WMC & TV tuners

[boomin1]

I hope I'm in the right place &, if not, please excuse my ignorance. I AM trying to learn. I recently got my 1st desktop, an Emachines ET1331, which came loaded with Windows 7-64 bit, & I would like to take full advantage of the Media Center, including the live TV access & DVR- like recording functions. This comes in 2 parts. If I were to use an add-in card installed in the back, or an MMC-type card inserted in the front, would my cable signal be transmitted wirelessly via modem & wireless router to the computer same as the internet connection which runs through the same cable, of course, ala Comcast? Or does a cable still have to be connected to my computer? Which leads to part 2: There is no place to connect a cable to the tower itself so I would need to use a USB TV tuner with cable jack on the receiving end. I've perused the Windows 7 compatability Center, but could I get some recommendations for any that come with any necessary software & a media center remote control. Please bear in mind that I became disabled last year & I'm still adjusting to a fixed income, (I can live comfortably with less than top-of-the-line).
I would just take a moment to thank those of you who may be becoming familiar with me asking questions of the how-to nature lately, & putting up with my lack of know-how on so many matters. And even more profound thanks to those of you who take the time to help an old newbie out Best wishes to you all.

 

[johnwillyums]

Hello boomin1 and welcome to Seven Forums.

I'm not clear whether you have cable tv or whether you are talking about broadcast tv. Either way you need to get the signal into your pc.
I watch free-to-air digital tv using a WinNova TD usb stick. This goes into a usb port in the back of my pc. I then have to plug an extension cable from my main roof top antenna into the little dongle. They come with small aerials but they are useless.
I get a lovely picture from my tuner dongle and many more channels than on an analogue only antenna.
I paid under 40 GBP for this dongle which I imagine would be 50+ dollars.

HDTV freeview is just around the corner in this country but as yet there are no products although Happaugge, who make my dongle, are promising them any time soon.
If you have cable tv I would contact your provider regarding this because you don't need to receive a broadcast signal but you still need to get your cable signal into your pc to use WMC.

Take a look at this :Hauppauge Computer Works : WinTV-HVR products

I hope this helps but I have the feeling your service provider will know best if you are on cable.

Best wishes, John

ps just re read your post and it might well be possible to do this wirelessly. don't know

 

[boomin1]

Thanks for acknowledging my inquiry. I appreciate your response. But I found out today why people must have been scratching their collective heads. It is a new bit of general cyber-info for my collection, that the add-in cards come with your choice of connection type attached,(depending on make & model). Well, learn something new every day,(even if you look like a twit doing it). I DID state I'm trying to learn

 

[johnwillyums]

No problem boomin1. Glad you've got it sorted

 

[Desslok]

FYI,
I have tried some different cards. I had the Hauppauge 950Q USB stick in my notebook, and the Hauppauge 2250 in my tower. THe 2250 comes with IR blasters and a remote. Now one thing I noticed with the USB sticks is they tend to change channels a little slowly, like there is a delay. I would recommend a PCI-e based card if you have the slot available. I think they have the 1800 for about $69 on Newegg or the Avermedia duet for a similar price. HEre is a fgood site to get you up to speed on the way to take advantage of media center. Have fun and good luck!:
www.windows7htpc.com