Have you decided to improve your laptop and give yourself the opportunity to watch your favorite TV channels on your computer screen? From the assortment ripples in the eyes! What TV tuner for a laptop to choose? Let's say you already bought the most powerful and best TV tuner. How to configure this device so that it works "in full"? Consider the advantages and disadvantages of certain models and modifications. Then the task will not seem so difficult.
External USB devices are in incredible demand. They were considered convenient (strange, because they could hardly be called compact). Despite the considerable price and relative quality, they are very actively sold.
The world of electronic devices is evolving every minute and now bulky and extremely unstable devices have become a thing of the past. And the USB-TV tuner for a laptop has turned into a compact device that can be connected to any computer equipped with the appropriate port and software. But the universal port also imposes a number of restrictions on the capabilities of the device. Also lacking mobility. An additional power supply is needed, and wires limit freedom of movement.
Of the features of signal transmission, it is worth highlighting the following. Devices that transmit video and audio through the same port (USB), provide the ability to receive fairly compressed sound (8KHz, 8-bit mono). But there are exceptions. There are devices for sale that have a built-in hardware MPEG encoder. But, as a rule, they cost a lot and require an additional power cable. If you connect another USB cable to the laptop, in addition to the “signal” (audio-video) battery, the computer’s battery will last no more than 2 hours, or even 1.5. In addition, devices with a hardware MPEG codec do not have FM receivers.
As an alternative, tuners are offered with separate audio output via the line output. It is convenient, cheaper, but not for everyone. There are few laptop models on the market that are equipped with an additional connector. Most often, manufacturers are limited to microphone input and audio output. In addition, even the presence of a line input does not provide ideal sound quality.
In the case when the computer processor is heavily loaded, the speed of the processed video and audio signal is not synchronous, and, therefore, there is a mismatch of sound and image. Extremely unpleasant effect, especially when you consider that such a tuner costs about $ 30. And if you want a high-quality image and sound that a new generation chip can easily implement, then get ready to pay about $ 150 for such a "miracle". But even such a device can hardly be called compact.
The most compact TV tuner for a laptop is considered a PCMCIA device. It has a relatively low cost. Just from $ 40 to $ 100. It is quite difficult for an ordinary user to make the right choice, since they look almost the same, but ... There are really incredible differences.
It is worth starting with the fact that, in fact, these devices are much more convenient and, as a rule, more functional than their USB counterparts. They are divided into two types: made according to traditional technology or using a "silicone" block. Devices of the second are much smaller and thinner than traditional ones and a bit more expensive. But this does not guarantee you the best quality. A traditional RF unit with competent wiring will be much more efficient and, most likely, cheaper. The main disadvantage of "silicone" blocks is that devices with such a filling lose image quality with increasing frequency. Do not pay extra for built-in fans or other unnecessary add-ons.
But what about an option like “built-in TV tuner”. Indeed, a TV tuner for a laptop can also be built-in. Asus has been selling computers with an integrated module for several years. Stable work is a huge plus that such a TV tuner boasts. How to configure this device is not difficult to understand. Almost everything happens automatically. The only drawback of this configuration is the high cost. Everything that is needed and not really is being introduced into the building. And for all this you have to pay. Also, the option of introducing the board into the device is not ruled out. The built-in TV tuner can be purchased at any computer store, the only question is whether you have the corresponding connector or at least a place for wiring. The final cost will be identical to any decent external device. Do you need such happiness?