Computer & Laptop Accessories

[TerryHe]

can tv tuner alone allow pc to watch tv?

or does it still require users to have tv subscription ( cable, digital etc)?

i live in apartment without cable subscription, but i would to watch tv on my laptop.

i am not familiar with tv tuner please help

[Atomic · Accepted solution]

In theory, yes is is totally possible to watch TV using a TV tuner and computer.   However, you have to make sure everything is compatible and that your TV tuner is ATSC to catch the HD airwaves rather than a cable tuner. 

You will also need an antenna.

You also have to make sure you have the proper inputs and outputs on your laptop/computer and your TV tuner, but yes it is possible to make this work.  You can buy some video cards that have the TV tuner built-in so you can watch TV on your laptop.  Reception will totally depend on your setup, but theoretically, the answer to your question is yes.

[XL]

Yes, it can be done.  I've been using the Hauppauge 950q tv tuner on my laptops for 3 years now.

• old laptops may have problems with the huge bandwidth of an HD signal.
• reception will vary.  Having the antenna in the window that faces the broadcast towers will yield the best results.
• is your apartment "concrete"?  this can really limit indoor antenna performance.  The window is best.  I found walls can really mess up reception.
• placing antennas in some apartments may be a problem for some strata's
• the 950q comes with a very thing antenna that will be hardly noticeable by any strata
• there is no monthly subscription
• you will be limited to local channels.  In Vancouver, I have CBC, CTV, GlobalTV, OmniTV and a few others depending my location.

[TerryHe]

thank you for the information.

i checked out the product that you suggest.

i think 50~90 bucks is acceptable, but it is also depends on the number of channels available.

actually i live in vancouver island, do you have happen to know how many channel or what channels would be on air boardcast in comox valley??

[XL]

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TerryHe wrote:

actually i live in vancouver island, do you have happen to know how many channel or what channels would be on air boardcast in comox valley??

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This was discussed in another thread.  Run your address at this link....

 http://www.tvfool.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29

Again the results are based on having your antenna in a window that faces the broadcast tower.  You will get better coverage in a tall building that is not objected by another tower.