Computer TV Tuner
What Is A Computer TV Tuner?
A computer TV tuner is a device which allows the user to watch and record TV on
their computer. A computer TV tuner can range from the size of a thumb to that of a book. It works by transmitting
the TV signals from the TV to the computer.
Some computer TV tuner models are wireless, while others require a connecting cable
from the TV to the computer. Even the wireless models have to plug into the computer, and there are two main types:
a USB TV tuner and a PCI tuner card. The USB TV tuner is recommended for the less computer-savvy because it is very
much simpler to install and can be removed easily if required.
Here’s a quick guide on the commonly asked questions about computer TV tuner.
Does A Computer TV Tuner Result In Better Picture
Resolution?
Yes and no. This is not the simple question it might sound! The answer depends on 2 factors: how
good your television monitor is, and how good your computer monitor is. There are a few other factors that come
into play, but let's consider these ones, as they are the biggest.
First, it's important to know that the TV tuner simply delivers the TV signals to the computer,
it doesn't improve them. So, if you are in an area that gets great TV reception, the signals will be good quality.
If you live in an area with poor TV reception, the signals won't be improved by a computer TV tuner. But, here's
the thing. The monitor can have a big effect on what the resolution looks like.
Most people who have a poor quality TV monitor report that they get a much better picture
resolution on their computer screen using a computer TV tuner. The reason isn't that the TV tuner 'does' anything
to the signals (it doesn’t) - simply, a poor quality TV monitor can't 'handle' all of the resolution present in the
TV signals. On the other hand, if the computer screen is good quality, then it will be able to handle all the
resolution present in the TV signals, and the result will be a much sharper picture. Remember this is only true if
the TV monitor quality is poorer than that of the computer (i.e. in the situation of a relatively old TV and a
relatively new computer).
For the average TV compared with the average computer, a TV tuner won't improve picture
resolution (it may even decrease it slightly but not noticeably). In the case of a good quality TV compared with a
very old computer, the resolution will actually be worse on the computer.
So we can see that the computer TV tuner doesn't improve picture resolution in and of itself,
but improved resolution can happen as a pleasant side effect in the case where the computer is newer and the TV is
older.
What Other Things Can A Computer TV Tuner Do?
As well as watching TV on the computer, the computer USB TV tuner can be used to record shows. These shows stay on the
computer when they are recorded. Recordings can be set up in advance. So you could set it up to record your
favorite shows when you are away on vacation, then watch them on the computer when you return. Some models of
tuner allow watching of one TV channel while recording another. Some models of TV tuner also let the user listen
to FM radio. For those who don't actually have a TV set (but own a computer), many wireless models of TV tuner
can pick up 'free to air' TV signals, so you can use your computer as a TV set that way.
How Do I Know What Is The Best Model Of Computer TV Tuner For
Me?
There is no single model of computer TV tuner that is best for everyone. It will all depend on
what features you want, and also on your computer's specifications. You don't want to pick a TV tuner that is too
needy of your computer's resources, otherwise you will get a jerky picture if your computer can't keep up. You will
need to remember to write down your computer's specifications in order to pick a computer TV tuner whose needs are a great match for your computer's
capabilities.
Hybrid TV Tuner
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