Computer Receiver

But this feature has a positive impact on the appearance of the device.

TV tuner for your PC

To watch TV channels you do not need to have a separate TV set or access to the Internet. A computer with a special tuner is enough. The latter works with analog and digital terrestrial standards. This is enough to listen to the radio and watch TV programs fully.

With a tuner, you can not only watch, but also record the desired television or radio programs.

Types of tuners

You can classify tuners by any criterion that is important to you – from the installation method to support certain video or audio formats. First, let's divide the receivers by connection interfaces. Then let's note the other interesting classifications.

Internal Models

We will call internal models which are plugged into Peripheral component interconnect, CardBus or PCI Express slots of the motherboard. The devices are only suitable for desktop PCs. They do not take up USB connectors, this scheme is stronger and more aesthetically pleasing. The most important advantage of internal tuners is that they are faster than their external counterparts.

To install a new chip, you will have to unscrew the system unit, press out the plug of the slot and bolt the board in the workplace.

Choose the board carefully so that the connection interface matches the type of connector on your motherboard.

USB Models

Models that connect via standard USB inputs. This method is simpler and more mobile – suitable for laptops, netbooks, ultrabooks and even mobile devices. You'll have to occupy one free slot and be more careful.

External set-top boxes

External set-top boxes are made in a separate box which is connected via a USB-microUSB cable. Such models can be operated via the remote control or the buttons on the housing. The signal processing and the entire additional set of actions are moved outside the computer – so do not expect high speed and rich functionality.

Some models of receivers are connected via VGA or DVI connectors between the computer and the monitor.

Other classifications

Receivers can work with a specific type of content or understand several at once.

Manufacturers provide in tuners the possibility of listening to digital radio DAB and DAB+. Russia has not yet mastered the technology, so do not consider it a competitive advantage.

There are satellite and cable tuners, but due to low demand, they are less present on the market than their on-air competitors.

What are they?

Before figuring out how to choose and connect a purchased TV tuner for your computer, it is advisable to understand what is meant by this term.

A TV tuner is a special device through which you receive signals from TV antennas (both cable and satellite). Today there are several varieties of such devices. Each of them has its own features and technical characteristics, which we will discuss below.

Overview of types

In the current range of TV tuners for the computer, a buyer with any requirements will be able to pick the ideal model. The main thing is to decide in advance what type of equipment you need to buy. Let's learn more about all the features and characteristics of different types of tuners.

TV tuner for your computer of this type can be connected to your TV or monitor. Your PC or TV set can be turned off. It is believed that the TV tuner of the considered type is the most practical and multifunctional. In addition, such equipment has a reasonable price compared to all existing analogs.

Making a receiver out of a ZyXEL Wi-Fi router

Able to support the adapter mode. True, only for those models that look blue in color. The line of routers of such a model is able to easily set up to work as a receiver of wi-fi.

With this in mind, we would like to note that everything works easily and simply. In order to configure the device, you only need to put it near your computer or TV and connect the cable coming from the router to them. The router is set in "Adapter" mode, and now you can use it as a receiver of wi-fi.

If the model does not have "Adapter" mode, perhaps the router version is old, then you need to configure a wireless connection to the provider.

You can also use the Wi-Fi amplifier mode, it allows you to get not only the adapter function, but also expand the area of wireless network coverage.

Connection features of ZyXEL router with new firmware

From a regular wi-fi device you can also get an adapter by switching a special button on the back side. You just need to put the slider in "Adapter" mode. This is found on all newer models. On early devices, this can be done in the internal interface.

This requires you to go to the site and select the phrase "Change Mode". Now it is necessary to set the desired one. At the end, confirm the action with the "OK" button.

A loading window will appear, which will have a warning.

Connecting the wi-fi receiver from the router ZyXEL on the old firmware

It is necessary to select the settings item and enter the tab "Mode". There you turn on the desired one. Now it remains to press the "Apply" button.

How to connect ZyXEL router as a Wi-Fi receiver?

You need to do the following three steps to connect your Zyxel router as a Wi-Fi signal receiver:

Wireless adapter mode on ASUS routers

There are several ways to use ASUS routers as a receiver. Routers work as a repeater. This is a plus because half the job is done. Although the task of the repeater is slightly different than using it as a receiver, but it distributes the Internet over the wire, which is exactly what you need for TV, so it is suitable to solve the problem of using the router as an adapter.

Mode, which in the previous model of the company Zyxel called "Adapter"here is called "Repeater". But the essence is the same, the device receives the signal, for example, by Wi-Fi, and then distributes it by wire or also by Wi-Fi. All you have to do is connect the router to the right port on your TV or desktop computer. Here's what you need to do to do this:

• Click on the line with the command "Administration»;
• Select the desired mode;

• Find the nearest networks, the more the better. So it will be possible to find the desired one. Connect to it by entering the correct password.

It is possible to work not only in "Repeater mode".Repeater" mode, but also in Media Bridge. Interestingly, the function responds better than a normal signal booster, so it is better for Asus to use this direction.

But not all ASUS router models have this function. For example, it is not present in the RT-N12+ version. And it is quite understandable, because ASUS RT-N12+ router is not suitable for the second position. The mode is interesting but difficult to understand, so it's better for beginners not to use it. The "Repeater" mode should be turned on.

Selecting the Top 3 Best Digital Set-Top Boxes for PC

Digital set-top box for TV on the computer has different forms, but still popular are TV tuners in the form of flash drives with USB connection. For example:

• OpenboxT2 USB-T2/C– The device works only with Windows and has a stable operation even with a weak signal reception. With it you can record programs to watch them later. Output channel resolution 4:3 and 16:9. Price – 1300 rubles.
• MyGigaT230C– The gadget can record digital terrestrial and cable TV on PCs and laptops under Windows, Linux. It can be connected to the TVBox and to portable devices with Android to increase their capabilities. You can buy it for 1800 rubles.
• EspadaUBSDVB-T2. Allows watching HD channels on all Windows OS starting from Windows 2000. Able to write on a timer and the fact of the power, there is a mode of view "in the future", good software with fine-tuning and intuitive interface. Price – 2400 rubles.

Varieties of broadcasting

A satellite receiver is an essential part of the satellite TV "team. The device connected to the dish picks up the signal and displays it on the screen. Such set-top boxes are conventionally divided into three groups. The first group is considered the most popular. It is designed for the widest masses of viewers and is used to watch open channels. The second group includes receivers with built-in decoder. They work with special access cards. In addition, this group includes equipment designed to work with a particular provider. The third group is multimedia terminals, which in addition to the broadcasting perform a huge number of additional functions.

A cable receiver is a device that supports the signal and broadcasts a package of programs of a regional provider. To become a subscriber of a cable network, it is important to be in the operator's coverage area and to have an antenna, a converter, a power supply and an HF cable in addition to the receiver.

The third version of the set-top box works with over-the-air digital broadcasting. A conventional compact indoor antenna receives the signal. These receivers are oriented to the SD, as well as support HD resolution.

Naturally, the highest quality picture is on satellite broadcasting, the second place is occupied by cable TV, the third place is taken by the most widespread over-the-air TV.

– For Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats will you have to mount speakers on the ceiling? This is very time consuming and not always feasible in principle. Are there no other options?

If for some reason you can not place the speakers on the ceiling of the theater, you can use the solution offered by many manufacturers. The upper channels in this case are served special speakersover the front or back pair, angled upwards and working for ceiling reflection. If the ceiling material reflects sound waves well, the "overhead" effects will not lose in expression compared to using real ceiling speakers. The only important point is that your AV receiver must support this configuration by processing the information for the "upper" channels in a special way.

How to connect to a PC and set up a USB tuner

1. Connect the device to a USB port of your PC.
2. Insert the antenna (included in the kit or usual household antenna) in the corresponding input of the tuner.
3. When the OS detects new equipment, install the drivers and programs, which are on the CD included.
4. When the installation process is finished, restart the computer.
5. Open the application for viewing (included) and start the automatic scanning of available channels.
6. Use the remote control or buttons on the control panel of the application to switch channels, adjust the volume, etc.

If you don't have an installation disk, you can download software for the receiver from the Internet, but make sure it is compatible with your particular model.

Is it possible to connect an ordinary digital set-top box via HDMI

The ability to connect a digital set-top box to a computer via HDMI depends on the availability of connectors:

We have studied the thematic forums of Runet and identified the 3 most trouble-free USB tuners for PC from the budget category:

Openbox T2 USB DVB-T2/C USB

This is a simple and reliable receiver, compatible with Windows OS only. The built-in Conexant CYC68013A chip provides the stability and speed of the receiver, and the Silican Si216 modulator provides reception even of weak signals. Allows you to record and play back stored broadcasts of terrestrial television. Video output has 4:3 and 16:9 resolution.

Also useful as a supplement to a satellite receiver, allowing you to watch free-to-air channels along with DVB-S.

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