How You Can Watch TV On The Computer: Three Techniques

It's hard to believe that there was a time when there was only one way to watch a TV show: with your television set. Your options were limited to one of three networks who dished out safe and dumbed down programming to the masses.

If this situation describes you, maybe it's time to find out what you are missing. Check out the following three ways of how to watch TV on the computer.

1) One popular way to watch TV on the computer is to use BitTorrent networking to download a movie for free onto your PC. BitTorrent networking has been around for years and is a type of Internet peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing used to download movies and music.

When a movie is downloaded in a P2P network, it is first split up and distributed in small bits to the various people in the network. Then everyone proceeds to supply each other with the missing parts that they need until everyone in the network has a completed file.

The person that supplied the original intact file at the start is called the seed. The actual process of downloading requires that you install what is called bitTorrent client software.

One client software that is reliable and has been in use for many years now is BitComet. Now you will look for a movie to download by using a torrent search engine such as torrentz.com. Enter a search query, hit return and you're on your way.

Then click on a search result that appeals to you. You should arrive at a page with the movie title and a 'Download Torrent' link or button.

Click on the button and the download will start. When you have finished your download, be a good citizen and allow others to use your file as the next 'seed'.

By leaving your torrent client software running for a couple hours, you will 'seed' the next round of downloads. This is just a general description of the overall download process with some details left out.

Be warned that it is illegal to download material with a copyright. Some people using P2P networks for illegal downloads have been prosecuted.

2) If you are interested in transferring the TV programs from your television set to your computer or laptop it can be conveniently done with a USB TV tuner. This is an external device that simply connects into your television and PC.

This external setup means that no installation work is necessary. This is unlike the standard TV tuner card which is installed inside your PC. The video signals are conveyed from your TV's output ports to the USB TV tuner's input ports.

The signals, which are modified by the USB TV tuner are then sent to your computer's USB port. Most USB TV tuners allow for fast forwarding, pausing, rewinding and storage of your television programming.

Burn to DVD functionality is included in some models. Prices: $50 to $200.

3) A very quick method of watching TV on the computer with no learning curve or hardware is through the use of a special software download. The software gives you access to thousands of streaming TV stations directly off the Internet.

Other than the basics of having a computer with a fast Internet connection and a few common and free media players, there are no requirements. So that leaves us with the cost of the software itself which varies from $50 to around $100.

So, you know what's there for the taking and how to take it. Now it's time to do some taking! This article dealt with three tips on how to get TV on your computer. When it comes to entertainment, there's a lot of good stuff out there.

Article Source: http://www.rightarticle.com

Marc Sandford is an Internet TV fanatic and writer. Get more specifics on how to watch TV on your computer at www.squidoo.com/how-to-get-tv-on-your-pc/.

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