TV tuner for laptop. Which one to choose and how to set up

Have you decided to improve your laptop and give yourself the opportunity to watch your favorite TV channels on your computer screen? From the range growls in the eyes! What kind of TV tuner for a laptop to choose? Let's say you already bought the most powerful and best TV tuner. How to configure this device to make it work "in full"? Consider the advantages and disadvantages of certain models and modifications. Then the task will not seem so difficult.

Unbelievable demand for external USB-devices. They were recognized as convenient (strange, because compact they could be called with difficulty). Despite the considerable price and relative quality, they are very actively sold.

The world of electronic devices is developing every minute and now the bulky and highly unstable devices have been left behind. And the USB-TV tuner for the laptop has turned into a compact device that can be connected to any computer provided with the appropriate port and software. But the universal port also imposes a number of limitations on the capabilities of the device. Also there is no mobility. We need an additional power supply, and the wires restrict freedom of movement.

It is worth highlighting the following from the features of signal transmission. Devices that transmit video and audio through the same port (USB), make it possible to receive a sufficiently compressed audio (8KHz, 8-bit mono). But there are exceptions. On sale there are devices in which the hardware MPEG coder is built. But, as a rule, they are expensive and require an additional power wire. In case of connection to the laptop of one more USB-cord besides "signal" (audio-video) the charge of the battery of the computer will suffice no more than for 2 hours of work, and even 1,5. In addition, devices with hardware MPEG codec do not have FM-receivers.

As an alternative, we offer tuners with a separate audio output via a line output. It is convenient, cheaper, but not all fit. The market has few models of portable computers that are equipped with an additional connector. The most common manufacturers are limited to the microphone input and audio output. In addition, even the presence of a line input does not provide an ideal sound quality.

In the case when the computer processor is heavily loaded, the speed of the processed video and audio signal is not synchronous, and, consequently, there is a mismatch between sound and image. Extremely unpleasant effect, especially when you consider that such a tuner costs about $ 30. And if you want a high-quality image and sound that the new generation chip can easily implement, then prepare to pay for such a "miracle" of the order of $ 150. But even such a device is difficult to call compact.

The most compact TV tuner for a laptop is considered a PCMCIA device. He has a relatively low cost. Total from $ 40 to $ 100. It's rather difficult for a normal user to make a right choice, because they are almost the same in appearance, but ... The differences are really incredible.

It should start with the fact that in fact these devices are much more convenient and, as a rule, more functional than their USB-brothers. They are divided into two types: made using traditional technology or using a "silicone" unit. The devices of the second are much smaller and thinner than traditional ones and slightly more expensive. But this does not guarantee you better quality. A traditional RF unit with competent wiring will be much more efficient and, most likely, cheaper. The main drawback of "silicone" blocks is that devices with such a filling lose picture quality with increasing frequency. Do not pay extra for built-in fans and other unnecessary add-ons.

And what about such an option as "built-in TV tuner." Indeed, a TV tuner for a laptop can be built-in. For several years, Asus has been selling computers with a built-in module. Stable work - a huge "plus", which can boast of such a TV tuner. How to configure this device, it is not difficult to understand. Almost everything happens automatically. The only disadvantage of this equipment is high cost. In the corps everything that is needed and not very is implemented. And for all this you have to pay. Also, the option of introducing a board into the device is not excluded. The built-in TV tuner can be purchased at any computer store, the only question is whether you have the appropriate connector or at least a place for the wiring. The final cost will be identical to any decent external device. Do you need such happiness?