adding a tv tuner

can you install a tv tuner with the sz? at perhaps if i get a docking station for it? i know it's not the best idea since it has such a small screen, but i nevertheless would like the choice if they offer it. i'm getting attracted to the idea of having my notebook become a pc, dvd player and tv all at the same time. i'm open to the idea of adding a dock for more portable notebooks or buying a bigger pc to become my entertainment centre.

any suggestions? i'm open to all possibilities, specs, price range...

oh and my bf and i are eyeing the xps m2010, but of course, that would be the last resort and we''d wait til merom and the blu-ray/HD issue gets decided.

 

you can always get an external USB tv tuner like the ones made by elgato

 

you mean for the SZ? what else would be required to equip my SZ to be a tv (software, cords and whatnot)?

will it be all plug and play?

 

Id suggest going with the FE not the SZ, The FE has TV-out while the SZ dosent and you get a much better screen on the FE. I would recomend getting either a PCMCIA or Expresscard TV tuner their much more portable and dont require a external power source to run them. The card ones you have to install drivers for and a application but you can insert and remove the card easily.

 

unfortunately (well not really), i already have an SZ. if i get another notebook for this task, then i would choose a 17".

would you guys recommend a site i can compare the different tv tuner options for the SZ? this may seem like a dumb question, but those are all ready to use for cable tv right? i haven't encountered a tv tuner before...

 

Is the SZ capable of displaying HDTV? Is there such thing as a HDTV tuner in PCMCIA or USB?
cheers!

 

I recommend a PCMCIA CardBus TV Tuner Card.

Check this out: http://www.avermedia.com/cgi-bin/products_tvtuner_nb_d.asp?show=2

It's actually a HDTV CardBus TV Tuner Card + FM Radio + Video Capture.

The HDTV version is not available in the US.

You can get the HDTV version at ebay.com

Supports up to 1080i...

It also serves as a DVR Digital Video Recorder which means you can record any audio or video that comes up on your laptop screen. You also have the option of recording into several formats like divx, dvd format, mpeg2,4 etc...

If you dont want to use the TV/Video Capture Software provided by the manufacturer, there is good news...
It is Microsoft Media Center Compliant. Meaning it can be configured using Media Center and you can use Windows Movie Maker for the Video Capture.

I will be testing the card on VISTA 5456. Lets see how well it runs on Vista's Media Center.
(NB: You can use Vista Beta 2's Public License key to install the new Vista 5456)

Here is a review of the card at: http://www.hardwarezone.com/news/view.php?id=3403&cid=9
Here is another review of the same card but no HDTV and FM Radio: http://www.thinkcomputers.org/v2/index.php?x=reviews&id=424
Here is a review of a similar card (Sicuro DEC- 9000) with no HDTV: http://www.thinkcomputers.org/index.php?x=reviews&id=313&page=5
Website of the Sicuro DEC 9000 (no HDTV): http://www.sicuro.us/DEC-900.html

You can also check out Newegg.com and Geek.com for similar TV Tuner Cards.

I prefer the AverTV CardBus because its portable and requires no external power; and also, a PCMCIA port is faster than a USB port or so I heard. (Not sure might be inaccurate)

I have actually ordered the Card. I will be posting a review of the AVerTV Cardbus on this very thread as soon as I get my hands on it.

I hope it performs as well as in the reviews.

I am curios though, will I really be able to watch digital channels off of the cable wire without a Set Top Box and a service/subscription card.

 

I look forward to your review surefire.