How can I watch digital TV through my PC?

Question

I know you can get digital TV cards, and I'd ideally like to run BBC Freesat (in the UK). Would I need any particular type of card/box/satellite dish installed? And what might the minimum system requirements for my PC to run it?
Any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

You might be able to receive some of the channels; quite a few actually, with a DVB-T card. To get encrypted channels you will need a box and card though, and use a regular TV tuner card to watch on your computer.

Answer 2

Yes, you need. Unless your computer is already equipped with TV tuner. Probably not; it's unusual.

Since i've never experienced satellite receiving i can describe you possible installation for receiveing digital TV signal into your PC from an existing earth source like network or after antenna. You need a digital TV tuner or some performant video board(card).

I used analogic TV tuner because in my country (Romania) is mostly used. I needed at least 128 MB Ram; 20 GB HDD; true color 800x600 video mode ( one card to support that). Tuners could be external (apart from PC case) or internal. I preffered external cause of possibility to remove it easy and use in other places. Name of trademark Pinnacle (USA). Software (drivers and applicatons), cables, manuals and remote control with batteries included. Price around 100 USD (retail) - i think maximum 70 GBP. Interface with PC USB. Operating system Windows 2000 Professional.

Internal tuners are cheaper.

What you don't receive in TV tuner package is connection beetween receiving installation and PC; i mean for example a cable to make connection between satellite receiver and tuner. This is something you need to ask further. Determine what connector is used for TV out signal in satellite receiver and what connector is used for TV signal in in tuner. These two equipements i assume you'll have to connect.

Then finding and memorise chanells will be easier since it exist automatic tunnig you can access from software.

I'm sure i missed a lot of information. Excuses and good luck

Answer 3

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