Get HDTV on Your Laptop

Watch high-definition network TV without the expense-or the TV

By Doug Cantor Posted 01.11.2007 at 3:00 am 10 Comments

So your buddy with the new plasma TV won´t shut up about how great the game looks in high-def. He´s right-it is like watching a whole new sport. But you don´t have to splurge on a 50-inch flat screen to quell your HD envy. Stations across the country broadcast HD signals over the air, absolutely free. And since most laptop screens already have enough resolution to display high-def, all you need is an HD tuner that plugs into a USB port on your Mac or PC, and you can enjoy the ultracrisp picture at home or away. Let´s see Mr. Plasma do that.

How to get more stations and better reception: Depending where you live, a bigger indoor antenna, like the Zenith ZHDTV1 ($40; zenith.com), may improve your HD signal. Place it in a window and point it toward the nearest broadcast tower. Find more antenna tips at
antennaweb.org.

Find High-Def Channels: Visit antennaweb.org and type in your address to find out which stations broadcast free over-the-air HD signals in your area. You should get the major networks, and you may get a handful of other channels, like PBS or CW.
Install the Equipment: Get the Artec T14A Mini USB 2.0 Digital TV Tuner ($100; artectv.com) for Windows or the EyeTV Hybrid ($150; elgato.com) for Mac, connect the tuner to its included mini antenna, and plug it into your laptop´s USB port. Install the software, and set your screen to its highest resolution. You´ll need a laptop no more than a couple years old to avoid a choppy picture.
Record the Shows: Most tuners include software for saving video to your hard drive, TiVo-style. An hour of recorded TV will take up about 400 megabytes of hard-drive space.

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10 Comments

Link to this comment

jbatus

08/29/10 at 11:36 pm

I use a Sony VAIO FW270 is HDMI. Now I decided to buy an HDTV, the HP 530 notebook. When I connect the laptop to the TV with HDMI 1.3 cable solution changes 1366x768 notebook, Blu-ray is stopped. Although only 700 MB is a few lines of action scenes. You know what the problem might be? Why is it slow?

http://www.mytechsupportstore.com/blog/laptop-repair.html

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sandy123

09/03/10 at 5:46 am

Hi,
The SV422XVT HDTV features VIZIO Internet Apps, your passport to experiencing a whole new world of online content. Using the latest DISH Network technology, you can easily connect to the Internet and stream movies and TV shows, listen to music and get the latest news, sports and weather.This 42” LCD HDTV continues to break the mold of traditional HDTVs, delivering the latest technologies for superior picture quality and sound with features such as full 1080p high definition resolution for crystal clear images, 240Hz SPS*, SRS TruSurround HD™ & SRS TruVolume™ audio technologies for amazing sound and uses the greenest of methods by exceeding Energy Star® Guidelines by 20%!

Thanks,
Sandy

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sandy123

09/03/10 at 5:47 am

Thanks,
Sandy

http://www.dishnetworkshop.com/

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robert1007

09/03/10 at 6:17 am

Hi,
satellite TV is a broadcast format it's provides High definition and higher resolution picture than over-the-air broadcasts and simple or normal digital TV it's provides only colorful picture.So what you think, choice yours

Thanks,
http://www.ordersatellitenow.com/

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Jacks007

09/03/10 at 7:09 am

Hi,
Why would you even pay for HD? Grab this HD Free for Life offer from DISh Network before it is gone!

Thanks,
http://www.dishhdfree.com/

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melissasmith49

09/03/10 at 7:09 am

I’m writing this post on how to connect your PC or computer to a TV,If you have a HDTV, then you will be better off connecting using a VGA cable. It gives much better quality than S-Video and as with S-Video, the cable is very cheap. You usually won’t find a VGA port on regular TV’s though, so this option is if you have an HDTV.

http://www.theamericandishtv.com/programming.html
DISH Network Channels

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melissasmith49

11/11/10 at 2:46 am

DIRECTV Searching for best satellite TV service in America? Go with the leader – bring home DIRECTV. This leading satellite TV provider in America offers a wide array of digital channels through its exciting packages.

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melissasmith49

11/16/10 at 5:25 am

DirecTV provides television and audio services to subscribers through satellite transmissions. Services include the equivalent of many local television stations, broadcast television networks, subscription television services, satellite radio services, and private video services.

http://www.entertainmentetc.net/
DIRECTV

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priyaseo

01/07/11 at 5:31 am

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01/07/11 at 5:59 am

Top brands of security Alarms for the home or business.We offer the top brands of home alarm systems and video surveillance equipment at the best prices. Boundless toll free installation technical and programming support.

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