TV on the PC

Anybody using the PC to watch TV? I have a cable modem and fantasize about splitting the cable to an adapter so I can watch TV in a window. I'm thinking a card to handle more of the processing instead of an external USB thingy. My priorities:

* Good image for live viewing
* Cable channels thru 125 are fine
* PVR for recording.
* Real time stuff like pause would be nice.
* Don't need HDTV analog capabilities.
* Don't need my digital premium channels on the PC.

Any reason not to like the Hauppauge WINTV-PVR-150? Better choices? Is this legal or is it "stealing cable" ??

I can think of little I'd rather do less than watch TV on a computer.

I do have a great interest in capturing TV on a computer for things like editing out commercails to archive to DVD. But watching? Not my cup of tea.

Originally posted by Stan James:
Anybody using the PC to watch TV? I have a cable modem and fantasize about splitting the cable to an adapter so I can watch TV in a window. I'm thinking a card to handle more of the processing instead of an external USB thingy. My priorities:

* Good image for live viewing
* Cable channels thru 125 are fine
* PVR for recording.
* Real time stuff like pause would be nice.
* Don't need HDTV analog capabilities.
* Don't need my digital premium channels on the PC.

Any reason not to like the Hauppauge WINTV-PVR-150? Better choices? Is this legal or is it "stealing cable" ??

Check out LocationFree(can be used on PSP not only on PC) or Slingbox at amazon

I think I tried hauppage before but returned it as I didnt notice it doesnt come with a remote control (no way I am going to stand up just to change channel!!! defeats the purpose eh!!). But other versions may have remote control.

I got a VGear but I do not know why the video quality is not good. I see squares, like the reseolution is not good. But I dont have a return guarantee on that one so I am stuck with it.

I use pc tv because I travel a lot. Sometimes cross-country. I found out that most of those boxes are fixed on a specific tv system. One that is for PAL may not have capabilities of NTSC. So you may need to buy another one if you go to another country.

You have to ask your cable provider if it is legal. But it should not matter as they dont care what kind of tv you use. But yes splitting, they might have rules on it.

* Good image for live viewing <--- big monitor, most pc tv boxes should be ok in resolution
* Cable channels thru 125 are fine <--- so far i tried 3 pc tv boxes and they can pick up all those channels
* PVR for recording. <--- have, but i havent tried

The Hauppauge WINTV has all the characteristics you are looking for, but is terrible in compatibility with other hardware/software. I had one and I installed it in 3 diferent computers, and all of them gave problems immidiatly or after a while.

I build computers for alot of friends. I always buy a $200 used Dell P3 or something, but bling it out with an Ati All-In-Wonder (AIW) video card. It allows you to watch and record TV, while working on the computer. It just absolutely blows people's mind. I can't imagine a computer without one.

Cheers!

-Cameron McKenzie