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    Watching TV on Laptop

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by FireFox190, Jun 30, 2005.

  1. FireFox190

    FireFox190 Notebook Guru

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    What software is there out there that lets you watch TV on your laptop? Which do you recommend?
     
  2. Brian

    Brian Working at 486 Speed NBR Reviewer

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    It's not software, you need a tv tuner. Unless I mis-understand your question.
     
  3. 05GT

    05GT Notebook Enthusiast

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    Currently using the HP Dual TV/DVR and Windows XP MCE.
     
  4. Venombite

    Venombite Notebook Virtuoso

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    If you already have a TV Tuner attached, you can try the software from Cyberlink. Can't remember the name, but I know they have this type of software. I tried it out a while ago and found it to be pretty good.

    -Vb-
     
  5. Syntrax

    Syntrax Notebook Guru

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    Is there someway that you could connect the laptop direct to the TV or Digital Box, without buying a TV-Tuner?
     
  6. Brian

    Brian Working at 486 Speed NBR Reviewer

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    No, you need something to intepret the signal. The only option would be to record a show then play it back.
     
  7. mufus

    mufus Notebook Guru

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    Actually, there is another option now, it's called the Slingbox and it just came out. It hooks up to your TV signal (cable, DVR, satellite, etc.) and wirelessly streams it via a dedicated router (you provide) to any wireless enabled PC. It seems pretty cool and I like the idea, but you can only broadcast to one machine at a time and it isn't the best quality picture or speed.

    According to CNET, it works well at 320 x 240 resolution but any bigger it gets blocky. Also, changing channels seems to get choppy if you do it fast. Still, it's a good concept if they can get it to stream to more than one machine with better picture quality and speed. If anyone has gotten one already, or seen it in action, post some opinions.
     
  8. ivar

    ivar Notebook Deity

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  9. ivar

    ivar Notebook Deity

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  10. SDM

    SDM Notebook Enthusiast

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    WInTv makes a few USB models that just need an antenna hook-up and work great! They are less than $100. There are more elaborate--high def--time shifting, etc. The box is small (5"x3"x1") and light and comes with software! I have one of there older models that seems to work fine!!