Using Computer as TV (hd, Vista, pc, program)

[backfist]

Hi all. First post.

I'm using my Gateway FX530 as my TV (I'm using a Pinnacle digital/HD tuner card and running Vista Media Center). Currently, I'm receiving analog channels from my cable subscription service because Vista doesn't support digital or HD without a CableCard.

Does anyone know much about ATI's TV Wonder Digital Cable Tuner? It allows use of a CableCard for digital/HD and premium channels.

Thanks in advance for any respones.

[NHDave]

Originally Posted by backfist

Hi all. First post.

I'm using my Gateway FX530 as my TV (I'm using a Pinnacle digital/HD tuner card and running Vista Media Center). Currently, I'm receiving analog channels from my cable subscription service because Vista doesn't support digital or HD without a CableCard.

Does anyone know much about ATI's TV Wonder Digital Cable Tuner? It allows use of a CableCard for digital/HD and premium channels.

Thanks in advance for any respones.

You cannot purchase a stand alone cablecard tuner (ocur tuner), in order to get one you have to purchase a certified Media Center PC that includes it. If they ever do become available standalone, you'll need a new PC that supports cablecard.

[Brian.Pearson]

I remember years ago, they had computers with what the called "TV cards." They were hooked up to a TV signal, somehow -- cable, maybe? It could be that with the advent of HD and digital signals, things have changed. But it seems to me those cards weren't all that expensive.

[K-Luv]

You know, nearly every television program as well as current cable shows can be found on the internet somewhere. For free.

ElGato makes an HD tuner for Macs, I don't know that much about it, though. Sony makes an HD tuner as well. Both are stand alone.

[NHDave]

Originally Posted by Brian.Pearson

I remember years ago, they had computers with what the called "TV cards." They were hooked up to a TV signal, somehow -- cable, maybe? It could be that with the advent of HD and digital signals, things have changed. But it seems to me those cards weren't all that expensive.

They still exist and are very common, but depending on how you want to use it it can get expensive. Take Comcast for example, you can plug the cable directly into a TV and get the double digit analog channels, no cable box required, so you can get those same channels using a standard TV tuner, however, comcast is slowly geting rid of the analog channels to free up bandwidth for more digital channels, which require a cable box, so eventually your going to have to have a box to get anything. To receive the encypted digital channels on a PC you either have to pipe the cable box output to the PC and tune channels via the box, or purchase a certified Media Center PC that has an ocur tuner and rent a cable card from your provider.