How to Install USB TV Tuner on PC Properly

Member

By writer7
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating:

(3 Ratings)

usb tv tuner installation

Install a TV Tuner on a personal PC and have access to a personal media center. Most TV Tuner's are packaged with software that the user can install on their computer to record programs, save programs, time shift programs just like a DVR. The best type of TV Tuner for the technically challenged is a USB tuner that usually resembles a flash drive. Why? Because you simply plug the tuner into any USB port instead of opening up the computer to install a tuner card. Although the USB tuner is easier to install than the internal tuner many often experience trouble installing the USB tuner on their PC.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Computer
USB TV Tuner

Step 1

Before purchasing the USB tuner make sure it is compatible with your computer system. TV Tuners compatible with Windows XP might not work on Windows Vista or Windows 7. Read the package or ask the sales personnel to determine if the TV Tuner is compatible. And also make sure it is a digital TV Tuner and not an out of date analog tuner.
Step 2

Take the TV Tuner and other items out of the package and read the instructions carefully. Often, users make errors because they simply do not read instructions and follow the directions supplied.
Step 3

Turn on the computer. And Make sure Windows has started before beginning the installation process. Insert the TV Tuner stick into the USB port. And insert the included disk into the CD drive. Select option install driver and then next. Windows usually suggest using Windows Update to search for drivers. Don't! Select "No" not this time and click Next. Often, Windows prompts that the software is not passing Windows testing. Click continue anyway. And click finish button to complete the installation.
Step 4

Make sure the new drivers from the CD are installed properly by right clicking my computers, then click properties, click hardware, and click device manager. Now click the + symbol in the Sound Video and Game Controllers. Look for the newly installed drivers. Are they there? If so move on to the next step.
Step 5

Now, install any other software that is required to watch TV on the PC. The user should be prompted to scan for channels. Once through scanning it is possible to watch digital programs on demand on the computer.

Comments

skyedanzer said

Flag This Comment

on 11/12/2009 Wonderful tips and instructions for this type of installation. I've always been a tech flunkie but think I could manage it with these instructions.