There are 2 types of tv tuners for laptop computer, one is a hardware based solution and the other a software. Both will work just fine on laptops but they vary in terms of costs, number of channels offered and portability. These will be discussed in this article.
The first solution is to get an external PCTV card for your laptop. External PCTV cards come in the form of USB device. This tv tuner for laptop computer typically comes with its own proprietary software that enables you to stream hundreds of live television channels through wired broadband connection. A device like that costs a few hundred dollars and can be found at any major PC hardware stores.
The other tv tuner is a software known commonly as satellite tv software. This software when installed, gives you access to thousands of channels worldwide in different languages. It streams live satellite channels through internet and works on both wired and wireless broadband connections.
Both solutions only require a one-time cost which is for the purchase of hardware/software. However, it is interesting to note that a good satellite tv software will cost you no more than $50. Furthermore, it can offer more than 3000 channels on a standard package.
In terms of portability, majority of PCTV cards require a wired connection whereas wireless connections work just fine with satellite television software. That means you can be watching a football match or favorite tv serial in a cafe or anywhere in the world with a WIFI connection. Personally, satellite television software is, to me, a preferred tv tuner due to its portability.
Before you purchase a PCTV card or satellite television software, it is good to make sure they are supported by the operating system of your laptop. Windows Vista or Windows XP should be fine but if you are running Mac, it is good to check with the product merchant or read the FAQs before making a purchase.
