How to Play TV on a Laptop Computer
- 1). Purchase a USB TV tuner. The model you choose should be based on your laptop operating system (Windows, Mac or Linux), type of audio/video input (cable, satellite or antenna), and desired functionality (HD, QAM programming or recording).
- 2
coaxial cable image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com
Route your input cable, such as coaxial cable, to the location that you would like to set up your laptop for receiving and recording TV. If you selected a TV tuner that has a built-in antenna for receiving over-the-air signals, you don't need to route cable unless you want to connect to a larger antenna. If you will be using an antenna, set up the connection in an area that provides good reception. - 3
The USB TV tuner fits into a USB port.series object on white - USB flash memory image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com
Install the USB TV tuner and accompanying software according to the manufacturer's instructions. The TV tuner itself simply plugs into an available USB port on your laptop. You can install the software either through a bundled CD-ROM or as a download from the manufacturer website. The installation steps will vary according to the model of USB TV tuner you selected. - 4). Connect the input cable to the USB TV tuner, if necessary. Again, if the TV tuner has a built-in antenna, it receives over-the-air broadcasts automatically, if your location receives a strong broadcast signal.
- 5). Use the TV tuner software to tune to a desired channel and watch or record a program. If a desired channel does not appear when you tune in to it, it might be poor reception if you are using an antenna, or the channel is encrypted and not available without a set-top box.
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