No TV Option in Vista Home Premium Media Center

[Janny3266]

I just purchased a new laptop w/ Vista Home Premium with Windows Media Center
When I open the Media Center and attempt to set up the TV feature, I went to
settings and there is no TV option...Is there somehting I have to do to have
this feature available? Please Help!!!

 

[David B.]

You need a TV tuner to watch TV using Media Center. Visit one of the online
retailers and look for an external tuner that's Vista MCE compatible.

 

[Cal Bear '66]

Do you have a Vista compatible TV tuner installed?


I Bleed Blue and Gold
GO BEARS!

 

[Janny3266]

Been there, done that...I purchased a Happauge HVR-950 and updated to latest
software. I called the manufacturer and they had no idea why. They ran the
same device with the same program and had the TV option in Media Center???
Still miffed

 

[Janny3266]

Yes, Happauge HVR-950 updated with the latest software.

 

[Janny3266]

Ok folks...I was told it came with a TV Tuner Card installed, then when I
visited my retailer, I was told I needed the Hauppauge thing...which I later
returned because it was really cumbersome for a kid to have a device (USB
tuner) hanging from the laptop...After reading your response of "do you have
a compatible tuner installed" I went searching the the system to determine if
I did...couldn't find anything. Then, searched "Help" under Media Center and
it says..."in order to watch TV on you computer, if you have Windows Media
Center you have everything you need"...I'm guessing at this point, I don't
really "have everything I need". I also tried directions given in other posts
by Jason Tsang on the same subject...I'm no computer wiz, but not entirely
ignorant either but...When selecting "Control Panel" in Windows Vista, there
is no "Add/Remove Programs" Set Program Access and Defaults" etc.. I've done
some searching on the net for the best technology for watching TV on your
computer...At this point, I know I'm going to have to buy something...I want
to purchase a device that can be located somewhere in her room (much like a
wireless network modem) so that her laptop can be used as a TV without being
"hard wired" or having anything hanging from a USB port in order to do so.
Any suggestions?

 

[Dave]

Yes, to watch tv on your computer, you need to connect a tuner. I use an
Adaptec dual tuner that connects via USB.

If you don't want to connect an external tuner to your laptop, about the
only thing I can think of is the Slingbox.
http://www.slingmedia.com/go/slingbox-av

It connects to your TV and to your router. It's primarily used so you can
watch your TV when you are away from home.
I don't have one, but you should be able to use for what you want.

 

[That Guy]

doesn't exist. all tuners currently are either USB or PCI (internal). There
are some that are pcmcia but you will still have the antenna dangle. No
matter what type you use you will need an antenna of some sort. I have an
HP HDX and have a hybrid hd tuner and yes I need to have the antenna hooked
in. I also have a desktop with two ati tuners inside PCI slots. This way I
can watch it on the desktop or watch it on xbox 360s in other rooms. That is
about as good as it gets right now. There is a thingy called a sling box. I
have not used one but is supposed to give you your home tv signal on a web
address anywhere in the world.