I have a cable TV and Internet service and want to stop my TV service because of the cost. If I use a PC TV tuner, can I get regular TV channels and/or programs?
2007-09-02 10:38:48 · 2 answers · asked by RFS 1 in Consumer Electronics ➔ TVs
(This answer assumes you are in the USA. "Sky" and "Freeview" are systems used in the UK)
Yes, as long as you can receive TV signals with an antenna.
You just hook your antenna lead into the PC tuner.
Most PC TV tuners that can receive OTA digital (ATSC) signals can also receive the older analog OTA (NTSC) programing. If you want to receive the old analog programing (through 2/19/09 when it stops) you should check the specs on whatever tuner you buy as there was at least one model that didn't include an analog tuner.
2007-09-02 11:10:13 · answer #1 · answered by Stephen P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are two different types of TV card for your PC. One is an analogue card (such as Hauppage WinTV). This will give access to BBC1, BBC2, ITV, Ch4 and Ch5, but analogue TV will be switched off over the next few years to make way for Freeview, the new digital service.
The other option is a Freeview card. This will get all the Freeview channels (currently around 36 plus several digital radio stations) including the above-mentioned channels. At present Freeview is not at its best, as the power available to digital transmissions is reduced until the analogue signal is turned off. However, if you currently get a good analogue TV signal it's worth a shot as PC TV cards are quite cheap.
2007-09-02 17:56:03 · answer #2 · answered by Michael B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋