BF2S Forums watching TV on PC - need help

I have a TV Tuner. I think you would also need a program to use the tuner. I have Windows Media Center edition so I use that. I don't know any TV tuner programs other than that, sorry.

If you have Vista, you can just install the Tuner card and then setup the built-in Media Center junk (it's in Ultimate, I dunno if it's in others).

If not, then download BeyondTV.

VicktorVauhn wrote:

avman633 wrote:

I have a TV Tuner. I think you would also need a program to use the tuner. I have Windows Media Center edition so I use that. I don't know any TV tuner programs other than that, sorry.

I would be REALLY REALLY REALLY surprised if it didn't come with software when you buy the card.

"I have cable TV and I have one socket in the wall so obviously I need something that allows me to plug in both, the TV and my PC. Thats the first question."

What? what kind of socket are you talking about power or cable? I though this was to have cable in your room, with out a TV...why would you have to plug in both?


You need:
Computer (It kinda sounded like your computer is plugged straight into the wall, would be a good idea to use a surge protector if that is the case)

Tunner card that is compatible with your computer, and an open slot. Most will probably be PCI, if you don't know if you have an open PCI slot chances are you do... If you don't know how to check, google PCI (not PCI E) look at pictures then open yours and compare.

Cable outlet in your room, or coax ran from the living room. You can buy coax Y adapters to split the cable if you need to run it into your room.

If you get more then basic cable, you probably need a cable box from your provider too. You can hook it up with out a cable box but you will only get basic cable.


This is the adapter you need if you only have one cable outlet
http://www.summitsource.com/images/products/SP2532.jpg

Yep by socket I ment cable outlet
Its in the living room and my TV is plugged in there, so that coax Y adapter is just what I need I think - thanks. Also 10ish meters of cable...
Also yes I have an open PCI slot and the tuner card I picked is PCI. Its basic cable so thats covered too.
Looks like Im set than
Thanks again...

Well Victor you made me do some reading and it appears its not as simple as I thought and I knew even less about the subject than I thought So if anyone is interested here is few things I learned.
It appears that Analog Terrestrial Television has been completely shut down is Austria (and most of Europe) and now Digital TT is provided only.
Terrestrial Television is cable-less transmition of TV signal (excluding satellite TV) received with an antenna.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrestrial_Television
In the "old days" you could use a piece of wire and move it around the room to get a signal. For Digital Terrestrial Television you need a DigitalTV Receiver which is a bit more complex. There are USB DTRs that you plug in to you USB port and receive DTT on your computer. Unfortunately Austria has only 3 DTT channels.     

As far as Cable TV in Austria, all providers offer Digital Cable but most still offer Analog Cable as well. Only few countries in the world have completely stopped offering Analog Cable.
Both signals are transmitted through the same wires so its just a matter of what signal you are paying for and what signal you can receive. To receive Analog Cable you just need to plug the cable in to your TV or TV Tuner card in your PC. To receive Digital Cable you usually use a DigitalCableBox that you either buy or get to use for free by your cable operator. Advantage of Digital system is that it offers High Definition, pay per view, pay on demand and more. 
So VictorVauhn was right. If anyone else here is thinking of hooking up your PC to your cable, make sure you find out your Cable Operator plans.

In my case I pay and receive basic analog cable so the card that I was thinking of buying is right for me. Also my cable operator will offer analog till end of 2012. But now Im having second thoughts. For just few more € per month I can switch to Digital Cable and get that cable set for free. I will get about 30 more channels (few really good ones) and I can "test" Premiere for free during Euro08 (Premiere will show all matches).

Now finally my question. If I chose to switch to digital I assume I will need a digital TV tuner card for my PC? Am I right and does anyone have any recommendations?

Last edited by zeidmaan (2008-05-15 04:23:08)