Use a TV Tuner to Make Any PC a TiVo for Free

With a soft economy abound, many TV lovers are opting to trim down to the essentials. In some cases, that means the TiVo or DVR has to go. Luckily, with today’s technology a TiVo isn’t necessary to record one’s favorite TV shows. With an upfront cost of as little as $20, computer owners can make their home computers a TiVo.

PC TV Tuner Broadcasts/Records TV on A Home Computer Hard Drive with No Monthly Fee!

TV tuners work on most computers and broadcast/record live TV signal. Cable TV subscribers can plug their cable directly to the tuner to watch and record digital/cable television on their computers. Most tuners come with an antenna and a cable plug in. With the tuner, anyone can watch real-time television right on their computer, or opt to record the program and save it to their hard drive.

PC TV Tuner Types: Analog or Digital, PCI Slot or USB Port

Computer TV tuners come in 2 main installation types. Users can install:

• Directly to the motherboard usually in a PCI slot, like the KWorld PlusTV HD PCI Interface ($49.99)
• USB port variety, like the Pinnacle TV Tuner PCTV HD stick ($89.99).

The USB type is most popular due to its simple Plug ‘N’ Play style which doesn’t require either opening up the computer itself nor a free PCI slot.

Once users determine whether to purchase the USB or motherboard variety, the next selection is either analog or digital capability, or both. The analog variety is typically cheaper, but won’t pick up HD or digital broadcast. Hybrid and dual versions also exist. Check product specs to make sure its usage is clear.

Best Computer for a PC Tuner?

Getting any TV tuner, especially one that records HD, requires a moderate amount of RAM and disk space. Check product specs but typically TV Tuners run best with at least 2 gigs of RAM and 320 gigs of hard drive space.

Smooth performance when only watching live television programs doesn’t require as much RAM, however, it’s best to close all other programs and save any unfinished work before recording and storing programs for a computer with only moderate amounts of RAM and memory. If the computer doesn't have enough RAM, it may lead to pixelage or a delayed image or other visual problem.

TV Tuner Features: HD Capable, Burn to DVD, Click-to-Record Scheduling

Check products details for specific features, as TV tuners vary widely. The average price for a PC TV Tuner is between $60 and $90, however good deals with ample features exist. With some online investigative shopping, such as at retailers like www.Newegg.com, one can find a good PC HDTV tuner for around $30. However, it's always wise to check the product reviews before buying a sale item.

Hot features include the ability to burn recorded programs to DVD, and for the tuner’s software to sync with an online television programming site which allows for one-click record scheduling. The Pinnacle PCTV Pro Stick USB TV Tuner ($89.99) comes with a remote control, FM reception, and full DVR capability, including pause and rewind of live TV.

Record TV with a PC TV Tuner and Watch on Xbox

PC TV tuner users who also have an Xbox in their home can skip DVD burning or sitting at the computer monitor to watch recorded shows by connecting their Xbox directly to their home computer. With a simple Xbox to PC Tutorial, Xbox owners can watch movie and audio files from their computer directly on their Xbox.

It’s surprising how much money a fast computer with a large hard drive can save the entertainment junkie. Connecting a home computer to an Xbox allows for easy playback of recorded TV. With a PC Tuner, a TV lover can skip the large upfront cost and monthly fees associated with TiVo and DVR while still recording and enjoying their favorite shows.

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