You are probably reading this article on a multimedia computer monitor or laptop screen that you normally use for word processing, photo editing, email and surfing the Internet. But because advances in technology are opening the door to more uses for your computer, you can now consider using your computer to receive and record television signals. This may sound like something from "The Jetsons," but the future is now. You have a few easy options to turn your computer monitor into a useful video device.

TV Tuner Cards for CPUs

Consider adding a TV tuner card to your home or office computer machine. These cards are constantly being updated, and you should look for a card that will not have to be updated very soon. Look for these minimum features in a TV tuner card to turn your computer monitor into a television: ATSC and QAM signal compatibility for digital TV or analog cable TV; personal video recorder (PVR); TV scheduler; remote control; and an IR blaster to control satellite and cable TV set top boxes. The most popular TV tuner cards on the market today are made by ATI and Hauppauge (see the Resource section).

HDTV Sticks for Laptops

The easiest way to use your laptop monitor as a television is with an HDTV stick. These sticks will grab an HDTV out of the air and display it on your computer monitor. Look for a card that also has the software included to record video. And for a list of channels and programming that is available in your area, do an address check at Antennaweb.org. Keep in mind that laptops typically have smaller capacity hard drives than CPUs. One hour of television programming will fill about 400 megabytes of your hard drive, so consider buying an external hard drive. High capacity drives are going down in cost constantly as their sizes grow. A one terabyte drive will store more data than you will probably ever use.

Hook It Up

Follow the instructions on your product and make sure that your computer matches or exceeds the compatibility data listed on the product box. An electronics dealer will be able to offer advice and assistance if you have issues with installation.

Source:

HDTV Information

External Hard Drive Information

TV and Computer Compatibility Data

Resource:

TV Tuner Cards

ATI TV tuner products

Hauppauge! USA