Using PC monitor as a TV advice

[G.T]

Hi all

I've recently bought a new desk, but fancy a bit of a change. I currently use a 32" TV for my PC, but is a little too big and the 24" PC monitor needs an upgrade. But since I use the TV so little as a TV, I thought I should just buy 2 27" PC monitors to replace them both. It will be 2 of these when they are released:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00BFTRSOG/?tag=gtplanetuk-20

I want to still be able to watch TV (preferably in HD) at some points though on one of the monitors, but I have read you can buy some equipment to make this happen?

I believe you need a TV tuner, a Freeview box (preferably HD) and all the correct sockets for picture and sound? I know the monitor won't have speakers, but I do have an AV receiver which the sound can come out of.


Can anyone here with experience in this explain to me everything I need? Cables, sockets, and recommendations on equipment?

Thanks!

 

[Sharky.]

I want to still be able to watch TV (preferably in HD) at some points though on one of the monitors, but I have read you can buy some equipment to make this happen?

I haven't used one myself, but I think this is what you're after: http://www.hauppauge.co.uk/site/products/data_hvr2200mc.html PCI-E TV tuner card with dual DVB-T Freeview tuners on it.

http://www.hauppauge.co.uk/site/products/data_hvr4400.html is the same sort of thing but with more features.

 

[G.T]

Is there anything recommended like that as a stand alone unit? I see there are a few on that website which is good. This is because I am already using one of my extra PCI-e slots for a game capture card, so don't think I'll have the space! Might do in my new PC I'm getting in about a month though.

 

[Sharky.]

A USB tuner would do the trick, but due to the nature of how Freeview works you'd probably want one with dual tuners so you can record while watching - from Hauppauge that would be the WinTV-Duet and WinTV-NOVA sticks. If you don't need dual tuners then I would think any USB DVB-T stick would work.

 

[Jason]

I'm not sure if this is going to help but I will explain anyway. I currently use a 32" T.V. for my racing simulator (used to play GT5). I have also played a little bit of call of duty on this T.V. and I find it quite good. I'm not sure what type of gaming you do, but I would not go much smaller than 32". I think this is perfect and it seems like going too small would become frustrating.

 

[Northstar]

Is this available in the UK?

I bought the 24" version a few months back and have no complaints(other than the remote batteries dying after a week).

 

[G.T]

A USB tuner would do the trick, but due to the nature of how Freeview works you'd probably want one with dual tuners so you can record while watching - from Hauppauge that would be the WinTV-Duet and WinTV-NOVA sticks. If you don't need dual tuners then I would think any USB DVB-T stick would work.

Yeah.

I've also been told a normal HD Freeview box would work (Freeview is the free digital TV you get here). But one of those USB tuners would be much more convenient on space.

I'm not sure if this is going to help but I will explain anyway. I currently use a 32" T.V. for my racing simulator (used to play GT5). I have also played a little bit of call of duty on this T.V. and I find it quite good. I'm not sure what type of gaming you do, but I would not go much smaller than 32". I think this is perfect and it seems like going too small would become frustrating.

Mainly PC gaming and some console gaming. The size drop won't matter for me since currently I'm having to push my 32" TV away from me anyway in my tiny room.

Is this available in the UK?

I bought the 24" version a few months back and have no complaints(other than the remote batteries dying after a week).

In the end I bought this beast! Should be arriving tomorrow:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B009668YPM/?tag=gtplanetuk-20

I'll just use that beside my current 24 incher until I decide to upgrade it.

 

[RihhanaNZ]

You need to get a TV tuner card having audio- video ports. I you want to record, you have to use applications for manipulation. take a look here for computer hardware at less.