How to connect a TV set-top box to a laptop: via HDMI and another way

Hello everyone and I’m in touch with you, Bearded Man! Another very interesting letter arrived in the mail with a question: how to connect a TV set-top box to a laptop. But how?! - take it and connect it. You can use HDMI or another similar cable. Another question is that it will be impossible to watch TV channels in this way. Finally: is it possible to connect? - Yes! Will there be a result? - No!

On a laptop and computer, all HDMI ports that are commonly used are “OUT” ports and not “IN” ports. That is, from there the signal goes to another device - for example, to a TV, monitor, projector. But the monitor has an HDMI input. This is where you can connect your set-top box.

Why do you need a computer TV tuner - its functions and capabilities

The main task of a TV tuner (receiver) is to receive a signal on a channel and convert it for display on the screen, in this case on a computer. This option can be extended using the receiver model:

Teletext - interactive program guide;
Record programs manually or using a programmer;
Working with surround sound.

Such devices have a number of advantages:

Mobility - connects to any PC, display or laptop;
Universal reception - compatible with terrestrial, digital and satellite television.

Since Russia switched to digital television broadcasting, such receivers have become quite popular.

What can a computer TV tuner do?

The main function of the receiver is to act as a television receiver, that is, to show television programs on a computer monitor.

Depending on the model, the functionality can be expanded. For example:

teletext - interactive program guide;
recording programs manually or through a scheduler;
support for Dolby Digital surround sound - important for connecting to Hi-End equipment.

The device will be useful for those who do not want to buy a full-fledged TV or are afraid of missing their favorite TV show due to a business trip.

Among the advantages of the device are:

Mobility. Ability to connect to any computer, monitor or laptop;
Versatility. Some models are capable of receiving not only terrestrial signals, but also digital and satellite television.

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:

to display TV content on the monitor;
use a laptop as a recording device;
to listen to the radio;
stop the show;
control viewing time.

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.

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.

Device for receiving television signal

In order for a laptop to turn into a TV, you should add a special external TV tuner for a laptop to it. A TV tuner is a device that receives a television signal and converts it into a format understandable by a computer or other device.

In the modern world, there are already laptops and computers that have tuners installed inside them, but they rarely come on sale, are expensive and have decent sizes.

An external TV tuner for a laptop has one undeniable advantage - it combines independent power supply and a large screen diagonal. In shopping centers you can see televisions for sale that receive energy from batteries, which have a maximum screen width of 7 inches. The laptop has a diagonal of up to 19 inches. The most common modifications of laptops have a monitor width of 14–15 inches. They can also play teletext, record TV shows on a local disk and then display them, and pick up FM radio signals.

Connecting the digital TV set-top box to the computer

Technical solutions allow you to watch TV channels not only on TV. The younger generation may have a computer and laptop in their home, but not always a TV. There are different ways to watch TV on your computer. But the most stable picture in terms of smoothness and quality in the presence of a TV cable from the provider is a digital TV set-top box on a computer.

Via USB

Connecting an external TV tuner to a computer with a USB port is as follows:

Connect the device to a USB port on your computer.
Connect an antenna (one or another, more powerful included) to the tuner input).
When the computer of the new device is found, minimize the drivers and applications according to the system requirements (usually they come with the device or you can download them from the official website of the developer).
Once you have completed installing all the software required to work with DVB T or DVB C, restart your computer.
Then open the channel viewer you installed and turn on automatic search for all frequencies. Save the channels you find.
To change channels, adjust volume, make settings, you can use the remote control by pointing it at the receiver (if the IR port supports it), or use the buttons in the application.

Via HDMI

Almost all modern laptops are equipped with an HDMI connector because it makes it easy to transfer audio and video to other devices, such as a TV, projector, independent monitor, etc. This option is often used when organizing a presentation. In our case, the question sounds a little different, namely how to connect a TV set-top box to a laptop via HDMI to display the picture on the screen.

In this case, you will need a special HDMI IN, which not all laptops have. Some examples include: Lenovo IdeaPad V110, Dell Inspiron 5737, Acer Aspire ES1-131-C57G and Asus X756UQ-T4255D. If desired, it is easy to find other options on the Internet.

The TV set-top box is connected to the laptop via HDMI IN. In this case, a media player or receiver can act as a television source.

The main condition is the presence of a special HDMI connector in the equipment. As an alternative, you can use the following set-top boxes - World Vision T55D, Internet T2BOX-250iD, Internet U2C T2 HD.

The HDMI connection seems ideal for any user. But is it?

Professionals

convenience;
high-quality images and sounds;
there is no need to purchase additional equipment;

Against

not all laptops are equipped with HDMI IN;
Due to the connection with a wire, a cumbersome circuit is obtained.;

Video capture card

Another way to connect a digital TV set-top box to your laptop is to use a video capture card. This method is suitable if the HDMI IN input shown above is not available. To solve the problem, you will need a special card with subsequent connection via USB or Express Card.

Using a USB T2 tuner

When asked whether it is possible to connect the set-top box to a laptop, many experts recommend a simplified option using a DVB-T2 tuner, which can work via USB. Such devices are specially designed for receiving and transmitting digital television. It's easy to tune in and watch your favorite shows.

To connect a laptop to such a digital TV, you need to follow several steps. The algorithm is as follows:

The most popular models of USB tuners for laptops are Geniatech MyGica T230C, EvroMedia Full Hybrid & Full HD, AVerTV Hybrid Volar T2, Openbox T230C.

Using a TV tuner to capture video

To connect the set-top box to a laptop, you can use an intermediate connection - a TV tuner (receiver) to capture video. It must be connected to the set-top box and then to the laptop. Alternatively, you can use the Video Capture USB Series Compact Adapter. The cost of such equipment is about 2500 and 600 rubles, respectively.

When considering the question of whether it is possible to connect a smart or digital set-top box to a laptop, it is important to note the easiest way out of the situation - using IPTV television. Today, many modern Internet providers provide this opportunity along with the Internet. By the way, the most popular provider providing IPTV service is Rostelecom. All you need is to buy an IPTV set-top box (rent it) and connect it to your laptop.

Connection methods

There are several options for using a laptop with a TV set-top box. However, none of the methods is possible without connecting the device to the Internet. Therefore, first you need to provide access to the resource. The first two connection options are based on the use of Internet TV and cable.

The most popular and convenient way is to use a computer to play TV programs through an external T2 tuner.

Before setting up channel reception, you will need to install a special program, which is recorded on the disk that comes with the set-top box.

To operate such a system, you will need to ensure the correct connection not only to the TV, but also to the laptop. To do this, you need to install special drivers that will allow the computer to connect to the tuner. To save the changes made, it is better to restart your PC. If all steps are completed correctly, a shortcut for the TV set-top box will appear on the laptop desktop. After this, you should connect the T2 tuner using a USB cable, then the system will determine the algorithm for playing programs independently.

How to set up an Android TV set-top box via a WiFi router?

Here you can already use pre-installed utilities, but working with Android TV Box would be incomplete without its main advantage - the ability to access the Internet. To set up the set-top box for surfing the Internet and connecting to a WiFi router, do the same as for the tablet:

go to android settings
turn on Wi-Fi
and connect to our network, setting up the necessary parameters - password and, if necessary, IP

After that, you can already enjoy all the benefits of the Internet: download applications, watch movies on YouTube, browse websites, play games, and so on.

Alternative solution

In the world of the Internet, you can generally leave the problem of connecting through a set-top box to a laptop or TV. You can simply watch your favorite channels using a simple web browser or special programs. All you need to do is connect the equipment to the network.

Professionals

no additional costs;
high-quality video;
the ability to transfer images to TV;
large selection of programs, etc.;

Against

you will have to pay for many quality channels;
You won’t be able to watch TV without the Internet;

Now you know whether it is possible to connect a digital TV set-top box to a laptop, how to do it via HDMI or other methods. Having said this, it is easy to conclude. If you already have additional equipment, try connecting it using cables (using HDMI IN if desired). Otherwise, it is better to use modern switching methods and IPTV technology, as well as watch TV through a browser on the Internet.

Settings

Special attention should be paid to setting up the equipment. The following steps are performed here:

after mounting, a reboot is performed;
then the main program is launched;
here you need to search for channels;
subsequently you need to save the channels in memory;
You can also set additional parameters;
restrictions are set if necessary.

After setting up the device, it is recommended to make a backup copy in case of failure of the entire system.

Don't forget to set up your equipment

How to setup?

First of all, it is worth noting that the setup will have to be done for both the laptop and the TV. First, you should think about setting up the operation of your television device.

Work algorithm

Can the receiver be connected to a computer? Yes, and we will specifically tell you how best to do this.

Use the following step-by-step instructions:

Connect the receiver to your PC as a second computer on the local network. To do this, the host computer connects to the Internet. Then a local network is created using a switch-type switching device.
Now twisted pair comes to the rescue. With its help, the receiver is connected to the switch, and the latter, in turn, to the computer.
Turn on your TV and go to Settings. In the “Network Settings” section, the DHCP line will be important for you. This is where you get the IP address. It must be photographed or recorded.
Make all network settings on the satellite receiver itself.
It's time to launch Total Commander on your computer.
Let's go to the "Network". Then click "Connect to FTP Server" from the pop-up menu."
After these steps, a corresponding settings window will open on the monitor, which will help you establish a connection to the FTP server.
Click the "Add" button to later connect the satellite receiver to your computer.
Next, in the window that appears, you need to fill in the standard input fields.
"Connection name". You can specify a custom name. For example, "Receiver".
Server port. The address saved in the third paragraph of the instructions is written here.
In the “Account” line, enter the login to access the recipient’s server. You have to invent it yourself.
The “Password” field contains the code to access your account. You also invented this combination of symbols.
How to connect a satellite receiver to a computer? Then you just need to click "OK" and save all the settings you entered.

Setting up your TV

When the T2 tuner cable is connected to the TV, you need to:

take the remote control;
go to the main menu;
switch to HDMI;
select the signal source - you can find it in the “External Inputs” section or enter it yourself using the “Source” button located on the remote control;
Set priority to the HDMI connector with the cable connected.

If the settings have been successfully completed, the laptop desktop will appear on the TV screen.

PC setup

After setting up the TV, you can start configuring the settings on your laptop. First of all, you can adjust the image quality. This is especially true if the laptop's HDMI is displaying on a TV for the first time. If you don't adjust the quality, the image will be blurry.

To set up you will need:

As you change the resolution, you should observe how much the image quality has improved or deteriorated. You can also choose the option of connecting your laptop to your TV:

Once all parameters have been determined, the setup can be considered complete. The user can start watching TV programs.

Wired methods

The type of wired connection you choose depends on what connectors your TV and computer or laptop have. The optimal interface for multimedia is HDMI. It allows you to simultaneously stream high-definition digital video and audio to your TV. An HDMI connector is available on almost all digital TVs, even quite old ones, as well as on laptops. HDMI ports are less common among system manufacturers. More traditional for PCs: DVI for digital video transmission and an analog VGA connector. But the problem of port incompatibility is easily solved with the help of adapters. However, signal transmission through adapters does not always work correctly, so matching ports is preferable.

Other types of interfaces are less common or less convenient for connecting a computer to a TV, so we will leave them outside the scope of this article. It is also worth considering that all options except HDMI-HDMI and HDMI-RCA involve video transmission only. For parallel audio broadcasting, you will also have to use a 3.5 jack (computer) - RCA (TV) cable.

Let's look at the connection using Windows as an example. The cable should be connected with the devices turned off, so as not to burn the ports. On the TV remote control, press the INPUT or SOURCE button. From the Input List or Source menu, select the appropriate port (in this case HDMI).

On your computer, you need to right-click on the desktop and select “Screen Resolution”, thus opening the screen settings. If the connected TV is not detected automatically, use the “Find” button. Once the TV is displayed here as a second screen, you can select it as the main screen and change the resolution.

Pros of satellite TV on your computer

Before you connect the receiver to your computer, you must first decide whether you need it? Watching satellite channels on a PC monitor has a number of advantages compared to standard TV use:

To watch TV channels on your computer screen, you do not need to download special applications. There is no need to spend large packets of traffic.
Satellite television is becoming possible even in remote areas.
Relatively simple system setup. Even a beginner in this field will be able to understand how to connect the receiver to a computer.
Excellent signal level, good image quality.

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.

Disadvantages of satellite TV on a computer

However, this type of TV viewing also has a number of significant disadvantages:

You must carry out the connection and setup yourself. Or by attracting artisans for an additional fee.
The cost of tariffs for providers to activate these services remains high.

How to connect the receiver to a computer? Maybe it's worth turning to a workaround? They share packages that are offered by almost all operators of such services.

The order of viewing a television picture

Channels can be watched in two modes:

1. In the usual way, which is still very different from watching programs on TV. After all, at any moment you can observe the time before the end of the transmission and what will happen after it. You can record the broadcast you are watching by clicking on the “Record” function. It is also possible to display a preview of the TV channels available in the network, so that a person will know what is on other channels.

2. An external TV tuner for a laptop provides the ability to watch TV shows in delayed mode, which allows you not only to record video, but also to pause, slow down or speed up it.

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.

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.

Required Hardware

Smart TV boxes are small computers with hardware and an operating system. Device performance has a direct impact on the signal and the image itself.

When choosing a set-top box, you need to rely on approximately the same characteristics that we require for a smartphone, namely:

Processor - the more cores it has, the faster data processing will occur, which means even faster operation of the OS will be observed.
Video card – you should give preference to a good graphics accelerator. Even for the simplest models, support for 4K videos has become the standard.
RAM – the best option would be a volume of 3-4 GB. A smaller size may not be enough by modern standards.
Built-in memory - provides space for programs and other files. In the case of Android, the allowable volume will be 8 GB. Windows set-top box requires a minimum of 16 GB.
A micro SD card slot is a good option for expanding memory.