can i watch tv on my monitor?

WelshD1K · #1 09-05-08, 11:37 PM

is there a box or somethign i can get to watch tv on my monitor without having to have my pc turned on (no tv tuner card in pc etc) as my room is TINY so can only have 1 or the other (pc or tv) and dont want my pc on draining eletrick just to watch tv

WinMXer · #2 10-05-08, 07:53 AM

Yes you can, here's an example of a gizmo that'd do it:

http://www.converters.tv/products/vga_to_vga/50.html

although i'd reckon there are better quality devices that'd work better & cost less.

ionicle · #3 10-05-08, 08:17 AM

you could just buy a new pc moniter with a tv inbuilt?

but thats even more expensive....

llwyd · #4 10-05-08, 08:50 AM

Why dont you get a tv tuner?

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/120482

Theres tons of them at different prices, offering sky, freeview and regular terestrial

WinMXer · #5 10-05-08, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by name='llwyd'

Why dont you get a tv tuner?

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/120482

Theres tons of them at different prices, offering sky, freeview and regular terestrial

Said he didn't want to use his PC, to save on leccy. Nice link though!

Rastalovich · #6 10-05-08, 10:27 AM

*cough* google Freesat *cough*

Otherwize, just get an el-cheapo tv pci card.

WelshD1K · #7 10-05-08, 10:34 AM

used free sat etc just want to use just the monitor as my pc guzzles the power with the q6600 and 8800gt

Rastalovich · #8 10-05-08, 10:37 AM

Freesat was launched day b4 yesterday as a joint BBC & ITV venture to bring free satelite tv. 200+ channels, 80 immediately *I think*, BBC HD right off the bat and ITV HD once they pull their fingers out.

kendo · #9 10-05-08, 10:37 AM

It depends on what monitor you've got and what types of signals and input formats it can take. Plus what about speakers? (built into it?)

Tbh, I'd start with the 'signal' you have (basic analogue/freeview quality aerial/satellite feed and go for a card/box/USB stick that will take the signal and use your PC to convert it to display and hear through your monitor and speakers. It'll also give you a PVR built in.

I bought a cheap but reliable USB freeview stick (DVB-T) off ebay for £10 delivered, fine tuned my aerial for the best freeview signal and use DVB ViewerPro to watch TV and record/timeshift TV. I just love the desktop TV feature.

equk · #10 10-05-08, 10:44 AM

I was going to buy a freeview hdd & dvd recorder with hdmi upscaling (£80 for 120gb & DVDR) until now

I've never heard of freesat, might be worth going for that instead I guess?

How much do the freesat recievers cost?

I'm using a USB DVB-T atm on my HTPC