How to set up a TV tuner on a computer?

TV tuner - a device that helps the user enjoy television and radio broadcasts on his personal computer. But is it easy to install? Without installation experience, there may be some difficulties that it will not be easy to handle. If you doubt that you can install this device yourself, then we present to your attention an article that is dedicated to this. Here we will give some tips on setting up and preparing for work. After reading this article, all your questions will disappear, and the “installation” and configuration will no longer seem to be something complicated and incomprehensible. So, let's get down to business - how to choose and how to set up a TV tuner on a computer?

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What's better?

TV tuners are different. No no, nothing complicated. They can be classified according to two installation methods:

1. Indoor TV tuner. It is installed directly on the motherboard. The good thing is that it does not take up much space, but there is a minus - you always need to consider the power of the power supply. Having made a mistake, you can burn the power supply.
2. External TV tuner. It takes up more space, but has its own power supply, which does not endanger the computer.

Important! If in doubt about installing the internal tuner, consult a specialist.

Installing an internal tuner

An internal TV tuner is a small expansion card for a PCI or PCI-Express slot. The difficulty lies in the fact that you will have to install it in the case by your own efforts. No one is canceling specialists who can handle this business for a fee, but why spend money when you can avoid it?

Let's try to figure out how to install the tuner on a computer with your own hands:

1. Be sure to turn off the computer when doing this.
2. Remove the side (left) cover of the system unit with a screwdriver. Locate the motherboard on which the PCI (PCI-Express) slots are located. One slot is most likely free - there you need to install a TV tuner.
3. Carefully break the plug out of metal with a little effort. Pick up the tuner itself, place it directly above the slot. Press down on the device and insert it into the slot.
4. Now you need to take on the audio cable, which is also included. Connect one end to the output on the tuner and the other end to the motherboard. Remember to replace the computer cover.
5. On the “back” of the system unit, locate the connector for the antenna cable and connect it there. If the tuner is equipped with an FM receiver, then connect the antenna, which should be included in the kit.
6. Current receivers are equipped with a remote control function. So - the infrared receiver is included, for which there is an input in this device. Place the receiving element in the field of view so that it can receive the signal from the control panel without obstacles.
7. Turn on the computer. Most likely, the system will notify you of the discovery of new equipment and will suggest installing drivers - it is better to ignore this message and install the drivers yourself.

You can insert a disc, wait for the installation wizard and follow the simple instructions that it will offer.

Installing an external TV tuner

Installing an external tuner is much simpler, because for this process you do not need to open the system unit cover:

1. You just need to connect the computer to the receiver with a special wire, which can be found in the kit. Typically, the connection is via a common mini-USB.

Important! The TV tuner itself connects to the network, because it has its own power supply.

2. In order to receive a signal, you need to install an antenna in the input of the device.
3. Turns on our device using a special button located on the body.
4. Next - just insert the disk that comes with the kit into the computer, follow the instructions and calmly get to work.

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How to install on a laptop or other mobile device?

There are few options. One look at the receiver for a mobile device is enough to understand that you don’t have to disassemble anything, because it has a USB input and is connected to a similar output.

Very rarely, the connection is via an Internet card:

1. We find the desired connector and connect the television receiver.
2. Then we do the familiar actions of connecting the antennas and installing the software.

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What should I look for when choosing?

First you need to figure out which TV do you prefer? Today, the choice can fall not only on the “traditional” analog broadcasting, because there are digital, and even satellite receivers.

The lack of full digital broadcasting on earth and the need to install a satellite dish make the latter two not the most popular. But if you are interested in digital and satellite TV, then you should pay attention to hybrid tuners, which combine several receivers, which “process” the signals in different ways.

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Some tips

Obviously, setting up and installing the receiver on a PC is an elementary thing. Knowing all the rules described above, you do not have to use the services of a wizard. But finally, let's leave a couple of tips:

• Do not try to force a component that does not “give in” because you can break something.
• Be aware of safety precautions when installing new equipment.
• Use only proven software to view or listen.
• If any advice or instructions from this article did not help you, contact a specialist for advice.

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Stock footage

As you have seen, there is nothing complicated in the initially “scary” connection process. Do everything clearly, checking the correspondence of inputs and outputs, and then after 10 minutes you will calmly watch your favorite films and enjoy the quality of the picture and sound that you were counting on. Good luck!