With the ability to download or stream videos, music and games, your computer can provide much of your entertainment needs. By installing a USB TV tuner device, you can also add cable TV to the list of computer-supplied fun. This is the quickest and easiest method, and you can use it with a laptop computer. For a less-cluttered effect, you may install a PCI TV tuner card inside your desktop computer.
PCI TV Tuner Card
Step 1
Unplug your computer and open the casing. Remove the panel covering the port adjacent to PCI slot you're going to use. This will create an opening through which the end of the card with the connectors will protrude. Slide a PCI TV Tuner card into the open PCI slot, close the casing, and turn on the computer.
Step 2
Plug the coaxial cable that carries your TV signal into the coaxial port now available on the back of your computer.
Step 3
Follow any onscreen instructions that pop up or insert the setup CD if one came with your device to complete installation.
USB TV Tuner
Step 1
Plug a USB T Tuner device into any open USB port on your computer. Some USB tuners require you also to plug an attached power cord into an electrical outlet.
Step 2
Plug the coaxial cable carrying your cable TV signal into the coaxial port on the USB device.
Step 3
Follow any onscreen instructions that pop up or insert the setup CD if one came with your device to complete installation.
Tips & Warnings
- Contact your cable company to ensure its signal works with TV tuner devices.
References
- PC World; TV Tuners for Your PC; Emru Townsend; January 3, 2005
Photo Credits
- Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images