TV on computer screen

[RVhiker]

I'd like to be able to watch TV on a desktop screen; I have available an RF channel 3 or 4 output. I don't care about HD, using the computer as a DVR, or any screen or video capture. I'd like the TV image on the laptop to be resizable.

I know there's lots of devices that will do this, but I can't figure out which cheaper one will do what I want and do it well. It could be a USB or PCI-E device. Any suggestions?

[AllegroD]

If all you want to do is watch, keep it simple. Get a USB TV receiver or HDMI converter. Been using a tv tuner in my computer for years. The ones with COAX in can likely accept cable, as well as OTA antenna input.

[1492]

You still need a real time video capture device. Whether you just want to view it, and not record it is a moot point. Even if you intend to input an analog video signal, it needs to be converted to digital for it to display on your LCD monitor.

Click above to see a short 0:30s video example of the Hauppauge WinTV-HVR USB stick. Whatever device you select, you need to make sure your computer at least meets the recommended specs, not the minimum for best results.

[MrWizard]

daamac wrote:

MrWizard wrote:

.... If you mean....You have RF output from a tuner/converter box/cable box/vhs tape player, that is analog for older TV s
And would like to use that on a PC
Then you need an older analog RF tuner that plugs into the USB port on the PC

Yep, that's what I mean, except that USB or PCI-E connectivity would both be fine. It's just that there seem to be a lot of devices that claim to do that, and I'm looking for recommendations for something both cheap and reliable.

Thanks to all repliers.

look at Haupauge or K-World

i had good luck with both

[wa8yxm]

I will not tell you how I do it but if all you want is to watech chan 3/4 see if you can pick up an old USB stick with software off E-bay.

If it is a desktop or tower (not a laptop) you can get a new TV as well. Most modern wide screen TV" have VGA computer inputs and SOME offer "Picture in picture" though I much prefer the USB solution.

[RVhiker]

MrWizard wrote:

.... If you mean....You have RF output from a tuner/converter box/cable box/vhs tape player, that is analog for older TV s
And would like to use that on a PC
Then you need an older analog RF tuner that plugs into the USB port on the PC

Yep, that's what I mean, except that USB or PCI-E connectivity would both be fine. It's just that there seem to be a lot of devices that claim to do that, and I'm looking for recommendations for something both cheap and reliable.

Thanks to all repliers.

[MontanaCamper]

I use Roku, the cheaper one has RCA jacks...then just find a wifi sig and your good.

[MrWizard]

I'm not sure what you are saying
But
If you mean....You have RF output from a tuner/converter box/cable box/vhs tape player, that is analog for older TV s
And would like to use that on a PC
Then you need an older analog RF tuner that plugs into the USB port on the PC

[punomatic]

I have one of these. It works well, and the price is right.

[1492]

I found a Haupppauge WinTV-HVR USB stick at Goodwill for $8. It does allow both HD ATSC over the air or unencrypted cable on my laptop. Great quality, and the video window is resizable. Has worked flawlessly.

[OpenRangePullen]

Total media

[OpenRangePullen]

I use Total Media 3.