How do tv tuners for PC work? and how to choose?

[elitesystem]

Hi, i came across this USB HDTV tuner today: http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=206785668

I am wondering, how do the TV tuners in general work? Do i need any extra hardware/software installed on my computer for this kind of USB tuner?

How can i watch TV programs on my computer? Do i need to have cable connection at home to watch on PC? Is it possible to watch over the air programs on PC with such tuners?

I have a Windows XP, 1.6GHz, 1.5GB RAM, Toshiba laptop.

Any kind of inputs are appreciated.
Thanks a lot!!

 

[Wolfshadw]

The required software is bundled with the tuner, so no worries there. To watch TV on your computer, you will need to connect either the OTA antenna (provided) or hook up a feed from your cable/satellite company (at home).

A couple of notes:
1) Reception using the OTA antenna depends on your location; specifically the distance (and obstructions) between you and the OTA source. Try this web site to see what's available

2) Receiving signals from the cable/satellite company is dependent on what they broadcast free of encryption. Pay channels (like HBO) and some other cable channels are not broadcast in the clear, so you will not be able to watch those.

Hope this helps.

-Wolf sends

 

[kiddisaster]

I have been looking for information about this as well. It's really difficult to find information on ATSC high def tuners. Sites like newegg don't even distinguish between the craptasic old ones that stop working next February and the nice high def ones.

I cant see how a usb tuner would have the same power as the pci full cards. Is this wrong?

I want one that works with vistas media center and other programs. Ive noticed a lot of comments for each tuner that say something like "doesnt work with...."

Im basically after something that software friendly and preferably pci because comcast resends the OTA high def channels and thats my goal because im not interested in paying 50 bucks a month for some stupid high definition cable company locked, unuserfriendly piece of crap

 

[Wolfshadw]

KWorld USB TV Tuner @ Newegg

EliteSystem - You should probably look at the minimum specifications for this TV Tuner.

Kiddisaster - You should probably read a bit more under the specifications. Just clicking randomly on Newegg's site for TV Tuners, I noted several "Consumer Alerts" listed at the bottom of the specifications which state a particular product stops working after Feb 2009.

You are right, though in that this USB TV Tuner is not as good as some PCI cards. Many of the higher priced cards actually process the signal themselves whereas this USB Tuner and most lesser PCI cards pass off processing to the CPU.

What you're looking for should list ATSC (new digital signal) at a minimum. Some nice to haves are NTSC (old analog signal) and ClearQAM (cable/satellite). Also, if you have an available slot, perhaps look for one with a PCI-Ex1 connector.

Just for reference, this is the one I have in my XP MCE system

This is the one I would probably recommend for you, running Vista.

-Wolf sends

 

[Mousemonkey]

I have been looking for information about this as well. It's really difficult to find information on ATSC high def tuners. Sites like newegg don't even distinguish between the craptasic old ones that stop working next February and the nice high def ones.

I cant see how a usb tuner would have the same power as the pci full cards. Is this wrong?

I want one that works with vistas media center and other programs. Ive noticed a lot of comments for each tuner that say something like "doesnt work with...."

Im basically after something that software friendly and preferably pci because comcast resends the OTA high def channels and thats my goal because im not interested in paying 50 bucks a month for some stupid high definition cable company locked, unuserfriendly piece of crap

This one might work for you http://www.comprousa.com/en/product/e800/e800.html, won't fit in the OP's laptop though.