Selecting the best TV tuner card is harder than ever before. Simplify your life using this easy guide!
A Media Center LAPTOP without Live TV capability is definitely another computer that retail outlets your music, movies and also pictures. Bring it your with the simple addition of just one (or more) easy-to-install features!
With a TV tuner card (and the proper software), you can:
* Enjoy and Record Live TELEVISION FOR COMPUTER
* Pause and rewind (then Fast Forward) Live TV
* Browse program sale listings and schedule recordings days before hand
* Store your favorite shows on your hard drive, then burn them with a CD or DVD
Should you have two (or more) cards, you are able to view one channel and record another type of show, or record two shows as well! Never miss your favorite program because your spouse (or kids) insist regarding watching 'their' show.
Varieties of Tuner Cards
Internal TV SET tuner cards. The most common type available. These cards plug right slot inside your PERSONAL COMPUTER. They do not have to have any extra cables or perhaps connections.
Simply screw your Satellite tv feed (or antenna) for the proper port on the spine of the card. Many also accept other designs of video inputs (S-video, component-video), and a few include FM tuners.
Pertaining to ultimate TV quality, go with a HDTV TV Tuner Unit card. Similar to regular TELEVISION FOR COMPUTER tuner cards, but capable to receive and display high-quality TELEVISION signals. These cards are perfect should your media center pc is attached with a HDTV capable TELEVISION PROGRAMS (ie. 50-inch Plasma TV) or possibly a computer monitor.
Be alert that some HDTV handmade cards only support OTA (Over-the-Air) broadcasts, which means you simply must attach an external antenna to your card -- and are now living an area that seems to have HDTV broadcasting stations.
You should be aware the difference between TELEVISION and Digital Cable (or Digital camera Satellite). Some HDTV tuner cards will never handle Digital Cable and also Satellite.
An external TV tuner card connects for a Media Center PC by way of a USB or Firewire connection. These devices generally provide same features and characteristics as their internal counterparts, which enable it to be either analog and also HDTV capable.
How to choose the Perfect Card
First off, you need to know your main use for the TV FOR COMPUTER tuner card.
Interested in watching and recording non-digital TELEVISION, cable, or satellite shows? Will you view these shows over a non-HDTV TV? If so, then a regular analog TV tuner will be right for you.
Are there digital cable, satellite, as well as HDTV? Maybe you'll be doing nearly all of your viewing on a good big-screen HDTV or considerable PC monitor. Pick a good HDTV tuner card.
Want to utilize a laptop as a press center? Perhaps you don't feel comfortable opening up your computer case to fit an internal card. Pick up an external USB TELEVISION FOR COMPUTER tuner for easy on-line.
OK... you want a full-blown TV viewing encounter. You want to look at one HDTV show despite the fact that recording another. Simple... receive two (or more) TV tuner cards! Add as much as you want (or get hold of slots for). Hey, it's your health. Watch TV on a person's terms!
