Question about TV Tuners

locklearc

Junior Member
May 15, 2005
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I'm looking at getting a desktop for college because I already have a laptop. I want to be able to watch cable Tv on my monitor and was wondering if that required a TV tuner and if so are there any external TV tuners?

Thanks for your input.

PS- Any UNC fans here?
 

Slick5150

Diamond Member
Nov 10, 2001
8,760
3
81
Yes, you would need a tuner, and yes there are external ones though make sure you get a USB 2.0 ones. The older USB models simply didn't have the bandwidth they needed.

Though I'd recommend getting an internal one if you can
 

Peter

Elite Member
Oct 15, 1999
9,640
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Definitely go for a PCI card, if you can, get one that has a modern "chip" tuner instead of the usual bunch of analog stuff under a big tin shielding.

newegg has the "LifeView FlyTV Platinum" for $38. Great card, comes with remote, is stereo, worldwide all-standards. Best "plain" TV card there is. To decode digital satellite or digital terrestrial broadcast, you need different stuff.
 

Diogenes2

Platinum Member
Jul 26, 2001
2,151
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Originally posted by: Peter
Definitely go for a PCI card, if you can, get one that has a modern "chip" tuner instead of the usual bunch of analog stuff under a big tin shielding.

newegg has the "LifeView FlyTV Platinum" for $38. Great card, comes with remote, is stereo, worldwide all-standards. Best "plain" TV card there is. To decode digital satellite or digital terrestrial broadcast, you need different stuff.
Newegg seems to have dropped LifeView cards with the ' chip ' tuner..

I had them on my " notify when in stock " list, and they have disappeared..

A look at all the ' LifeView ' products ' shows the cards with the old style tuner..

 

ddogg

Golden Member
May 4, 2005
1,864
361
136
Originally posted by: Peter
Definitely go for a PCI card, if you can, get one that has a modern "chip" tuner instead of the usual bunch of analog stuff under a big tin shielding.

newegg has the "LifeView FlyTV Platinum" for $38. Great card, comes with remote, is stereo, worldwide all-standards. Best "plain" TV card there is. To decode digital satellite or digital terrestrial broadcast, you need different stuff.

I used to have that card...its pretty good for a cheap card!! i would highly recommend that!