TV Tuner setup

You just got the PC fixed and now there's no stopping you! I can't really help as my setup is really old but as a minimum you need to post whether you get your TV via off-air, satellite, cable and what outputs are available on the receiving device if applicable.

Do you want HDTV capability? If you only have your onboard video that is unlikely to be adequate for HD. Get hold of the Nero Info tool (skip dvd tests) and you can find out if you need to upgrade your graphics. The info tool has an HD readiness tab.
 
Don't expect too much.
What type of internet connection do you have?
If cable, you'll be able to watch only unscrambled HD channels.
So, don't expect watching HBO movies on your computer.

You could consider investing in a TV tuner card, which is "cablecard" compatible.
However, many ISPs will refuse to install "cablecard" on your TV tuner card for very simple reason.
They don't want you to record all those HBO movies on your computer and distribute them for free to your friends and family.
 
Broni said:
Don't expect too much.
What type of internet connection do you have?
If cable, you'll be able to watch only unscrambled HD channels.
So, don't expect watching HBO movies on your computer.

You could consider investing in a TV tuner card, which is "cablecard" compatible.
However, many ISPs will refuse to install "cablecard" on your TV tuner card for very simple reason.
They don't want you to record all those HBO movies on your computer and distribute them for free to your friends and family.
Click to expand...

I have high speed wireless internet. Could I not install a cablecard on my own?

Does all this apply to canadians?
 
I have high speed wireless internet
Click to expand...
This doesn't say much.
Is it DSL, cable, or satellite?
There is no wireless TV, unless you want to use an antenna.

Could I not install a cablecard on my own?
Click to expand...
You'd have to talk to your ISP, if they'll let you.
 
Some ISPs will simply not hand you a card. They'll insist on installing it for you.
It varies. As I said, you'll have to talk to your ISP.
 
Broni said:
This doesn't say much.
Is it DSL, cable, or satellite?
There is no wireless TV, unless you want to use an antenna.


You'd have to talk to your ISP, if they'll let you.
Click to expand...

I believe I have DSL is there anyway I can double-check my type of internet connection?

I have a different provider for TV and internet.
 
Maybe I'm completely missing something here but to get tv on your computer all you need to do is get a tv tuner and hook up the coaxial cable to it. Just like you would a tv.

Internet tv is where you will need to work with your internet provider.
 
salvage-this said:
Maybe I'm completely missing something here but to get tv on your computer all you need to do is get a tv tuner and hook up the coaxial cable to it. Just like you would a tv.
Click to expand...
I hate to say it but that is why I asked the questions in my first response to the thread!
 
FXB said:
Read my first post (edited) I believe I answered all your questions.
Click to expand...
More or less, I was fine with that. The later discussion went off in a tangent. I tried to find a manual on the Bell DVR to determine the I/O connections, with no luck. I'm not up to speed on current hardware so bowed out at that point. Still there, but you need to let others know how you want to work the PC and DVR combo.
 
What do you mean how I want to work it? I want to use my computer as a DVR and be able to watch TV on my TV but also on any device on my network. Desktop, laptop, iPod touch
 
It depends on how you're connecting the Tuner box to the TV right now. If it's coaxial then it'll work, all you have to do is connect the tuner box and the TV Tuner card with a coaxial cable. The software setup is easy enough, just follow the setup wizard in Windows. As for remote control, you either need one of those Logitech universal remotes that controls both computer, TV and tuner box, or you can use a IR blaster that relays the signal from your computer to the tuner box.

On the other hand, if the tuner box uses HDMI then you're out of luck.
 
FXB said:
What do you mean how I want to work it? I want to use my computer as a DVR and be able to watch TV on my TV but also on any device on my network. Desktop, laptop, iPod touch
Click to expand...
The TV signal is coming via the DVR so you may have been wanting to record on the DVR not the PC. That may affect what device you add to the PC because the provided software comes into play as well.

Don't forget to check your HD graphics capability. If you want HD PVR capability you may be looking at a graphics card and larger HDD.
 
I believe I have DSL is there anyway I can double-check my type of internet connection?
Click to expand...
Is your computer connected to a phone jack, or a coaxial jack in a wall?

all you need to do is get a tv tuner and hook up the coaxial cable to it
Click to expand...
Yes, but as I said, you'll be getting only unscrambled channels.

As for remote control, you either need one of those Logitech universal remotes
Click to expand...
Many TV tuner cards come with remote controls.
 
I'm still bemused, the Bell HD-PVR is a dual channel satellite receiver. What has the Internet connection got to do with the TV? In post #9 FXB stated having a TV provider, which one assumes is via satellite (unless the Bell is used as a doorstop). As far as I saw there was no mention of having any internet TV service.

FXB, can you confirm that the above? You want to get your satellite TV signal to the PC?
 
Broni said:
Many TV tuner cards come with remote controls.
Click to expand...

Yes as I mentioned below most of them come with their own windows remotes. However they usually don't work well in terms of changing channels from the satellite box. I use to have one and I had to set up an IR blaster from the PC to the satellite box.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top