[c123]

I recently bought a new computer with Vista Home Premium.

I have a few questions about the media center. First, I noticed there is a radio feature, how does that work? Do they make a usb radio antenna or something for this feature to work?

Also, I would like to use the TV feature eventually...I have seen USB TV tuners. Will any of these work with Media Center or must I buy a certain kind?

Thanks

[Noyb]

What Make n Model ... Didn't it come with a capture card ??

[c123]

The computer is a Lenovo 3000 J-Series.

I am not sure if it has a capture card...I'm guessing no.

I was just wondering because when I am in the Media Center it display music, movies, radio,etc. And when you click Set up TV, it says that no tuner is detected and if there isn't one, then it needs to be purchased. My question is- will any USB tuner work? Or must it be a certain kind?

[Noyb]

Originally Posted by c123

My question is- will any USB tuner work? Or must it be a certain kind?

Darn .. I was hoping you got another HP so I could look up its specs.

From what little browsing I just did .. it looks like most the USB capture devices don't have a FM tuner... For your Radio desires.

MY HP MCEs came with a Hauppauge Capture card .. and I've been playing with Vista premium.
Vista recognizes the Hauppauge capture card ... something like this ... with a FM tuner ...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16815116606

Do you have a blank spot for another PCI card ???
Is this helping so far ??

[c123]

Yes, I believe it does have another PCI slot.
And yes, you're helping some.--With the link you gave me.

Looks like that will probably be the way I have to go.

[Noyb]

Next questions ... are you on Cable TV ... and Cable internet ??

[c123]

I DO have cable TV.

But my internet is DSL...NOT cable.

[jmwills]

Cable is the easiet ot setup for recerption and the broadband connection does not really make that much difference.

I run it off satellite and DSL, my only options.

[Noyb]

Your next problem might be cable signal levels and your house cable wiring.

You will need another 2 way splitter to run the Media Center and the FM tuner input.
This will cut the TV signal level to the Media Center to Half of what you have to start with.

If you have a digital TV and get a Cable Internet ... You will need the most direct connection to the cable source for them.

My situation is a little more complicated .. (and I didn't show my two HP Media Centers) ...
But I couldn't survive without a TV Antenna booster.

You'll just have to try and see.
Maybe this'll give you and Idea.

[c123]

Okay..
Well thanks for your help.
I will eventually buy a TV Tuner and just try it. Until then this is all I need to know.

Thanks again- have a nice night

[fmhome]

Hi jmwills,

You mentioned above that you are using satellite and dsl. I am in the market to setup a vista media center and I would like to know if using the satellite sat-top-box and feed it to my pc to download the program guide, would I be able to change channels with my media center remote and also do the recording?

[kgrr]

The ATI TV Wonder 650 Combo USB has FM receiver as well as an Analog Tuner for TV and a Digital Tuner for TV. The remote control and FM part works well with my Vista laptop 32bit and Windows Media Center. I still have a bit of difficulty with the TV tuners.

A nice upgrade would be a digital tuner for HD-FM.