Media-based PCs are different from commonplace computers. Most computers can be used to play music, watch DVDs, view pictures, browse the Internet and display email. Media Center PCs can do much more. If you have a media-based PC you can display movies in HD, play music in surround sound, and show large slideshows of photographs from vacations or adventures.
If you have a media center PC, you probably also have an installed TV Tuner. If you don’t, you can purchase a TV tuner from your local computer store or an online vendor. A TV tuner obtains a television signal from your cable box, satellite receiver,
antenna, or cable connection and converts it to a signal your computer can understand. You can then use Vista’s Media Center to watch live TV anytime you want. You can also record, rewind, or fast forward television and TV recordings.
A television signal using a TV tuner can only be used to view one channel at a time, unless you have a dual TV tuner. Without a dual tuner, it’s not possible to watch two different shows at the same time over one connection. So, if you want to record one television show while watching another, take this into consideration before purchasing the hardware.
There are several ways to obtain a television signal. One of the most popular is to use a cable box. Just connect the output from the cable box into the television signal input on your TV tuner (and connect the TV tuner to the PC). You’ll do the same to set up a satellite connection. If you have neither a cable box or satellite signal, you can connect the TV tuner directly to the television signal input, for instance, if you receive your signal from an antenna or do not have a cable box.