Need a monitor/TV - what to do?

• 

  issh on 22/06/2013 - 21:15

  could i get a usb tv tuner dongle for the pc?

  This would be the cheapest(they go for around $50 onwards), you'll still need the antenna thingo though

  Then again, you could probably get those boxxy SD tv's for close to free

• 

  _Bruce_ on 23/06/2013 - 12:03

  Depends mostly on the monitor inputs. If it has HDMI or DVI-D you can just get a simple set up box and plug it in to the monitor.

• 

  normanwall on 23/06/2013 - 13:04

  Do you have decent reception in your area, or a way to connect to your rooftop antenna(like an antenna wallsocket in that room)?

  If yes, I may be able to recommend a couple of things:

  Cheaper
  * Purchase a cheap USB TV Tuner on ebay (I got a cheap AVLabs USB Tuner for about $15)
  The software/drivers are the most painful part of this if you get a tuner that isn't widely supported, or if you try Tuner software that is buggy and hardware intensive (generally mostly CPU). You will likely need to try a few different pieces of software. Once setup though, you will be able to record to the HDD and hopefully you'll get a remote with the tuner as well. This solution allows you to switch between TV/Computer functions reasonably easily, and is probably cheapest (no extra cables to buy except antenna cable, USB tuner cheap)

  Easier (If you don't need to use computer at all)
  * Get a cheap HD Tuner Set Top box(cheap 2nd hand, think ebay/pawn shops), or some are still quite cheap new with deals like this http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/107198 ~$30
  If you just want it to watch TV on, and don't want to ever need/use the computer, settop box should require no stuffing around with software, just ensuring output compatibility.
  - HD Settop Tuner Box (ensure it can output to the ports your speakers and monitor use, simultaneously)
  - Antenna cable of adequate length
  - Appropriate cables to connect Settop Box audio and video

• 

  zombie hunter on 23/06/2013 - 18:40

  Does the monitor have DVI connector and has compatible 480p
  720p and 1080p modes then you can use a HDMI to DVI cable from a hdmi settop box.
  Older squarer monitor generally wont work. Newer wide screens will support this mode with DVI connection
  If the monitor does not have speakers then you will have power speaker from the settop box
  this becomes messy