TV Stick USB TV Tuner
TV Stick USB TV Tuner
A TV stick USB TV tuner is a way to watch TV on the computer. This electronic
device transmits the TV signals to the computer, allowing the user to watch live TV. Additionally most models allow
recording, fast-forwarding, rewinding and pausing of the show for a DVR-like experience.
How TV Stick USB TV Tuner Works
The TV stick USB TV tuner is connected to the computer via a USB port, allowing for
simplicity and convenience of installation compared to the less commonly used PCI TV tuner card which requires
internal installation in the PC. A TV stick USB TV tuner refers to the most compact size of USB TV tuner available;
the size of a USB stick. In contrast, larger types of USB TV tuner models are box-sized; about the dimensions of a
thick paperback book.
Most models of TV stick USB TV tuner are especially designed for portability due to their small
size and are therefore wireless, meaning there is no physical connection between the TV and the USB TV tuner.
Indeed, it is not necessary to actually own a TV with a wireless USB TV tuner, because wireless tuners pick up the
TV signals from the air. Users should be aware that a wireless TV stick USB TV tuner will operate with best picture
quality if connected to an antenna, however. Some models of wireless TV tuner will supply a portable compact
telescoping antenna in the package, while others require the user to purchase one separately. A separate antenna
need not be expensive; users may even find they already have a pair of 'rabbit ears' antenna available which
usually do the job fine.
The type of TV signals picked up by the TV stick USB TV tuner will all depend on the model of
tuner. Some models can pick up digital TV, others analog, and hybrid TV tuners can pick up both. Many (but not all)
digital TV tuners are also capable of picking up unencrypted QAM cable (digital cable which is broadcast 'in the
clear'; typically local channels). Some models can additionally pick up FM radio stations!
How To Ensure Your TV Stick USB TV Tuner Gives Best Possible
Picture Quality
A TV stick USB TV tuner cannot necessarily improve the picture quality relative to watching
regular TV. This is because the job of the USB TV tuner is simply to transmit the TV signals to the computer; it
doesn't 'do' anything to these signals. Therefore, picture quality tends to be related to the distance from
transmitter towers, and not to the model of USB TV tuner. Users in metropolitan areas tend to get good picture
quality; in contrast users about 50 miles away from the nearest metropolitan area (and if not otherwise near a
broadcast tower) tend to get poorer picture quality. Regardless of where the user is located, picture quality
can always be improved by a better antenna.
Another factor which can affect picture quality is the specifications of the computer relative
to the minimum requirements for that model of TV tuner. Users should ensure they pick a TV tuner whose minimum
requirements are easily fulfilled by their PC. A TV tuner whose requirements are at the upper limit for that
particular computer will use a lot of processor time, and this may lead to jerkiness or stalling. Therefore by
simply selecting a TV tuner which is a good fit with the abilities of the computer, and using a good antenna, the
best possible picture quality can be ensured.
A TV stick USB TV tuner is a compact, easy to install device which allows
the user to watch TV on the computer. Such a USB TV tuner is ideal for those who don't already have a TV (e.g.
students in a college dorm rooms); for those who wish to use their computer as a second TV; or for those who
wish to get a budget-friendly DVR-like experience by recording shows for later viewing (imagine how expensive it
would be to purchase an entire season of your favorite shows in stores!).
Vision Tek TV USB TV Tuner
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