Benefits of an External TV Tuner

An external TV tuner for the laptop converts your portable computer into a mobile High-Definition TV (HDTV) and Digital Video Recorder (DVR). The interesting bit about getting an external TV tuner is that this added accessory will only set you back about USD100, which is way cheaper than purchasing a stand-alone HDTV or DVR. An external TV tuner is also user-friendly and is easy to install, which makes it popular for the younger demographic as well as older citizens.

Expediency in a Box

Other than being easy to use, the external TV tuner is also extraordinarily convenient for all kinds of users. For instance, a fresh graduate living in a one room apartment may not have the space or resources to have both a TV set and a computer set at home. With the external TV tuner, he or she can still surf the Internet and follow the latest TV shows from their laptop (and still have room space for their single bed and tiny wardrobe).

Workaholics who multitask will also be able to appreciate the fact that they can now multitask by working on their spreadsheets while having their TV channel in a minimized window at a corner their laptop screen as well. The typical external TV tuner also comes with an FM antenna so that means that you can also listen to the radio as you work, which would be pretty convenient for those who would like to listen to the local radio station or catch up on football updates.

In the event that you are not able to watch your favourite TV series, do not fret as the external TV tuner also comes with TiVo-like options. Simply record your show while you are away from your laptop and enjoy the luxury of watching it anywhere you like afterwards. Another interesting feature of today's external TV tuner is that it also allows users the option of transferring these recorded viewings into an iPhone or iPod as well, just in case you don't feel like lugging your laptop around.

Highly Rated External TV Tuner Boxes

Sabrent TV-LCDHR Stand Alone TV Tuner Box

Hauppauge 1191 WinTV-HVR-950Q TV Tuner

Hauppauge 1192 WinTV HVR-1950 External USB HDTV Tuner/Video Recorder

click here for the full list of external TV Tuners >>

 

 

Selecting Your External TV tuner

To date, there are exactly three types of TV tuners available in the market. These three distinctive designs are known as the Tuner Cards, Express Card and UBS Tuners.

If you plan to use your external TV tuner on your laptop and desktop, then it is advisable to get a USB tuner. An Express Card slot is meant solely for laptop designs whereas Tuner Cards require a PCI slot which is usually only available on desktop computers.

In terms of hardware specifications, all one really needs is a USB 2.0 port. While it is not recommended that you do not plug your tuner into a USB hub, your laptop should have a powered hub. In terms of software, make sure you read the fine print on your external TV tuner packaging as not all products work with either Windows or Macintosh operating systems.

How to Install Your Tuner

The external TV tuner works on a plug-and-play concept. Simply plug in your tuner into the USB port before proceeding to plug in a TV signal cable. Install the software (usually provided in CD format) onto your laptop and register your TV signal in order to program your TV channels. After that, you're pretty much ready to watch your TV shows from your laptop. Do note that you are given the option of watching your TV channels either from the software that comes with your external TV tuner or via Windows Media Centre.

Finding TV Signals

The external TV tuner will work with analogue signals that are transmitted either via satellite, cable or antenna. Some TV tuners are compatible with HD signals whereas others are compatible with digital signals. Do take note that viewing premium cable channels will require you to first install a decoder box between your TV signal and your external TV tuner.

If you intend to watch plenty of air TV, then you should also get a portable antenna which is particularly effective for those located within 10 miles of a transmitter. One portable antenna is only 8" tall and tends to perform better as compared to built-in antennas.

Opportunity Cost

One TV set can cost you a few hundred dollars. Monthly DVR fees are about USD10 per month and cable channels will also cost you more money. In contrast, getting a TV tuner for your laptop will only cost you an average of USD100 as a one-off fee, which means that you will save plenty of cash if you opt for this viewing method.

The only problem with using the TV tuner is that one cannot watch two separate channels at the same time.

Recommended TV Tuners

For Windows users, we recommend the Hauppauge 1198 WinTV-HVR-950 TV Tuner Stick available for purchase on Amazon for USD89.99. For Mac users, we recommend the Hauppauge 1145 MyTV HD TV Stick for Mac which is slightly pricier on Amazon (USD149).

In Summary

There is no doubt that TV tuner for Laptops are a great accessory as it allows you to record and watch your favourite TV shows anywhere. Best of all, it is also affordable and adds value to your laptop as well.