How to Connect the Cable to the Computer

Step 1

Install a TV tuner on or in your PC to enable direct cable connection of the coaxial cable. TV tuners are available as externally connected device and as TV tuner cards installed directly on the motherboard. Externally connected devices plug into supported slots, such as USB or FireWire. Both types of TV tuners require software to enable television playback.

Step 2

Install a television-signal routing Internet-enabled device. These devices connect to both your cable box and to your home network. The device intercepts the cable feed and allows you to stream the content across the internet for viewing on your PC. Install the software specific to your streaming device, on your PC and establish the login credentials with your streaming device. Connect to the streaming device through the software to watch the cable broadcasts. Only one PC can typically be connected to the streaming device at one time.

Step 3

Connect your PC to your cable box. Examine the back of the cable box for output ports. Blue VGA ports, HDMI ports and RCA ports -- yellow, red and white -- provide alternative outputs from your cable box. If your PC supports video-in connections -- indicated by a corresponding port on your PC -- connect the associated cable between your PC and cable box to enable video streaming. Connect the video feed to the monitor for viewing at the PC without requiring PC connectivity.

Step 4

Access cable content through the World-Wide Web. Cable content providers, and broadcast corporations commonly provide access to their recent show listings through proprietary websites. Show content is generally advertisement supported and requires ad viewing to receive video content. Access the broadcast channel's website through your web browser to view available content.