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    Can i use the TV Tuner without cable?

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by tropics, Jul 25, 2008.

  1. tropics

    tropics Notebook Consultant

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    Will i be able to get a lot of channels without cable, or should i still keep my cable?

    I was hoping that i could get a satellite signal for free with it, or is that even possible.

    If i need a diff device, ill buy it just to get that signal if possible?

    Thanks.
     
    tropics, Jul 25, 2008
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  2. tropics

    tropics Notebook Consultant

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    Nmv:
    Thanks mod
     
    tropics, Jul 25, 2008
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  3. Nirvana

    Nirvana Notebook Prophet

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    I suggest you keep your cable. There is nothing free in US.
     
    Nirvana, Jul 25, 2008
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  4. danny2001

    danny2001 Notebook Consultant

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    You're not going to get free satellite signals with the TV tuner. You will probably only get Analog over-the-air channels (or digial broadcasts if available in your area and the card supports it) and the channels available through the cable company.
     
    danny2001, Jul 25, 2008
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  5. Nirvana

    Nirvana Notebook Prophet

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    I tried those with my tv tuner, and trust me, you don't want them.
     
    Nirvana, Jul 25, 2008
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  6. tropics

    tropics Notebook Consultant

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    Does it make any diff if I'm in canada, or do u know about that?

    Like analog is cable isn't it?
     
    tropics, Jul 25, 2008
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  7. omaryunus

    omaryunus Notebook Consultant

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    i do not think it is possible i tryed searching for a signal but got nothing that might just be my signal and for satellite signal you need to go through a set top box or a black box because the signal needs to be decoded by that machine. thats my knowledge about the topic hope it helps. as for products i know there are a few usb tv tuners with HD antennas which i have heard are good but never used on before
    EDIT: analog is local channels usually there is nothing but ur local channels like weather and news
     
    omaryunus, Jul 25, 2008
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  8. tropics

    tropics Notebook Consultant

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    Ok thanks about about the analog
     
    tropics, Jul 25, 2008
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  9. AlienContact

    AlienContact Notebook Evangelist

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    There will also be a delay in the satellite signal when u change the channles especially with the Media Center.
     
    AlienContact, Jul 25, 2008
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  10. jordon

    jordon Notebook Enthusiast

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    Well you could get lucky and the cable company might not disconnect all the channels. I live in Canada too and when I first moved into my own apartment I couldn't afford cable but I got a few good channels anyways that I don't think I was supposed to, one was the comedy network which I watched the most anyways.
     
    jordon, Jul 25, 2008
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  11. ryujin

    ryujin 2B or not 2B

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    lol - so ture....and yet just slightly off....digital TV will be available via airwaves in 2009. while a cost involved may be a converter box if you have an older tv, or a newer digi ready tv, the basic channels can still be had for free.... :D
     
    ryujin, Jul 25, 2008
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  12. Mystik

    Mystik Notebook Deity

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    I think it's worthy of note here, that the TV-Tuner (at least, all that I've seen) has an A/V input. So if you can find use for that... perhaps moving old VHS tapes to DVD, then it might be a worthwhile investment...

    Plus future opportunities to use cable (perhaps at a location other than your home), or future expansion... where you might have someone living with you, or near you that has it that's willing to share?
     
    Mystik, Jul 25, 2008
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