A TV tuner is a device used to receive TV channels in different broadcast formats on the screen of your monitor or plasma panel. In addition, most modern TV tuners can receive signals from radio stations. In order to make the right purchase, you need to know the main characteristics of this device.
Instructions
Step 1
Connection type. There are two types of connection: external and internal. An external TV tuner is connected to a computer via a cable. They often have better sensitivity than the internal one. At the same time, for laptop owners, external devices are the only acceptable option, since internal TV tuners need to be inserted into the PCI or PCI-E slots of the computer.
Step 2
Video standard. TV tuners can be divided into three groups: analog, digital, hybrid. At present, digital TV tuners are considered the most popular; they can receive a signal in the DVB-T and DVB-C standards. Analog tuners are designed to receive television broadcasts in older formats, while hybrid ones can receive both types of signals.
Step 3
FM presence. Today this function has begun to appear in many models of TV tuners, if you do not need it, then it does not play a big role.
Step 4
The presence of a remote control. The remote is the last difference between your computer and your TV. Just like the TV remote control, it will allow you to change channels, turn up or turn down the volume, and the like.
Step 5
Capture video. This function enables the TV tuner to record any TV programs you want. You can also configure the scheduler, it will be able to record video even without your presence.
Step 6
Compress video. Some TV tuners have the ability to compress video in H.264 or MPEG-1 formats. This will prevent your computer's processor from overloading.
