What are the pros and cons of using my PC (desktop) as a TV?
What programs are best? (Programs to make it work, not the actual TV programs)
What programs are to be avoided?
If I am watching a TV program on my computer, can I toggle between that and normal computer use, ie to read an incoming e-mail.
Any and all advice will be appreciated.

 

If you buy a TV tuner card, it will likely have at least some basic software to make it work. Mine is an old Hauppauge unit that came with a TV tuner application that allows me to watch TV in a resizable window that works just like any other window, i.e. you can switch to other programs, etc. In addition to that, I'm using Snapstream, which gives me some Tivo-like abilities and a good deal more. I've been using it for about three years now, and I like it really well. I use it to time-shift, stream video to other computers on my network, and to record from inputs as well. It does take some horsepower to run it well is about the only drawback.

As far as displays go, slower LCD monitors aren't great for video, but most CRTs and faster LCDs are fine.

 

If you are in the market for a new PC, look at models that have Windows Media Edition on them (Sony, HP etc). You can get them with built in tuners.

~Rob

 

Thanks for the replies so far. My present PC is fine, but I am thinking about using it to look at TV programs that I can't receive in my area. I do not want to hook it up tp my TV or cable. I see that there are a bunch of programs available where I pay once and that apparantly gives me the ability to watch hundreds of TV programs from around the world. I am a bit suspicious about these so need so input and advice.
I was digging around and found quite a few sites that apparantly will give me what I want (for price of course) but have no idea which are good or bad. For example will this one work and is it OK?:
http://www.watchfreetvonline.net/

 

With that you are paying to download television programs. Much differerent than having a tv tuner card in your PC. If you want to download programs I recommend this site: http://www.easynews.com/

 

My computer has a ATI 9600 All in wonder Radeon card in it that has a built in tuner on it. It also features RCA inputs, S-vidieo input, and RCA video out (audio out goes to sound card) and S-video out. The ATI software that came with it is a good program that controls the TV program and has something similar to Tivo. It also has a TV guide like program that when you set it up with your location you can see what will be playing at what time and such. The 9600 also came with a remote control so you can operate the TV software just like a regular TV, it uses a RF transmitter (instead of TV infared beam) and a USB reciever. Its a sweet setup.

My older ATI card (all in wonder radeon, 5600 i think) has the same capabilities, but doesn't have the remote.

 

Stan, why not run your computer through your TV? Bigger picture.

I did get your email. Will reply.

Scotty

 

That's what I was thinking. Why not use your TV as your monitor. I'd love to do that.

 

"cuz the TV is in another room and I can't see it. My monitor sits in front of me at the desk where I work. It's 17", so the picture is quite good. I seldom watch TV but was thinking I may watch more if I could obtain more channels.

 

At the risk of getting really nerdy, that's not as good an idea as it seems at first, unless you have a TV that's designed to function as a monitor as well. Most standard TVs have only 480 lines of resolution and are interlaced, meaning they draw only half the lines of the picture on each pass. Svideo will get you about 600 lines, still interlaced. High definition will get you normally either 1080 lines interlaced or 720 lines progressive, but will typically require a sync converter and special software to manipulate the resolution of the video card in order to get the VGA image output from the computer to show up on the TV via a component video input. There are newer video cards that allow you to connect a component video dongle to make this a bit easier.

If the TV is designed to work as a monitor it will probably give you in the neighborhood of 960 lines progressive, as well as a DVI or VGA interface to connect a computer to it easily.

 

the biggest time you would notice trouble would be when trying to read any text on a tv used as a monitor, you can just about forget it unless it is a real hdtv like mentioned above

 

TV vs computer monitor? Ill stick to my 24" Wide Flat CRT, things look so much nicer at 1920x1200 resolution with a 100hz refresh rate.

Not a single detail missed

 

Too late



~Rob

 

Unless you have HDTV the resolution is going to suck on a standard NTSC format TV.

MikeyB

 

Right on. Or in laymens terms you won't be able to read fine print or see sharp edges on smaller graphics with a normal TV =P