How to Watch TV using computer?

[Tiger123]

Hi,
I just got a new computer. I have heard of people saying that they can watch TV on their computer. I wanted to ask if anyone knows how I could watch TV on my computer... do I need some special software / service? Can I download it? Where can I go for further information? Thanks.

[excelsiorcs]

You need what is called a Tv tuner card. You can buy them for around $40 or $50 at best buy or compusa

[MOVIEGEEK]

Stay away from USB devices(poor quality),PCI is the way to go.CompUSA has a great deal on a I/O Magic PVR PCI card($50US)it includes PowerVCR.

[DVantrease]

The TV card will come with the software not only for viewing tv, but for capturing/recording too (although you can use just about any capturing program). There would be no additional services, just run your regular tv cable wire to the tv card. You can even split your cable wire going to your cable modem, just make sure you use a broadband splitter and not a cheap dollar-store splitter.

[Dodzzz]

Yeah, like MOVIEGEEK said: Don't buy any USB tv card, buy PCI ones! although USB tv tuner is portable, the image quality is terrible due to its (USB) low datarate.

[oldfart13]

Unless it's USB 2.0 which rivals firewire in speed and is 40X faster than the original USB spec...