Want to watch cable TV on my pc

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Hi, I want to be able to watch cable TV through my computer while doing other stuff like making posts on the Anandtech forums

What kind of card do I need. I run a 19" LCD and for a card, I was thinking 1-200 at the most. I have no idea what it takes or if I can do this. It would be for my 8400 machine. Thanks

529th

 

[jonesthewine]

Just peruse this link and select one of the tuner cards...install it, run the coaxial cable in and voila, you're watching TV.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

That's it?????

 

[coolpurplefan]

I read on the MSN Remote Record Service and it says that you can only get HD video if you have Vista (that includes Media Center, can't remember which ones). If you have XP Media Center, then you get the regular resolution service.

In any case, I did read some comments that Hauppauge (not sure on spelling) are the better models out there.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

I am getting Vista Ultimate here shortly. Which Hauppauge card would you recommend?

 

[jonesthewine]

Originally posted by: BTRY B 529th FA BN
That's it?????

yes

 

[ther00kie16]

Good site for some info on tuners.

 

[mruffin75]

Most TV Tuner cards won't decode all cable channels. Most are encypted and cannot be displayed on standard TV Tuner cards.

 

[nRollo]

Originally posted by: mruffin75
Most TV Tuner cards won't decode all cable channels. Most are encypted and cannot be displayed on standard TV Tuner cards.

I use a Hauppage 950 with Vista Ultimate 32 and it works fine for the expanded basic (<ch 100) channels with Charter. I just don't get the movie channels and HD.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16815116017

 

[rh71]

Originally posted by: mruffin75
Most TV Tuner cards won't decode all cable channels. Most are encypted and cannot be displayed on standard TV Tuner cards.

Do you mean without a set-top box?

My feed comes from the set-top box (box --> RCA cables --> PC) and I can watch/record every channel I usually get on tv. True for when I had cable and now FIOS. I'm not sure why anyone wouldn't have an STB for as low as $3-5/mo.

BUT I haven't figured out how to get the MCE remote to change my set-top box channels.

Using the Hauppauge HVR-1800 after reading many reviews on the egg. Had a PVR-150 and that was great until I changed to Vista w/ 4GB RAM.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

I've been looking at them and remembering back when they announced cable TV will be going digital, isn't it important to choose one that can recieve/get a digital signal? And what about the controller, does the MCE remote controller work on XP?

 

[apoppin]

Quick question, i only get 'over the air' signals at my home
--10 free channels over a UHF repeater in my isolated valley
(i don't watch anything but news anyway and can't get cable and don't want satellite - except for Internet)
- so, i am tossing my old TV set out when we go digital as my LCD is 24" and it is bigger than my TV, anyway

Is there anything special i need to look for in a tuner card? or shall i just wait until the transition is completed?