Noobish tv hook-up questions

[Nobahar]

I've never done this before but've seen plenty of people watching tv on their computers to the point that I want to try it.

I might need a video card that is even compatible. Laugh it up- I'm still using a Radeon 7500 :p (Yeah, not even pixel shader 2.0 support). So I have that, and I have the cable coming through my wall.

I'm not sure but some vid cards can be connected to the wall directly? Others need a wire to do it? And where do you go in terms of software and making it work?

I've never attempted it or even have seen how it is done, but I don't have a tv and it'd be nice use my monitor sometimes ;p

[infinitevalence]

If its true cable your going to need a cable tuner card. these cards have dedicated hardware that can decode the cable signel. Now if your sending a video signle, like the one comming out of your dvd player, then on some cards with VIVO (video in video out) you may beable to get video into the computer. So the short response is not likly, i dont think your card is going to let you watch tv on your computer.

[Illuminati]

To watch TV through you computer you need what is called a TV Tuner card. You can buy these basic cards for as low as $35... some of which also come with an FM radio tuner, or for more features the price can be over $100. Here's a link with some options... you'll have to pick the best one based on your needs and budget:
http://legitreviews.shopping.com/xFS?FD ... tuner+card

You can also get a whole new video card that has the TV Tuner included right on the card. The most common card is ATI's All-in-Wonder series of video cards. And here's a link for some of those:
http://legitreviews.shopping.com/xFS?KW ... id=3032920

If this is all over your head, post back with more on exactly what you want to be able to do and we can help you out further... BTW, most all of these TV Tuner cards or video cards will come with the necessary software to get you up and running with watching TV and possibly even capturing the video to your hard drive (recording)!

[Nobahar]

Ok the tuner card was exactly what I was looking for, I'd prefer it over an all-in-wonder. I'm not sure how a more expensive card offers that much more, I don't need a remote or anything- as long as it can convert tv signals to something I can watch, even with my radeon 7500 I can get nearly dvd quality videos playing.

Also, say I have this card- right now if I plug the cable line to my tv I get basic cable (the lines are hot since I live in a house with shared cable setup, ie someone is paying for the line- but I can mooch it). Is it as simple as install the card, plug the cable in, and load the program- instant tv?

Btw, any reviews on any of these cards? The ratings seem rather inadequate.