Pros of satellite TV on your computer
Before you connect the receiver to your computer, you first need to decide whether you need it? Watching satellite channels on a PC monitor has a number of advantages over standard TV use:
- You don't need to download special applications to watch TV channels on your computer screen. No need to spend large traffic packages.
- Watching satellite television becomes possible even in remote areas.
- Relatively easy system setup. Even a beginner in this matter can figure out how to connect the receiver to a computer.
- Excellent signal level, good image quality.
Why is it necessary?
The advantage of a laptop is that it is more convenient to use in many cases, including when watching TV channels. It is a mobile device that can be easily transported. The only drawback of the laptop is the small screen, which is not very convenient for watching TV shows or movies.
It is in this case that a TV set-top box becomes the solution. It is worth noting that recently laptop manufacturers have been releasing many models with a built-in T2 tuner, but most of them are expensive.
The most preferable option would be to purchase a laptop with the ability to connect an external T2.
The benefits of using a set-top box are obvious. It allows:
If desired, the user can transfer the recording of the film or program to other Internet resources, having previously processed the video. Today you can buy various consoles in stores. Experienced experts recommend giving preference to combined types, with which you can receive a signal from analog and digital channels.
Disadvantages of satellite TV on a computer
However, such viewing of TV programs also has a number of significant disadvantages:
- You need to do the connection and setup yourself. Or by attracting craftsmen for an additional fee.
- The cost of tariffs for activating such services from providers is still high.
How to connect the receiver to a computer? Maybe it's worth turning to an alternative solution? They are sharing packages, which are offered by almost any operator of such services.
Some tips
Obviously, setting up and installing the receiver on a PC is a simple thing. Knowing all the rules described above, you will not have to use the services of a specialist. But lastly, let’s leave a couple of tips:
- Do not try to force install a component that does not “give”, as you may break something.
- Remember safety precautions when installing new equipment.
- Use only proven software for viewing or listening.
- If none of the tips or instructions in this article helped you, contact a specialist for advice.
Connecting a tuner
How to connect the Tricolor receiver to a computer? The first thing you need to do is purchase a switch type device. This is the name of a signal switch that provides exchange between several network components.
Accordingly, connecting any TV tuner to a PC is possible only through this device. The initial step will be to connect the switch to a personal computer.
How to connect the receiver to a computer? Twisted pair cable is required for your device. Experts recommend paying attention to the compatibility of the cable and equipment. Only after this can it be connected to the switch and tuner connectors.
Connecting a tuner is possible when using Total Commander. An FTP server is added for it. Next, in the windows that appear, you must enter all the required information to create an account. It is necessary to save the data for the tuner. The next step is to connect to an operator to organize your viewing.
Choosing a router
What are the differences between 3G and 4G networks: features, advantages and disadvantages
After this, some people will still have a question: how to connect the TV to the router via a LAN cable, and which router to choose for this. Fortunately, there are very few problems that may arise when choosing a router. All modern routers cope with this with a bang. Therefore, if there is already a router at home, then it is easily suitable for connection. The main rule: the router must contain more than one LAN port for connecting external consuming devices in order to connect the TV and a personal computer or laptop.
Tuner: options
We continue to look at how to connect the receiver to a computer monitor. Watching satellite TV on your PC is possible through several types of devices. Tuners differ from each other in terms of the dvb standard and the ability to receive digital channels in a certain format. Today, the user has the opportunity to choose a dvb tuner that is not only capable of reproducing digital television on standard computers, but also operates in analog mode. And this already provides greater viewing convenience.
Basically, dvb devices come in two variations:
- A special module for subsequent installation in a PC.
- Separate receiver.
What's the difference? An internal standard TV tuner for your personal computer is the most compact solution. Externally, such a device looks like a small card. The internal receiver here must be inserted into a special PCI connector located on the motherboard. As a result, such a satellite TV tuner is a fairly simple device to operate and configure, which provides the user with the opportunity to watch many channels. But at the same time, its capabilities, in comparison with a standard tuner with dvb technology for computers, remain very limited.
Now it is important to note the key difference between dvb t2 and dvb c technologies for PC. The first is used on computers to organize viewing of television programs using terrestrial networks. You may need to download certain software for your device to function properly. The second technology involves connecting via satellite. The external tuner here will be connected directly to the antenna and switch for a direct signal. You can also highlight a number of devices that are connected via USB.
Implementation
Well, let's start point by point, it will probably be more correct (I advise you to watch the video below, there is much more detail there)
SO:
- Flash drives - any, read without problems, large - small, high-speed (USB 3.0) and slow - “don’t care.” So I won’t even focus on it, look at the video below.
- Documents, that’s probably the only problem! The fact is that there is still no normal free system for documents for ANDROID. Of course, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of them in the PLAY MARKET, but some are simply “poor”, others are good, but paid. So I searched for a long time, but I found a solution for myself! OFFICE for ANDROID is presented by google itself, just install the “google documents” application and in a couple of moments you will be able to create documents in WORD, EXCEL, etc. That is, in essence, what we need.
- Listening to music is also no problem, there are several different players.
- Watching movies - Android computers have been like this for a long time; they reproduce almost all formats - why almost? There is no clarity with 3D “yet”, at least this function is not implemented for me.
- Internet surfing – guys, I’ll say this – there is simply no difference from a regular computer browser, just like on a large computer we open windows and browse. The only inconvenience is that some sites switch to mobile versions, you have to switch them.
- Toys - there are simply tons of them on the play market, there are simply thousands of them, both paid and free, so whoever is looking for them will always find them.
- SKYPE – works like a clock! There is nothing special to write.
What else I would like to add, there are a lot of functions, for example - you can install the well-known VIBER, this is an Android, which means it will install without problems.
Carrying out settings
How to connect the receiver to a computer monitor? Let us immediately note that it is impossible to download satellite TV to a regular computer. After all, the signal here is transmitted and received via satellite. Therefore, simply downloading and installing the program will not be enough. A receiver is required that will receive the signal.
If you want to watch TV on your computer for free, you will need to download sharing files on the website of any operator. Next, you just need to sign up for a relatively inexpensive subscription.
How to connect a digital receiver to a computer? If this is a small internal card specifically designed for a PC, then you need to open the system unit and install the device in the appropriate connector located on the motherboard. It is important that the card fits freely into it, snapping into place when entering.
For further reception of the signal by the device, it is also necessary to connect an external antenna. You can pick it up yourself and then install it on the outside of the wall of your house. Accordingly, a cable suitable for the parameters of these devices must lead from the antenna to the PC.
How to connect a TV receiver to a computer? Next you need to make the standard settings:
- The device usually comes with a disk with installation drivers. Insert it into the PC drive.
- The Installation Wizard will open. Confirm your intention to install this driver.
- After the software is installed, you need to restart your computer.
- Sign in again. Now your PC is completely ready to display TV channels.
What should you do if you lost the installation disk or did not come with the receiver? You can also find the necessary driver and software on the official website of the device manufacturer.
Connectors and switching of set-top boxes for TV
Before choosing digital set-top boxes for your TV, you should pay attention to the type of connectors through which the tuner is connected. It is important to take into account some parameters.
The CI slot is used to expand electronic modules that are built into modern televisions, as well as digital television receivers, and allow you to play encrypted television and radio channels. This slot is used in digital television broadcasting systems that provide protection for commercial media content.
Digital interfaces are used to connect standard low-cost set-top boxes, although higher-priced models may have other add-ons. Basically, digital terrestrial television receivers have a standard connector, which is called a “tulip”. This connector provides signal transmission in analog form, which may affect the image quality. It may not be entirely natural. Better broadcast quality can be achieved using an HDMI cable, which transmits uncompensated images in digital form.
Connectors for external digital set-top boxes for TV
Helpful advice! Before purchasing a tuner, you should pay attention to Ethernet, USB and other interfaces. The main group consists of digital interfaces: e-SATA port, Ethernet (RJ-45), HDMI, slot for MicroSD cards, mini USB, slot for regular SD cards, SPDIF, SPDIF (coaxial), SPDIF (optical), interfaces USB.
Analog connectors for digital set-top boxes
The analog signal is transmitted using a specific series of connectors. First of all, the output for a conventional antenna should be mentioned. This is the same composite input (RCA) - in common parlance “tulip”. Through it you can connect not only a VCR, DVD player or game console, but also a video camera or camera.
The S-Video connector is used to connect VCRs, camcorders and other devices. The component input includes all components of the video signal, of which two are responsible for color, one for brightness (transmitted over various channels). The converter is designated as follows: Y PbPr. The component input is designed for connecting a DVD player, DTV decoder, and other equipment.
The analog signal is transmitted using a connector for a conventional antenna
SCART is a European standard for connecting a variety of devices. Through it, it is possible to transmit audio and video signals, both analog and digital. VGA is a 15-pin connector that is used to connect analog monitors and televisions. In addition to standard stereo and audio outputs, the list of analog connectors includes the following: RS-232C, SCART, S-Video antenna input, composite AV (RCA), composite mini AV, component YPbPr (RCA).
There is also a pass-through antenna output, which allows you to conveniently connect the antenna to another TV or set-top box without additional signal separation (splitter).
Work algorithm
Can the receiver be connected to a computer? Yes, and we will tell you exactly how best to do this.
Use the following step-by-step instructions:
- Connect the receiver to the PC as a second computer on the local network. To do this, the main PC connects to the Internet. Then a local network is installed using a switching device of the “switch” variety.
- Now a twisted pair cable will come in handy. With its help, the receiver is connected to the switch, and the latter, in turn, to the computer.
- Turn on the TV and go to the “Settings” section. In the “Network setup” section, the DHCP line will be important for you. This is where you will get the IP address. It is definitely worth photographing or recording.
- Perform all network settings on the satellite receiver itself.
- Now it's time to launch Total Commander on your computer.
- Go to "Network". Next, click on “Connect to FTP server” in the pop-up menu.
- After these steps, a corresponding window with settings will open on the monitor, which will help you establish a connection to the FTP server.
- Click the “Add” button to subsequently connect your satellite receiver to your computer.
- Next, you need to fill out the standard input fields in the window that appears.
- "Connection name". You can specify a custom name. For example, "Receiver".
- "Server/Port". The saved address from the third paragraph of the instructions is written here.
- In the “Account” line, enter the login to access the server of your receiver. You need to come up with it yourself.
- The “Password” field specifies the code to access your account. You also come up with this combination of symbols yourself.
- How to connect a satellite receiver to a computer? Next, all you have to do is click “Ok” and save all the entered settings.
How to connect Smart TV to a computer
The connection of two devices is carried out using both wired interfaces and wireless technologies. Data exchange can be achieved via a Wi-Fi radio channel. Setting up laptops is easier because they have built-in modules. For personal computers, you need to buy a special device that will provide wireless synchronization.
Modern Samsung or LG TVs support Smart TV technology, so connecting them to a computer via Wi-Fi is not accompanied by any difficulties. If older models do not provide wireless connectivity, they will require a special adapter that plugs into the USB port.
Connecting a computer and TV is carried out in several ways, depending on what purpose the user is pursuing. Wireless synchronization is needed in two cases: when the TV receiver will be used as a monitor or to play various files from the PC hard drive. To establish a connection between two devices, both must be part of the same wireless network.
An important step is setting up a DLNA server. It sounds scary, but it's a simple matter of opening access to folders where media files are stored. You must set the Wi-Fi network settings on your computer to “Home” mode. After this, you will be able to connect to folders called “Video”, “Music” and others. To ensure quick access, you must perform the following steps:
- Right-click on the folder with video files.
- In the window that opens, click on the “Access” tab, and then select “Advanced settings”.
- Another menu will open, there you will need to check the “Hide access to folder” command and click on the “OK” button.
If the DLNA connection is successful, you can open the receiver menu and view the list of devices with which the connection has been established.
Start using the service
How to connect the Tricolor receiver to a computer? We recommend using the instructions above. Now let's look at how to start using the account you just created:
- Highlight the saved “Receiver” entry.
- Click on "Connect". After this, the device should begin connecting to the server.
- Next, Total Commander will display a set of receiver files in the window if the connection was successful. It is worth noting that you can work with the documents and folders that appear in the same way as with the structural components of the Windows system. To change anything, you should select a folder or file, and then select “Files” from the top menu. Next - “Change attributes”. After this you can start editing.
- In the “Change Attributes” window that opens, specify the required value for the attribute. For example, 755. Next, you just have to click on “Ok”.
- That's it, the connection is complete.
How to connect a receiver to a computer? The connection can be made directly. In some cases, a switch or router is required. In this example (we have analyzed it), the receiver must have settings similar to those applicable on the computer’s network adapter.
Types of AV receivers
How to connect an AV receiver to a computer? This question is asked by people who want to watch movies or play games on a computer, accompanied by high-quality, comprehensive sound that only an audio system can provide. Buying a receiver that would connect it to a PC is half the battle. It is equally important to connect it correctly.
Today, receivers sold on the audiovisual equipment market are equipped with several universal interfaces that make connection with other devices available. The most popular interfaces are the following:
- "Tulip". This is the name of the composite connection method to transmit stereo and video signals.
- Component method. This method is well suited for working with video files.
- HDMI connection. It transmits not only a video signal, but also multi-channel and surround sound.
- Digital way.
We will look at how to connect a Yamaha receiver to a computer. Why was he chosen as an example? Many users note that these devices are considered long-lived in the market for such equipment.
Functionality of AV receivers
Let's look at the key features of these devices:
- A rich set of different tuner settings.
- Possibility of automatic tuning of spatial sound. Using a microphone, the system itself determines the following parameters: speaker sizes, distances to them, volume for each speaker, etc.
- A wide variety of surround sound programs.
- Digital decoders that help decompose stereo into a multi-channel sound circuit, where all speakers are fully used.
- Supports various application modes: cinema, music, video games.
- A built-in converter that, when connecting various devices (computers, various players, video cameras, game consoles, etc.), allows you to use a universal HDMI cable to output images.
- Possibility of analog connection of an external decoder.
- Support for a second zone (additional stereo acoustic system).
- Trainable remote control point.
Acoustics
It’s a little more difficult to connect home theater speaker systems, because the number of connections in this case is much larger. However, the approach itself remains the same. First, turn off the power by removing the plugs from the sockets, then carefully check the integrity of the speaker cable cores and make sure that they do not touch each other. And then make the connection. Great help when connecting the acoustics of home theater sets is provided by marking cables and connectors using the supplied set of special labels.
The user can only connect the equipment in accordance with the inscriptions on the nameplates or colors. In this case the error is excluded.
Methods for connecting AV receivers
We already know how to connect the Tricolor receiver to a computer monitor. Now let's look at connecting the audio system.
There are several ways to connect an AV receiver to a PC:
- Using the Internet.
- Through the use of a sound and video card.
- Through a mixed type of connection.
The first type of connection presented is considered the most popular and simplest among users. Accordingly, your PC must have an established Internet connection. In addition, you must be armed with a switch. It’s great if the latter supports communication, say, via Wi-Fi. In this case, you can comfortably control the device using your smartphone.
Why is it necessary?
The advantage of a laptop is that it is more convenient to use in many cases, including when watching TV channels. This is a mobile device that is easy to transport. The only drawback of the laptop is the small screen, which is not very convenient for watching TV shows or movies.
This is where a TV decoder becomes the solution. It is worth noting that in recent years, laptop manufacturers have released many models with a built-in T2 tuner, but they are mostly expensive.
The most preferable option is to buy a laptop with an external T2 connector.
The benefits of using a set-top box are obvious. This allows:
If necessary, the user can transfer the recording of a film or program to other Internet resources by pre-processing the video clip. Today you can buy various decoders in stores. Experienced specialists recommend giving preference to combined types, with which you can receive signals from analog and digital channels.
Connecting the AV receiver via the Internet, making settings
Here is an action algorithm suitable for connecting Yamaha receivers:
- If you are connecting to the network for the first time, you will need to allow additional time to enter the settings that are presented by your Internet service provider.
- At this stage, a network cable will come in handy. With its help, a computer, switch, and receiver are connected to each other.
- Now the user should access the network settings menu on their PC. It is recommended to select the automatic network detection method.
- Next, the computer is assigned the status of a signal source. This is easy to do using the NET button.
- The next step is to make sure that you have a music player program installed on your computer. The standard Windows audio player is also great. If there is no such application, then you can download and install any free or paid program from the many options that the Internet offers.
- Now allow the audio device to work with audio files remotely.
- On your computer, you need to select the receiver as the priority, main source of data. How to do it? Open Control Panel on your PC, then click Choose data sharing options. Here you should limit the number of signal sources by the first setting.
- After all the correct actions have been performed, the computer is able to see the receiver. Now you can use these devices in tandem.
Let us note once again that the instructions are adapted for the most common Yamaha receivers. The settings of other devices may differ from the standard shown. Often the manufacturer himself provides an algorithm for the correct actions in the instructions.
When is it convenient to use a laptop as a TV?
In many cases, it is convenient to use a laptop, and the ability to watch TV channels is no exception. First of all, this is a mobile technique that is easy to carry. The only problem is the small screen size. Through your PC, you can watch your favorite shows anywhere you have a Wi-Fi connection. If the TV fails, there will be only salvation.
A very common occurrence in families is the “fight” over television. Some people want to watch films, others want to know the main events of the country. Children always like cartoons. With TV, it can be difficult to compromise and prioritize.
A laptop will also come in handy in a one-room apartment. By connecting wireless headphones, the TV can work smoothly and the channel can be streamed through the laptop. In this case, no one will interfere with each other.
What is needed for full-time work?
My keyboard and mouse are old, connected to a PS / 2 computer, not USB: on the one hand, this is a minus, on the other, an advantage. I bought an adapter in which both devices are installed at the same time, so we connect to one USB port, that is, the second one is free. Here is a photo.
It costs a penny, about 150 rubles. It may be more expensive, but it works fine for me.
Next, you need to turn on the console on the monitor, there was also a purchase. The fact is that the monitor only has DVI and VGA outputs, and our Android gadget has HDMI, so an adapter from HDMI to DVI is needed, which can be found in computer stores or re-ordered in China. I don’t remember the price now, but I think no more than 300-400 rubles, or maybe less.
Connecting a monitor
- Find the HDMI port on the set-top box;
- And the like on the monitor;
- Now we connect them both with a cable;
- And now, to watch on a TV screen, you will have to constantly switch between ports. The button is usually labeled "Source" or a similar icon, as in the image above.
Other ways to connect television
Another way is to use a special TV tuner receiver to capture video. Which will also be connected to the TV box and then to the USB port of the laptop or computer. The problem will be that you will have to buy additional equipment. You need it? If you can make it much easier. One way is to set up IPTV. The service is provided by almost all modern providers and goes hand in hand with the Internet.
To do this, you will also need to buy a set-top box from the operator for a few cents, but you can watch TV on all devices connected to the router. Then the TV will be on the TV and on the computer. We have separate detailed instructions for setting up IPTV.
It’s even easier to watch TV and any channel through a regular browser or special programs. In this case, it will all use a regular Internet connection. If you are interested in this particular option, then welcome here. Briefly talk about watching TV shows on your computer or laptop without paying extra and for free.
But you need to understand that not all TV shows can be watched for free. True, as elsewhere, you can also purchase individual programs via the Internet, which contain almost the entire list of well-known channels. As you can see, there is no need to connect a TV set-top box. And this device itself is temporary and will disappear into oblivion in a few years, because these are actually the “crutches” of careless TV manufacturers.
Another option is to watch movies and listen to music from your computer via DLNA on your TV. Alternatively, you can install it nearby and watch. If you are interested in this option, go here.
Connecting AV receivers via HDMI
Finally, let’s look at another pressing question: how to connect the receiver to a computer via HDMI? There are two possible solutions to the problem:
- Scheme: computer video card (HDMI/DVI with HDMI adapter) - HDMI cable - HDMI IN receiver. Accordingly, both sound and image will be output through this interface. How to connect an HDMI receiver to a computer? First of all, a codec package is downloaded to the PC. When installing it, you should select the SPDIF device (that is, the receiver) as the priority for audio output. Don't forget to set the receiver as the default one in Windows playback devices. In this case, all audio decoders supported by your PC's video card should work. You can find a list of them in the user manual for the component. If you have an old video card with a digital interface, then it must be connected to the computer's sound card using a special conductor. In addition, some video adapter models require a DVI to HDMI adapter, which allows audio output.
- Scheme: computer video card (HDMI/DVI with HDMI adapter) - HDMI cable - HDMI IN receiver + coaxial or optical digital audio output on the motherboard + coaxial or optical cable + special optical connector on the receiver itself. In this case, the image will be output via HDMI, and the sound will be output from the motherboard to the receiver via an optical cable. How to connect the receiver to a computer via HDMI? In some cases, you may need a separate sound card, a special optical cable with a “spout” at the end for subsequent connection to the optical output connector (its name is Optical OUT).
We hope that the above instructions will help you understand how to connect receivers to a computer: both for watching satellite television on a PC and for creating a “home theater” system with surround sound and high-quality image output.
The second difficulty when connecting terrestrial TV to a PC: poor video signal reception quality
Poor signal reception occurs due to the extremely simplified antenna. If the signal is weak, the tower is located far away, then the image will be unclear and intermittent. Replacing the antenna with a better option will solve the problem. A good indoor or outdoor model with an extension cord will do.
Replacing the antenna will help solve the problem of a weak signal