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TV tuners?

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08-27-2009 , 01:27 PM

stealthcow

adept

Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 1,095

Hey guys

I'm moving to Victoria (BC) and want to set up to use my computer monitor (because i'll be getting a nice one- either 1900x1080 or 1900x1200) for movies and TV. I'm a bit confused on buying a TV tuner, and if one is really necessary.

Assuming I buy a nice new monitor, and get cable tv, is there any reason to get a tv tuner or can i just plug directly from the cable box to the monitor?

If this is the case are TV tuners only for getting free broadcast signals? How can I find out what stations are freely broadcast in my area?

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08-28-2009 , 02:35 AM

RodeoBlue

old hand

Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1,294

Well if you get cable, you can just plug the box into your monitor with HDMI or if your monitor doesn't have HDMI, then an HDMI->DVI/AUDIO converter cable.

TV tuners are for recording the signal, basically to make your computer a DVR.

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08-28-2009 , 02:40 AM

Superhal

adept

Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 846

You might want to wait until you get there. Unless a bc resident comes forward, I wouldn't assume the tv connectors and/or broadcast specs are the same.

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08-28-2009 , 02:45 AM

RodeoBlue

old hand

Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1,294

I'm not sure what Superhal means. TV signals generally use only 3 connection types; composite (3 connectors; 1 vid 2 audio, sometimes the video is s-video), component (for HD, 3 video 2 audio connectors), and HDMI (best quality, one connector, carries HD video and audio). Broadcast standards in Canada/US are basically the same.

He probably wants to buy in the US because electronics will be cheaper.

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08-28-2009 , 10:26 AM

TheIrishThug

Pooh-Bah

Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 5,223

I think stealthcow is talking about one of these where the signal is going straight to the computer.

RodeoBlue,
Depending on what cable package you get, you may not get an extra box. I have basic cable and I simple plug the coax cable from the wall into my TV.

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08-28-2009 , 02:03 PM

RodeoBlue

old hand

Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1,294

Wow I didn't know they still did that Irish, yep in that case you would need a TV tuner to watch it via your computer on your monitor.

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08-28-2009 , 02:53 PM

TheIrishThug

Pooh-Bah

Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 5,223

Yeah, I'm saving a bunch of money not getting digital cable and using Netflix, Hulu, etc to watch what I want to.

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08-28-2009 , 04:34 PM

RodeoBlue

old hand

Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1,294

Hulu, Pandora, etc. are not viewable in Canada, net neutrality ftw imo.

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08-28-2009 , 04:59 PM

Meech

old hand

Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 1,749

Do your research. Some hauppage (mine included PVR2xx) do not work in x64 with > 4gb ram.

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08-29-2009 , 07:25 PM

#10

stealthcow

adept

Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 1,095

Thanks for all the responses.

Re: Hulu and Pandora- i just dont get it and that drives me nuts

and Irish thug is right I want a TV tuner to either directly get free broadcast television or if I end up getting cable tv to plug directly in.

I also found out some (i think that hauppage) have inputs that allow you to convert old vhs into dvds which is something i'll probably end up doing for my parents/ family for christmas

anyways thanks for all the responses and Meech i'll def look into compatibility

stealthcow

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