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how to watch tv on computer?

post #1 of 14
Thread Starter 
i have a LED tv with computer connection and a computer that has internet access.

all i need are a few channels like ctv so can watch news and those shows like dancing with the stars or american's got talent. i don't watch tv my mom does.

so what's the easiest way to hook it up? probably need a remote control unit for the computer as well. i have never seen one and i don't know how you call those things. i need it to operate like cable tv but with internet connection. doesn't need to be hd just as long as can hear and see something is good.

like do i use internet browser that's it?

i heard about apple tv box. i don't see how that is better than a pc.

paying 30 a month for tv is 360 bucks a year. that's quite a lot. cutting down anything that is replacible.

your solution must be free. i download lots of things but my mom doesn't want to only watch movies but need to watch news. i said use metro news program on ipad with internet she says need to see real news with people moving.
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post #2 of 14
There's no free solution if you're wanting to watch live tv on your computer. If you have a current cable service then you can add a tv tuner card where you can direct the cable signal to, but you say you want to stop your tv service all together.
You can connect an antennae to that card and pick up the free air signals, but you would still need to buy the card.

You'll have to search for free videos online. Videos of other people that have recorded tv shows and uploaded them (This is warez).


The current best (free and legal) solution I know off is Hulu.com. you can watch many tv shows there.
Edited by Wnivre - 8/22/12 at 3:56pm
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post #3 of 14
Thread Starter 
oh yeah. that's right. my mom said "if you can get a anntenna that would work"

in canada government ditched some kinda signal so i think something like "digital anntenna" is the only thing that can get some reception. so any canadians here that can help out?

the tv is pretty high end, samsung UN46C8000. it doesn't have any cable port everything uses adapters.

there is a very fancy hole for the anntenna that's not like cable port.

basically i will buy the most expensive and reliable one.

you know what they say, if you spend more than 1 hour on something everyday. buy the best you can affford. totally true. such as computers, and bed and sofa.

my mom got one last time for the antenna doesn't work at all. returned it. it's got those tranditional cable port type.
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post #4 of 14
Most of the major networks have their shows online. Not live, but usually the day after. There are many ways you can view these on a HTPC. If you are running Windows 7 there is now an "Internet TV" option that has many of the major networks shows. You can use a simple remote control like this Rosewill IR Remote to control things. As mentioned by Wnivre, you can also use Hulu and there is a Hulu plugin for Media Center if you want to to it that way. Another way is to get a wireless keyboard/mouse like this one from Iogear and simply use a browser like you would on your computer. This is more flexible since you can use content from any website. If you want to watch things live, then take Wnivre's advice and get a HD antennae like this one from Monoprice and you can watch the major networks for free.
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post #5 of 14
How we view 1920 x1088 since this is how everything 1080 is recorded.somewhere it get clipped by mpeg 2.but?is it possible for viewer of say towelliee.com stream to view his stream unclipped.do I need to force my gpu and is into submission.(1920x1088 or else)or I can deactivate the un necessary process of clipping 8 bit .p or I is processing enough without adding clipping to it.i know this will probably need to be done via h264 ms version.since ms support dxva up to full HD (1920 x 1088)I sure would love to know how to not be clipped to 1080.for series some record via fire wire so they get the full quality.any link or know how on this?
post #6 of 14
Ctv.history .etc all in 1080 i 4.2.0 wish i knew how to view them in 1088.but the they probably still use mpeg 2 which can't process 1088 (or full hd)
post #7 of 14
If you can find one of these it picks up over the air digital signals just fine http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815306011
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post #8 of 14
To add:
It is quite common for free online video streams services to restrict HD streams to paid subscriptions. Hulu will only let you watch 480p for free, requiring "Hulu Plus" to watch 1080p streams. The HD service is usually 5-10$.

Antennas are good alternatives if your network is sub 10-Mbps.
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post #9 of 14
I ditched cable almost two years ago and bumped up my internet speed. Built a PC with a cheap 4650 video card with HDMI hooked to my HDTV and a cheap set of Logitech 2.1 speakers for better sound than the TV speakers. Watch tons of Netflix and TV shows on their respective network websites when available, and an occasional Hulu or whatever. As well as having about 700 movies and about 200 TV show disks ripped to the hard drives. I'm currently at 13TB of space. Also have an antenna for over the air local channels.

I use a wireless Logitech trackball as a remote. Being a trackball is important because you don't need a surface to use it on. I have a KB sitting on top of the case sitting behind the TV just in case I really need it, but rarely do. For simple things I just use the on-screen KB. One of these days I will buy one of those small wireless KB's with a track-pad/ball on it. Just never got around to getting one.

This setup isn't perfect, but works very well for me. My daughters took to it quickly and my wife loves it after a bit of getting used to it.

As a bonus I can hookup a gaming controller and play some not too demanding games on the TV. Currently been playing Driver SF on it. 98% of the time it plays perfect, with an occasional bog down in certain areas.
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post #10 of 14
Quote:
Originally Posted by shelter View Post

Most of the major networks have their shows online. Not live, but usually the day after. There are many ways you can view these on a HTPC. If you are running Windows 7 there is now an "Internet TV" option that has many of the major networks shows. You can use a simple remote control like this Rosewill IR Remote to control things. As mentioned by Wnivre, you can also use Hulu and there is a Hulu plugin for Media Center if you want to to it that way. Another way is to get a wireless keyboard/mouse like this one from Iogear and simply use a browser like you would on your computer. This is more flexible since you can use content from any website. If you want to watch things live, then take Wnivre's advice and get a HD antennae like this one from Monoprice and you can watch the major networks for free.

ninja.gif
Ninja'd

I have that exact remote. It works great. I love using it with windows media center for watching netflix.

Also, monoprice is the bomb. Their stuff is top quality, and a fraction of retailer's prices
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