Although almost all television channels are now also visible in streaming via the Internet without the aid of the antenna, many users prefer the stability of the antenna signal, capable of operating even in the absence of an Internet connection or in places where the speed connection is not high.
If we want to view DVB-T / T2 digital terrestrial channels on the computer, in this guide we will show you the peripherals that we can use (both internal and external) and the programs to be installed to correctly manage the TV signal from the indicated TV cards. Vien says that, for better image quality, we must use the home antenna socket (usually present on the roof) and avoid the small antennas or antennas positioned on the balconies, being subject to greater interference.
READ ALSO: Check if the TV is DVB-T2, what it is and how to update
How to watch TV on a computer
First we will show you the TV cards that we can use on our computer, trying to show you only the products that support the latest TV standards (therefore DVB-T2 and HEVC codec); in the second chapter of the guide we will see together the programs to be used to correctly manage and display digital terrestrial channels.PC TV technical specifications
DVB-T2 TV cards can be presented as external USB sticks or as PCI-Express X1 cards to be mounted inside the computer .In addition to DVB-T2 with HEVC, these cards can provide dedicated management programs, a DVR recording system of the transmitted channels, support for the EPG and support for other digital transmission systems (such as DVB-S2 or DVB-C) .
To make them work we will have to insert the USB stick on the homonymous socket or the PCI-Express X1 card in the specific slot inside the computer, insert the CD supplied to install the drivers, insert the TV antenna at the end indicated by the device and start one of the programs recommended below or included on the CD.
Obviously it is up to us to choose which type of model to use, considering that the USB stick is much more comfortable on any computer (especially on notebooks).
Buy the TV card
Below we will show you the best models that we can buy on Amazon to save money and get a valid guarantee on all components.Geniatech EyeTV T2 lite
Currently one of the cheapest models to bring TV to PC is the Geniatech EyeTV T2 lite (€ 29).
This USB flash drive is compatible with Windows and Mac, supports DVB-T and DVB-T2 with HEVC codec, has an automatic channel search system and provides EyeTV Lite as management software.
Another valid key to watch television on PC is the August DVB-T210 TV (34 €).
It supports DVB-T2, allows you to obtain the EPG of the displayed channels, has DVR functionality to record the channels on the computer and also offers a practical management remote control.
One of the best USB flash drives for TV that we can use is without a doubt AVerMedia TD310 (65 €).
With it you can watch and record TV channels at 1080p60 resolution, get Live 3DTV on PC, schedule a recording and save video files in MP4 format.
If instead we want to focus on an internal card for the fixed PC, we can view the TBS-6522 (160 €).
It is equipped with a dual tuner DVB-T2 and DVB-S2, so that you can view and record up to two channels simultaneously, even if we use the satellite signal. Other features include EPG support, scheduled recording and the presence of 4 IR sensors for channel management via remote control.
TV channel management programs
Once the card or USB stick is connected and after installing the drivers, we can use the management program provided on the supplied CD to view and record the channels. If these programs do not convince us, we can use one of the alternatives proposed below.Kodi
Kodi is the best media center that we can install on computers to view TV channels.
Once installed, simply open the TV section to view digital terrestrial channels in a convenient interface. Kodi not only allows you to stream TV or video channels, but also to record live content. The only negative point of Kodi is that it does not have its built-in television tuning functions.
In Kodi, to add TV channels, click on add-ons in the sidebar and find the PVR client. From the list, select the relevant PVR client for your hardware, i.e. for the TV card added to the PC and install it. It is a simple and uninterrupted configuration and now you just have to go back to the main screen and click on TV in the sidebar.
If we need to configure Kodi, we refer you to reading our guide Getting started with Kodi: configuring and adding content .
DVB Dream
Another good program to manage TV channels is DVB Dream.
With it we will be able to view all digital terrestrial channels, also using advanced features such as decoding in the desired format, live recording of the program, recording schedule and automatic start at a specific time (also thanks to the EPG).
ProgDVB
Another program to try to watch digital terrestrial TV is ProgDVB.
This valid program offers numerous skins that we can use, so as to personalize the appearance by creating a pleasant media center from which to start TV channels. In addition to simple viewing, it also offers channel recording and EPG viewing.
To share the digital TV stream coming from your streaming receiver and share it on a Wi-Fi network (so that it can also be managed by other computers or devices), we recommend reading the steps described in this guide.
Nextpvr
Nextpvr is a complete personal video recorder that works on any Windows computer. The main function of NextPvr is to schedule TV recording and allow the user to watch favorite TV channels. NextPvr also has a web application for managing recordings.
Plex
Plex is the famous program known for allowing quick and easy access to computer videos from anywhere. It also supports a TV tuner and the DVR function can schedule and play back recordings. In another article, the guide to download Plex on PC, TV, Android, iOS, NAS.
Conclusions
Although it may seem an "ancient" thing, there are still many people who prefer to watch TV channels via antenna and thus be able to plan the recording of their favorite programs, so that they can be viewed later with extreme calm. Using the tabs or the TV keys indicated and supporting the preferred management program, we will succeed in this, without necessarily having to open the streaming pages of the TV channels .If we need to set a programmed shutdown timer we can read the article on the automatic shutdown of the PC .
We have a Chromecast "> How to watch TV channels on Chromecast (without antenna).
