A TV tuner for laptop computer turns your laptop into a portable HDTV and DVR (digital video recorder). And for around $50 it is definitely the cheapest HDTV and DVR out there. They are super easy to install and very convenient, especially when you consider the DVR functionality.

A TV tuner for laptop is the ultimate in convenience.You can watch TV on your PC in full screen mode, minimize the window to a corner of your screen or just listen to it in the background (many tuners also come with an FM antenna) making it very easy to multi-task. Catch up world news and events while you work or listen/watch the game if you have work late.

The DVR function makes it even more convenient. Once a show is recorded on your hard drive you can watch it anywhere (an airplane or airport, a hotel or in your family room on the big screen). You can also download recorded shows to an iPhone or iPod to watch on the go.

There are three types of TV tuners to watch TV on your PC; tuner cards, Express Card and UBS tuners. Be sure to buy a USB tuner (which will also work on a desktop computer) or Express Card (if you laptop has an Express Card slot) if you plan to use your TV tuner with a laptop. Tuner cards require a PCI slot and will only work on desktop computers. You will need an available USB port and many tuners require a USB 2.0 port. It is also recommended that you do not plug a tuner into a USB hub but if you must it should be a powered hub.

Not all TV tuners work with all Windows operating systems (XP and Vista) or with Mac's so read the specs carefully. Additionally, tuners have minimum system requirements (processor speed, video card memory, etc.) so make sure your laptop is compatible with the tuner you choose.

Installation is pretty simple. Plug the tuner into a USB port, plug a TV signal cable (from an antenna, cable or satellite) and install the software on the CD included with the tuner. You will be required to answer a couple questions during setup about the type TV signal you are using and where you are located to help with the programming guide. You can use either the software that comes with the tuner or Windows Media Center to watch TV (change channels, volume, etc.) and as your DVR interface (setting programs to record and watching recorded programs).

All TV tuners will work with analog signals from an antenna, cable or satellite. Some are compatible with HD signals from an antenna (none are compatible with HD signals from cable or satellite). Some tuners are compatible with digital signals from cable and satellite. Even if you subscribe to premium cable channels you will not be able to watch them on your computer unless you connect a cable (decoder) box between your tuner and the TV signal.

Most tuners come with a portable antenna (about 8" tall) and some have a built in antenna as well. The portable antennas works better than the built in antennas. If you plan to watch a lot of over the air TV you will be well served to purchase an upgraded antenna. The portable antenna is good for travel or if you within about 10 miles of a transmitter.

If you are already paying a monthly cable or satellite subscriber fee adding another TV (especially a portable one) will help you get more value for your money. And if you were planning on buying another TV, you can save hundreds of dollars by buying a TV tuner for laptop instead.

Monthly DVR fees are generally $10 but there are no monthly or annual fees if you use your tuner and either the provided software or Windows Media Center (most people prefer Windows Media Center). We discussed some of the advantages above of using your laptop instead of a DVR. One drawback of using your laptop as a DVR is that you cannot record two shows at the same time or record one show and watch another at the same time.

The benefits of a TV tuner for laptop are clear but there are a lot of factors consider (your laptop and system specifications, what type of TV signal you will be using, where you will watch and record most of your TV and where you live.

Regardless of which TV tuner who choose you are going to love being able to watch TV on your PC and will be wondering why you didn't buy one sooner.

Websites

Websites (hulu.com, fancast.com) are great if you miss your favorite show and forget to record it and it is available online. Very few shows are available online and very little programming is available.

Slingbox

If you primarily want to be able to tape shows and watch them while away from home Slingbox is viable option. They cost about $ and have no monthly fees.

Software

Software represents the latest technology available to watch TV on your PC. For about $50 you can download software that gives you get access to thousands of channels from around the world.