Computer extra bits

[Scarlett]

I am about to be a student in a shared house and need to get a wireless card and also a TV card so I can use my PC screen to watch TV to save me buying a seperate telly.
I don't know anything about either of these things and would be really grateful for any information or links to what I should buy. Needless to say, it should be at the cheap end of the market!
Thanks!

[mattie]

Both can be bought as usb devices, this way you don't need to start taking your PC apart to install anything.

For example Dabs quiklinx 42PGWS Hauppauge WinTV-NOVA-T Digital DVB-T USB Stick �28.77, this does require an aerial connection like a normal tv.

Edimax 802.11g 54Mbps USB Stick TURBO
quicklinx: 4PK3WS �14.99

Don't forget to check whether you need an individual TV licence, even though you are in a shared house.

[vehelpfulguy]

Do you need a TV card ?

Most channels offer a service where you can watch programs over broadband, like the BBC iPlayer.

[ACtheTROLL]

just a small consideration
I assume that we are talking desktop rather than laptop?

both devices mattie suggests are all in one (the wireless dongle looks to have a good adjustable aerial - but a usb wireless dongle trapped behind all that metal could be a reception problem.
Plugged into the front ... it's easy to catch... and break.
similar for the tv stick

get a usb hub at the same time so that you can position the wireless device better - the hub will come in for other things as well

finally - and this is really pickie!
have look on the TV doobies site to see what the interface looks like ...
I bought an MSI tv adapter which works really well ... but the interface is really lumpy - my old avermedia kit (laptop slipped ... broke the plug!) was nicer and far easier to use.

other than these small points ... mattie

[ACtheTROLL]

vhg

just seen your answer ....
you can't get all the freeview chanels.
and watching telly on a wireless dsl in a shared house isn't the most considerate thing to do

[Ethel]

Do you still have to plug the tv ariel in to watch tv on your pc?

I had to on mine

[Scarlett]

There is a tv aerial socket in the room. Will I need to use that too, do you think?
Thanks for the ideas- I will have a look!

[fo3nix]

Scarlett: yes you'll need to use the aerial. You'd also be able to use a little inside one, but the external should be far better.

amazon.co.uk or ebuyer.com will have good deals on them. Try and refrain from buying from PC World and the like, you'll get overcharged.