Do I need to have some kind of TV service to use a TV tuner card for my computer???

Question

I think I have less than basic cable and I think we have a satellite...I was thinking about getting this: http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=5405B0BD&nplm=TH294ZM%2FA

I wanna be able to watch many channels, even Japanese channels. Is that possible??? Or will I only be able to watch the channels that we currently have on our TV? I don't understand this stuff that much, so please answer my questions and explain this stuff to me! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP!!

Answer 1

You could only watch the channels provided by your current TV provider. All it does is take your current connection and show it to you on your computer. And btw, you're very lucky, you have a mac.

Answer 2

A TV tuner is just a way of taking your regular TV signal and converting it to video you can display on your computer.

First, you're not going to get anything you don't normally get.

Second - you might get less. If you have digital cable, with its own special tuning box, you'd need a separate one (or you'd need to share with your current one) for the computer.

Not sure you can have less than basic AND a satellite. Very basic cable you don't need a special box for, but a satellite you would.

At a minimum, if you split the cable from BEFORE your tuning box (or just split if you have no tuning box) you'll get 99 chans max, or whatever non-digital cable provides in your area.

If you have satellite, you'll have to split it after your regular tv tuning box, but you'll have to use your remote to tune it.

I don't know about the Apple tuner, but usually digital cable companies frown upon third-party tuners, so at most you'd just get your regular channels (which is still not bad - everything from A&E to ESPN to CNN to Cartoon Network).

Answer 3

You can only watch the channels that are provided by your TV service people. But if you want to watch Japanese channels, and I KNOW you do...lol...you have to move to Japan! LOL

Answer 4

I have a tuner I watch the channels that cable provides.

Answer 5

ummm......dont choose for gtx 8800 ceremony now......look ahead to a while and allow direct 10X playing cards be released in the industry as now lots of the impending video games will run on direct 10X......if u purchase it now that is going to likely be waste of money and for television tuners.....spectacular is top television tuner with video seize and FM....it promises severe type viewing....it fee around Rs.2700....i'm utilising it presently and its a value for money