USB TV tuner for W8.0 Laptop?

[MilesAhead]

It occurred to me instead of struggling trying to find streaming sources to watch stuff that is on local broadcast TV on my Laptop I might search for a TV tuner.

Does anyone have experience with inexpensive "self contained" tuners? Ideally I would like to plug a stick into a USB 2.0 or 3.0 port and see the TV show on my Laptop screen. I'd rather not buy portable DVD. Not due to expense but I don't want to accumulate more stuff to lug around until I have an apartment or whatever.

I see some stuff at the egg quite cheap but I am not sure if I can view the output on my Laptop built-in screen in HD.

[Ath]

Are you really looking for HD? Not sure if that is even available through an antenna-signal, I'd expect SD quality only
AFAIK you can watch TV on the laptop screen, though, what else would be the point of a usb-receiver?

[4wd]

Are you really looking for HD? Not sure if that is even available through an antenna-signal, I'd expect SD quality only

-Ath (January 02, 2016, 03:05 AM)

Maybe not in the USA but HD DVB-T signal is routinely transmitted over FTA in other parts of the world, (eg. AUS, UK, NZ).  Here in AUS we're still mostly transmitting HD in MPEG2, with some HD MPEG4 transmissions.

I've used USB DVB-T devices for more than 6 years without any problem on desktops, laptops, and even my old netbook.  If your laptop specs aren't up to it then you might be stuck being only able to watch SD without stutter but I don't think you'll have that problem MilesAhead.

And as long as the tuner uses a standard BDA driver you can probably use whatever software you like to view the signal.

Of course, North America uses the ATSC standard but the requirements shouldn't be that much different.

[MilesAhead]

Are you really looking for HD? Not sure if that is even available through an antenna-signal, I'd expect SD quality only
AFAIK you can watch TV on the laptop screen, though, what else would be the point of a usb-receiver?

-Ath (January 02, 2016, 03:05 AM)

I get you.  SD digital would likely not be that bad on the eyes.  There was a stick that had connections for a DVD player.  The descriptions are pretty short and with no customer reviews it is not always obvious if you don't have something running to look at.  It is a long trip to BestBuy.  Although not insurmountable I try to schedule it for a no rain day. 

[MilesAhead]

I've used USB DVB-T devices for more than 6 years without any problem on desktops, laptops, and even my old netbook.  If your laptop specs aren't up to it then you might be stuck being only able to watch SD without stutter but I don't think you'll have that problem MilesAhead.

-4wd (January 02, 2016, 03:34 AM)

Thanks.  It sounds like I am on the right path.  At least for NFL football next year.  It is frustrating when the game is available on any TV set but I would have to stand in the mall and watch without sound, or pump money into a sports bar.  I don't drink alcohol and after a couple of Pellegrinos I feel bloated. 

Watching a few highlights on the Tube sucks. 

[MilesAhead]

And as long as the tuner uses a standard BDA driver you can probably use whatever software you like to view the signal.

Of course, North America uses the ATSC standard but the requirements shouldn't be that much different.

-4wd (January 02, 2016, 03:34 AM)

Just to run this by you.  Does this gizmo fit the bill do you think?

http://www.newegg.co...9083AB3052-_-Product

Edit:  I am a bit paranoid as it mentions PAL but not ATSC.

[mwb1100]

And as long as the tuner uses a standard BDA driver you can probably use whatever software you like to view the signal.

Of course, North America uses the ATSC standard but the requirements shouldn't be that much different.

-4wd (January 02, 2016, 03:34 AM)

Just to run this by you.  Does this gizmo fit the bill do you think?

http://www.newegg.co...9083AB3052-_-Product

Edit:  I am a bit paranoid as it mentions PAL but not ATSC.

-MilesAhead (January 02, 2016, 02:22 PM)

That's a DVB-T tuner - it won't work in the USA.

[4wd]

And as long as the tuner uses a standard BDA driver you can probably use whatever software you like to view the signal.

Of course, North America uses the ATSC standard but the requirements shouldn't be that much different.

-4wd (January 02, 2016, 03:34 AM)

Just to run this by you.  Does this gizmo fit the bill do you think?

http://www.newegg.co...9083AB3052-_-Product

Edit:  I am a bit paranoid as it mentions PAL but not ATSC.

-MilesAhead (January 02, 2016, 02:22 PM)

That's a DVB-T tuner - it won't work in the USA.

-mwb1100 (January 02, 2016, 10:19 PM)

Correct - it needs to state that it handles the ATSC standard.

Nice map from Wikipedia^w:

USB TV tuner for W8.0 Laptop?


Newegg - Cheapest appears to be $37 for open box item.

If you're not in a hurry and can get it delivered somewhere, various Chinese shopping sites have them for US$8-15.

[MilesAhead]

If you're not in a hurry and can get it delivered somewhere, various Chinese shopping sites have them for US$8-15.

-4wd (January 02, 2016, 11:51 PM)

Thanks for the tip.   

[4wd]

If you're not in a hurry and can get it delivered somewhere, various Chinese shopping sites have them for US$8-15.

-4wd (January 02, 2016, 11:51 PM)

Thanks for the tip.   

-MilesAhead (January 03, 2016, 05:38 AM)

No problem but it usually means they will deliver only to the address associated with a PayPal account.

I had a site up yesterday with ATSC tuners for up to $15 ... think I can find it now 

Otherwise, Monoprice on ebay has a couple.

Your biggest problem will be ensuring you have decent signal reception for it to work, the stick antennas they come with have never worked for me, I've always had to connect a decent external antenna.