Question about watching TV on the PC

[iMoose]

Hey folks! Moose again.

With yet another mouth-breather question.

Is there a SAFE download to allow my junky PC to watch TV shows?

Do I really gotta buy ANOTHER G-dang PCI card for my computer?

The one's I've seen are like $60-70!!!! That's crazy, man.

If it's broadcast "over the air" then are there any channels that just stream live?

Is this as dumb a question as I think it may sound?

I'm super-nervous about downloads after losing a TON of data due to infections. I seldom download ANYTHING. As I'm not exactly sure what got me the last couple of times.

Seriously, no porno or torrents. Hell, I don't even download music!

So what's the best suggestions? I regularly watch episodes "one at a time", but was wondering about just being able to "tune in" a channel.

Wow, I feel kinda stoopid asking this, but haven't quite found any answers to this question that instill me with any confidence. And I just don't trust any of the sites offering "FREE TV ON YOUR PC". Sounds too good to be true.

Thanks for any responses y'all!:wave:

 

[raybay]

There are no stoopid questions.
But you didn't tell us anything about your computer brand and model, or your operating system.
In general, you need additional hard ware to watch TV... as well as a TV connection. Do you have cable or an antenna?

 

[SNGX1275]

OTA stuff is going to be more involved in the US as soon as everyone switches to digital, so you won't be able to use an analog PCI tuner anymore. So yes for OTA stuff you will need a digital tuner PCI card or USB plugin. Then you'll also need an antenna..

Hulu.com may be your best bet for watching stuff legally and free, there are some ads, but it is set up by the networks so nothing bad.

 

[rev_olie]

Take a look at one of these.
[ame]http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=TV+tuner&x=0&y=0[/ame]

Its basically a PCI or USB adapter that allows you to plug in your TV aerial cable to your PC. Its not as much as you think now maybe about $30 (i think i got my exchange rate right)
Also you say junk PC. If its low res etc then there is no point in buying an expensive TV card as your going to have lousy picture anyhow.

 

[Tedster]

there are many free programs out there you can download to watch internet tv worldwide (requires broadband connections.)

otherwise you will need a tv tuner card.

 

[raybay]

As of tonight, the world changes.
If you really think there are many free programs out there you can download to watch internet tv worldwide, requiring broadband connections, please name them.

 

[SNGX1275]

This may be of interest. Just went live recently: http://lifehacker.com/5154549/nbc-direct-offers-free-hd-downloads

 

[iMoose]

Sorry to bump a dead dog....

But wanted to just say to any looking for the same thing...

Hulu is the best bet, even has the HD option. But no downloading(legally?) but that's not a biggie.

The biggest downside is no Big Bang Theory. Not yet?

But I actually did find some of those on iGoogle video links to some weird Spanish-subtitled HORRIBLE quality video. Tu.tv? I can't remember. But don't get your hopes up, it's truly CRUD video. All pixelated and the sound drags a second or two! And no, it's not my graphics card!

But hey, until I break down and buy the box sets, it works.

Also found episodes in Russian(?), but it's just one guy doing everybody's voices!

Weird. :wave:

 

[SNGX1275]

Are any of CBS's shows on Hulu? I haven't paid too much attention, but I don't think I've noticed any.

 

[Tedster]

As of tonight, the world changes.
If you really think there are many free programs out there you can download to watch internet tv worldwide, requiring broadband connections, please name them.

feel free to do your homework. I don't get paid for my services.

Here is one I use - JLC internet TV