguments with your family as to who gets to watch TV? Then connecting computer TV to watch your favorite programs is a good option. You can watch TV on your computer with the help of a device called the TV tuner card.
The type of TV signal that you receive plays a significant part in connecting computer TV and in the purchase of the appropriate TV tuner. The TV signal could be analog, digital or high definition (HD).
You will need an analog TV tuner in the following cases:
If your signal is analog in nature and comes from a cable TV jack in the wall, a cable or satellite set-top box or an over-the-air antenna.
If your signal is digital or HD in nature and comes from a cable or satellite set-top box
You will need a digital cable tuner if your signal is digital or HD in nature and comes from a cable TV jack in the wall. If you get HD signals from an over-the-air antenna you will need a HDTV tuner.
There are two types of TV tuner cards which can be used for connecting TV computer, external tuners and internal tuners. The external TV tuner can be plugged into the USB port of the computer. It can be used for both the laptop and the desktop. The internal TV tuner card has to be installed within the computer. To do this, you have to open the case of the computer and plug the card into the PCI slot. You can then close the case.
The next step is to connect the video cable to your computer. This would entail connecting one end of a coaxial cable to the TV tuner and the other end to the source of the TV signal. Thereafter you have to install the software that comes with the TV tuner card. You can then make the changes to the video and other settings as per your choice. This would complete the process of connecting computer TV for you.
In the present times, computers are being used for both work and leisure. You can now view computer TV besides watching songs, movies and sports, listening to music, and socializing with friends on your computer. It is the advancement in technology that has made it possible for you to watch your favorite TV programs on your computer! Two ways in which you can do so are discussed herein.
The first method to watch TV on your laptop or desktop is through Internet TV. Internet TV enables you to watch satellite television online from wherever you are. To view computer TV via the Internet you would need the following:
High speed Internet connection preferably a Broadband service
A computer with a RAM of 520 MB or more
Computer speeds of 300 MHz or more
A computer PC TV software
The PC TV software is usually available for a one-time payment of approximately $50. You would need to install it in your laptop or desktop to begin watching the TV programs. The installation process is simple and fast. The software would enable you to watch over 3000 channels from across the world.
Often due to a slow Internet connectivity, watching TV online is not feasible. In such a case, you could view computer TV by using a TV Tuner card.
There are two types of TV tuners: internal and external. Internal or PCI TV tuner cards are used only for desktops. The external USB models can be used for both desktops and laptops. The TV tuner cards are usually accompanied by remote controls to enable you to change channels, volume and display settings amongst others. Once you connect your computer to a TV signal and start receiving signals from an antenna or cable TV source, you can begin to view computer TV.
The progress of technology has resulted in the computer being used for official purposes as well as for entertainment. Being able to watch your favorite TV programs is on your computer is just one of the many forms of entertainment it is used for.
Did you know that your flat-panel, LCD TV can also double as an lcd tv computer monitor? Today, LCD TVs are much more affordable than they were a couple of years back. However, when even 15” LCD TVs have a starting price of $300, they simply cannot be termed as being real cheap. But the good news is that for about $150, you can convert your LCD TV into a thin-screen computer monitor. In fact, you can hook up even older CRT versions of computers with your LCD TV and enjoy a never-before online experience.
Using A PC-Less Tuner
Let us see how to use computer TV tuners to create an lcd tv computer monitor. Such a PC-less TV tuner works by being directly connected to your computer monitor. As a result, you do not have to power up your computer to enjoy any video sources on the LCD television. Since this device directly connects the computer and the LCD screen, you can easily switch between a favorite TV program and the computer display with just a click of the remote control.
With leading PC-less tuners like ViewSonic NextVision N5 and Startech.com TV Jockey, you can convert just about any LCD TV into an lcd tv computer monitor. You can then enjoy the big-screen versions of MP3, MP4, DVD and other video sources stored in the computer.
Pros And Cons
The main benefit of this kind of TV tuner is that you do not have to rely on the PC at all – all you need is a monitor. That means that there is no need to put up with the noise emanated by the computer – the drone of drives or the whir of fans – that may disturb your video experience on the PC. In addition, you can forget about the worries of compatibility between your computer hardware and the LCD TV. Best of all, there is no software installation involved.
However, despite these advantages, you must remember that this tuner does not support recording with an lcd tv computer monitor.
In today’s world we cannot even imagine life without a computer. They have become such an integral part of our life. So isn’t it but natural for you to want to watch TV on your computer as well? Read on to know how to watch TV on computer.
Five Ways To Watch Television On Computer
Adopt any of the below mentioned ways to successfully learn how to watch TV on computer:
TV tuners for the computer: This is the first and the most commonly used method. There are a variety of interfaces and features available in different kinds of TV tuners. Just select one that offers the greatest compatibility to your PC and get going.
TV tuners that connect directly to the PC monitor: These TV tuners can be directly connected to the computer monitor. This removes the need for updating your computer. All you have to do is to purchase the device that connects the computer and the monitor. Once done, you can soon learn how to watch TV on computer.
Online Television: There are several broadcast networks also that offer online programs. These programs are the same ones that regularly appear on the television as well. The best part about this method is that you would be able to view your favorite programs in any part of the world and that to without having to pay any additional cost.
Use the SlingBox: In order to use a SlingBox you would have to properly configure your computer and your television so that they can share the same cable TV connection.
Digital Cable Box: These are the serial, USB, FireWire, S/PDIF, Ethernet, DVI, and several other kinds of connections that are found on the back side of most television sets. They enable us to connect the television to the computer directly.
Hope the above has helped you learn how to watch TV on computer.
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