Can connecting an antenna to the RF out on my set top box allow my PC to watch TV?

nLinked

Member
Jul 11, 2006
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We have Sky TV (UK). It has a Sky set top box. On the back is an RF Out port. If I plug a small home antenna into it, and then connect one of these to my laptop with a portable RF antenna, will it pickup what is currently playing on the Sky set top box?

hauppauge_wintv_two1.jpg


I'm only interested in seeing whatever is currently playing on the TV (with sound), onto my laptop without cables. Not interested in changing channels or viewing different channels than what is on the TV.

Will this method work? I just want to duplicate what the Sky box is playing on the TV, onto my laptop. The laptop will be in the next room so interference shouldn't be an issue.
 
Last edited:

Modelworks

Lifer
Feb 22, 2007
16,240
7
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Probably not. Most boxes that have RF out are designed for running a cable to a receiver, the output is so low that to get a signal you would have to have the laptop antenna about 1 inch from the sending antenna.
 

bobdole369

Diamond Member
Dec 15, 2004
4,504
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We have Sky TV (UK). It has a Sky set top box. On the back is an RF Out port. If I plug a small home antenna into it, and then connect one of these to my laptop with a portable RF antenna, will it pickup what is currently playing on the Sky set top box?

There isn't enough signal to get anywhere. I'm assuming you mean:


SKY box RF out connector -> Antenna -> free air -> Antenna -> Receiver tuned to chan 3

If so than No, You'd have to be very very close to make it work.

You need an amplifier, something like this:

http://www.parts-express.com//pe/sh...4&St3=-74529512&DS_ID=3&Product_ID=4368&DID=7

Or an old vcr "Rabbit".