Choosing a Laptop TV Tuner

Factors to consider when choosing a laptop TV tuner or USB TV tuner include:

• Do you plan on using the tuner with different computers?  If so, a “stick” style USB TV tuner is probably best

• Primarily cable or satellite — no need to pay more for a tuner that can process over the air high definition (HD) signals. TV tuners cannot process cable and satellite HD signals and only some are compatible with over the air HDTV signals.
• Primarily over the air signals (i.e., with an antenna) — consider getting a tuner that is compatible with over the air HD signals (see #3 and #4 below)

• If you won’t be using your tuner in a location with over the air HD broadcasts there is no need to pay more for a tuner that can process HD signals
• If you will be watching over air programming more than about 10 miles from a transmitter you will most likely need an upgraded antenna so it is not necessary to choose a tuner with an antenna included

• Not all tuners are compatible with Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 or Macs
• The processor speed, memory, etc. of your system. Tuners have minimum system requirements
• Do you have a monitor and video card capable of viewing HD. If not, you can save  money by not buying a tuner capable of HDTV

• On your laptop or desktop  — probably no need to get a tuner with a remote control
• Connected to a flat screen TV/monitor — consider a tuner with a remote control
• If you plan on using Windows Media Center (highly recommended) to watch TV and record TV a remote control is a great accessory. Although Windows Media Center works with a mouse and keyboard, it is designed to be used with a remote control and a remote makes it much easier to navigate.

• Consider a tuner with a built in FM receiver

Next Step
Once you have answered the above questions, you are ready choose a TV tuner. I have recommended TV tuners in the following categories:
Most popular laptop TV tuners
Best overall laptop TV tuner
Bargain laptop TV tuners