TV off the computer?

[Scenicgreenr]

Our new RV didn't come with a TV. However before I go out and by an LCD; is there an adapter to hook up the external antenna/cable to my laptop so that we can watch TV? Thx

[dogpatch]

I've never heard of a connection for cable to laptop.
If you bought and installed a new TV, most new TV's are capable of receining signals from a laptop. Your laptop should have an HDMI out connection. From this you shpuld be able to stream programing from your laptop. Net-Flix, TV programming as well as downloaded movies will run to your TV. Streaming will only work if you have a Wi-Fi connection or an air card.

[TXiceman]

Is this what you are looking for...
Amazon.com: Pinnacle PCTV HD Stick USB TV Tuner HDTV for PC: Electronics

[wildtoad]

There are several devices that provide tuner capabilities for a laptop. Make sure you get one that allows for hooking your coax cable from you rv antenna, cable, or satelite. The link that TXiceman provided shows several different brands and capabilities.

[two2go]

You have to provide more information and/or do more homework. Laptops may have VGA, HDMI, or DVI output plugs and TV sets may have the same (any combination) plus video component RCA jacks. Then there is the factor of compatibility between the various types and getting a proper converter, if needed.
In my case, my Dell computer has a VGA 15 pin plug and my Vizio TV also has a VGA computer input plug. So I found a VGA to VGA cable on eBay that connects the two. I have to use a separate audio cable--headphone mini plug from the computer to L-R RCA jacks on the TV. HDMI connections usually include the audio with the video.
My picture size on the TV is equivalent to the computer screen in pixels, so it is about 2/3 of the TV screen.
There are lots of variables, so you need to understand what you have and then get the right connections. If your TV has a computer input mode, the manual should explain how to get a proper hook-up.

[Billieg]

Quote:

Originally Posted by two2go In my case, my Dell computer has a VGA 15 pin plug and my Vizio TV also has a VGA computer input plug. So I found a VGA to VGA cable on eBay that connects the two.

I did the same thing and it works well. You can find all kinds of free movies, shows and specials on the web. With flat screens costing so little today it's worth it to get one. My Vizo which I bought at Wal-Mart cost me $132 after a discount and I love it. Using the computer screen is hard because both of you will have to be in front of it to view it. So a cable, TV and antenna will set you back around $160 but you couldn't buy a decent TV for that a few years ago.

[okmunky]

Flat screen TVs are light enough now that you could use one from your stick house, assuming you have one, when using your RV. The bonus being you won't worry it might get stolen from storage.

I have an LCD mounted on a wall using a standard in-home wall mount, but added a cable tie between the 2 pieces of the mount to be sure the TV couldn't get bounced off.

[wa8yxm]

Just Google WIN-TV, they make them for both Laptops and Desktop/tower type, I have two or 3 different versions.

Not only do they let you watch TV on your computer (Assuming you have "enough" computer) but you can even record a program to the hard driver for later viewing.

Almost as good as the twin Digital Video Recorders I use here in the motor home (Soon to be Triplets I'm told since they tell me my 3rd one will now work as well. Yippie, I think)

My adapters are older analog only devices. but they make them with ATSC tuners now days as well. USB or card slot depending on your computer.

[Wayne M]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scenicgreenr Our new RV didn't come with a TV. However before I go out and by an LCD; is there an adapter to hook up the external antenna/cable to my laptop so that we can watch TV? Thx

To answer your question:
Yes! There are many tuners that plug into the USB port and have an RF input connector for your antenna. Best Buy, or any good Electronics Store should have one, or you can search the internet for "TV for compuer" or similar words and find something suitable.

Also:
As stated, if you wish to purchase a TV and view signals from the computer you will need the right output connector from the computer to the TV.

[two2go]

I misunderstood the OP's question, so I described hooking a Tv to a laptop. There are TV tuners as some have stated. If you have a good Internet connection, you can stream TV shows and video. I watch old shows on Hulu and movies on Netflix my computer and on the TV when connected to the computer.

[wa8yxm]

Re: Streming video over the internet:
First: Not all shows are there
Second, you often do not get them till Tomorrow
THrid: If you are using park Wi-Fi will will NOT make friends of your fellow campers
Forth: If you are using your own (Cellular or 2-way Sat) service: Well, they may love you.

TV shows burn up some serious bandwidth when streamed and unless you truly have unlimited (And that is very rare) you can hit the "Extra charges" point in next to nothing flat.

[two2go]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wa8yxm Re: Streming video over the internet: First: Not all shows are there Second, you often do not get them till Tomorrow THrid: If you are using park Wi-Fi will will NOT make friends of your fellow campers Forth: If you are using your own (Cellular or 2-way Sat) service: Well, they may love you. TV shows burn up some serious bandwidth when streamed and unless you truly have unlimited (And that is very rare) you can hit the "Extra charges" point in next to nothing flat.

All true. I was just describing another option if it happens to work for someone. Our TV watching has diminished considerably. $50/month for Dish that we maintain to watch maybe 3 or 4 channels is undergoing evaluation right now. Another $40-50 for internet service and $8 for Netflix and $45 for cell phones and pretty soon, it amounts to real money. We are using electronic downloads from our library more and more. And when we can get local TV channels, there is often more content on the digital sub-channels (like 6-3) that interests us, and for free. To the OP, an OTA tuner into the laptop is a reasonable idea if he does not want to install a TV, but not as convenient to watch.