Is there a way to watch television on my computer?
In order to watch television on your computer, you need a TV tuner card. This is a peice of hardware that, when installed in your system, allows your computer to receive television signals and perform video capture functions. TV tuners come as either PCI cards or USB devices.
Installing a PCI TV tuner
In order to install a PCI TV tuner you will have to open up your computer. The process is similar to installing a new video or network card. You’ll open up your computer’s case, find an empty PCI slot on the motherboard, insert the TV tuner card and secure it in place by attaching it to the rear part of the case (usually with a screw). When you’re finished, you’ll be have a new set of inputs on your computer (probably in the back, alongside your video card, network card, modem and sound card). You will be able to jack a coaxial cable into the TV tuner’s input.
Installing a USB TV tuner
Installing a USB TV tuner is a much simpler process that does not require you to open up your computer. You’d simply plug the device into an unoccupied USB port, and then install any software that came with it. This type of TV tuner would also have an input that fits a coaxial cable.
Once your TV tuner and any accompanying software is installed, your computer will be able to receive and capture television signals.
