How to choose TV tuner

TV tuner (TV-TUNER) is a device that is a miniature television receiver that allows you to make analog and digital television programs with further display of video and audio information on your computer or laptop screen. Some models of TV tuners can also receive FM broadcasting, as well as recording video and audio in computer memory (laptop). The correct choice of this device is the necessary condition for the correct operation of your system. What to pay attention to when choosing a TV tuner?

TV tuners differ by execution: built-in and external. External TV tuners have high sensitivity and are preferred to work in severe conditions with low levels of the ethereal. External TV tuners are connected either via the VGA interface in the "gap" between the monitor and the output of the video card of your computer (laptop), or through the USB or HDMI port. Built-in TV tuners are simply a fee that you want to insert into the free PCI slot of the system block of your computer.

TV tuners are distinguished by the possibilities of receiving different video standards:

only for receiving an analog signal;
only for receiving a digital signal;
so-called "hybrid", successfully operating both with an analog signal and with digital.

Analog tuners are designed to receive outdated essential formats in PAL, SECAM, NTSC standard. Digital handle DVB-C and DVB-T digital signal. Hybrid tuners are the most versatile in this row, they are capable of working with any type of signal - both analog and digital. But, accordingly, it is more expensive.

You should also pay attention to the possibility of receiving FM radio (FM Radio). If you are a music lover, then without this function you can not do. Yes, and be aware of the latest news without a separation from the current work on the computer - also does not hurt.

Very useful equipment of a TV tuner with remote control (DU). It simplifies the control of the TV tuner and allows you to switch the channels and produce all adjustments in the same way as on the usual TV without going into the control program on the computer.

Some tuners allow you to capture video programs and write it in a compressed form - as a file on the hard disk of your computer. And this can be done according to a predetermined program. In fact, you get your own television program that you can view at any time convenient for you. And the compression process in MPEG-1 formats, MPEG-2 or H.264 will allow not to load the computer processor and save the hard disk space.

Well, in fact, all that you need to pay attention to when choosing a TV tuner. And the last advice is not chasing the cheap, no pleasure from the cheap device you will not get. Choose a TV tuner from a serious manufacturer, such as Avermedia, Beholder, Pinnacle and similar.