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    Watching TV on my laptop

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by Kaelang, Jan 25, 2011.

  1. Kaelang

    Kaelang Requires more Witcher.

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    Hey folks.
    I'm redoing my room soon and decided to kick my old TV and DVD player out. We are getting Direct TV soon and I was wondering if I can use my laptop to watch TV. I'm aware of coaxial USB tuners that will plug right in, but I'm wondering if there's anything I should know before hand. Will I get the HD channels, will Windows Media Center get the live TV, ect. Is there a way to connect the set-top box to my laptop or just connect my laptop right to the cable or what?
    Thanks.
     
  2. Terry Kennedy

    Terry Kennedy Notebook Consultant

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    DirecTV uses an encrypted satellite signal. There are very few satellite tuners at all (I don't know of any for USB or PC Card/Expresscard - doesn't mean there aren't any) and they wouldn't be able to process the encryption anyway.

    If you are getting a DirecTV DVR (HR2x for HD or Rxx for SD), you can install the free DirecTV2PC application which will let you watch recorded shows on your PC(s), provided the DVR and the PC(s) are on the same Ethernet LAN.

    That software is a bit twitchy (it is in a semi-permanent "beta" state) but it is likely the best solution for you.
     
  3. Patrick

    Patrick Formerly beat spamers with stiks

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    Yeah, the Directv software is the best bet. Its what I use, and does a decent enough job.
     
  4. kanehi

    kanehi Notebook Deity

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    I use Slingbox Pro which you can watch your local channels while traveling and with wifi connection. It can also control the control box while you're away and does HD broadcast thru the internet.