TV on PC without aerial?

AuntyJean

Does anyone know how I can watch TV on my PC without an aerial connection (ie through broadband)?

Saw this but you still need an aerial
http://www.pcworld.co.uk/product.php?sku=755531

Preferably free but would be happy to pay a small monthly fee or one off payment.

There is no-way I can connect my Telewest box to my PC as one is downstairs and the other upstairs

Skint1

Try this
http://www.watchfreetvonline.net/
Joe

ashby

Radio Times had an offer for an indoor arial you plug into power and then connect to your TV arial point. In this case you presumably connect to a socket on the PC world product? It claims to be as good or better than a rooftop arial. I have sent for one of these at £12.99 and will let you know how I get on it should arrive in the next few days.

monterey_2

You can get Freeview adapers that plug in via USB2, but they still require some sort of ariel. Here the problem...some people find that the small 5" ariel that typically comes with these devices is sufficient to pick up loads of freeview channels, and other people find that using the same ariel they get nothing. Just depends on the signal in your area.
If you buy one of these I suggest you get one from somewhere like Argos or John Lewis that allows returns without a lot of fuss.

Here is one of the popular models so you can see what I mean:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000ALAWQ6/qid=1150575749/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl/202-2984504-7567816

M-

ashby

Can anyone enlighten me would one also need a PC with TV tuner to do this?

AuntyJean

monterey wrote:

You can get Freeview adapers that plug in via USB2, but they still require some sort of ariel. Here the problem...some people find that the small 5" ariel that typically comes with these devices is sufficient to pick up loads of freeview channels, and other people find that using the same ariel they get nothing. Just depends on the signal in your area.
If you buy one of these I suggest you get one from somewhere like Argos or John Lewis that allows returns without a lot of fuss.

Here is one of the popular models so you can see what I mean:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000ALAWQ6/qid=1150575749/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl/202-2984504-7567816

M-

Unfortunately I live in a low area and getting a signal has always been a problem, hence cable TV.

AuntyJean

I have Windows Media Centre and tried buying a cheapie aerial but it still can't pick up a signal.

Perhaps I should buy a more expensive booster aerial but am loath to try if it doesn't work.

Let me know how you get on Ashby.

espresso

AuntyJean wrote:

Unfortunately I live in a low area and getting a signal has always been a problem, hence cable TV.

If your normal method of reception is cable, due to reception difficulties, your best bet would be to run a cable upstairs. TV cards in PC's do work well but only when provided with a good signal.

Darksun

You could try http://www.bbc.co.uk/multicast/. It only works with some ISPs, and you may have to contact them to get it enabled.

AuntyJean

Darksun wrote:

You could try http://www.bbc.co.uk/multicast/. It only works with some ISPs, and you may have to contact them to get it enabled.

Thanks but would appear my ISP is not suitable. Great site though, just the sort of thing I was looking for.

Someone has suggested a decent aerial would work in the loft rather than paying someone to fit it on the roof. Then just run the cable down through the ceiling. I just know it is one of those jobs that will end up in trouble (redecorate the whole bedroom!).

mcfisco

A decent aerial in the roof space may well work - but then again???

UHF TV antennas can often be more like a black art rather than science.
First thing I'd do is look around at your neighbours aerials - are they big multi-element jobbies atop long masts? have different houses got them pointing in different directions? - either of these would indicate that you live in an area where reception can be iffy.
If you do deciide to try the loft, try to suspend the aerial with string rather than laying it on the floor.
Although saying that, I've seen people give up with trying to get a good picture & literally throw the thing down in anger only to find they've found the 'sweet spot' in the loft - as I said more like a black art.
Try to stay away from any metalwork in the loft too.

good luck