Turn your PC into an HDTV
Sure, you could pay iTunes two bucks for every episode of The Office you download to your PC. Or you could add a TV tuner and record unlimited shows--in high def!--free of charge. eCost has the Viore Portable HDTV Tuner for just $55, a steal at twice the price.
(Credit:
Viore)
Just plug this USB tuner into your desktop or notebook, then connect an analog cable feed or the included ATSC antenna. The latter lets you pull down HD channels right outta thin air (provided you live in a metropolitan area).
To record shows for later viewing, you'll need Windows XP Media Center 2005, Windows Vista Premium, or Windows Vista Ultimate: Microsoft's Media Center (which is baked into those three operating systems) offers killer DVR capabilities. All you have to do is supply a tuner like this one. It even comes with a remote.
Rick Broida, a technology writer for nearly 20 years, is the author of more than a dozen books. In addition to writing CNET's The Cheapskate blog, he oversees BNET's Business Hacks. Rick is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CBS Interactive. Disclosure. Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers. Follow Rick on Twitter at cheapskateblog. 
To install this under vista simply:
1. right click on the setup.exe file found on the included cd-rom,
2. click properties
3. click on the Compatibility tab
4. Check Run this program in compatibility mode for: Windows XP
5. Click Ok
6. Double Click on the same setup.exe file that you just set for XP Compatibility
HOW TO MAKE COMPATIBLE WITH WINDOWS VISTA:
1. Insert CD into CD-ROM Drive of CPU
2. Click 'Start' orb, go to 'Computer'
3. Right click CD-ROM Drive and left click 'Explorer'
4. Right click the 'SETUP.EXE' file and left click 'Properties'
5. Click the 'Compatibility' tab, Click the option to 'RUN AS' Windows XP.
6. Click 'Apply' and then 'OK'
7. Double click the 'SETUP.EXE' file and follow prompts to install software.
*Note
SERIAL# is on the actual plastic casing that the TUNER comes in, not the one on the BOX.
Like: maybe CNN , abc, National Geographic channel, BBC etc
I use GBPVR on XP media SP2 with drivers from package
GBPVR is a pain to setup but works.
The magic was "capture sources", "BDA Recording plugin",Edit,settings,and a check in the box:"only show devices installed on this machine" which found a "Pinnacle PCTV HD Pro Stick" installed!
Anyone using anything better?
- by jdonline71 January 3, 2009 7:53 PM PST
- I have this unit also and i have service pack 3 on my XP machine. It keeps telling me to upgrade to service pack 2. Can anyone tell me how to get this piece of doodie to work??!!
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