Cable TV on my Computer

[A_Chris_1]

I'm not even sure if this is the right forum for this, but I want to know if I can use my cable modem to watch cable tv on my laptop. I'm SURE there has to be some sort of freeware out there for this, but to be honest I have no idea where to begin. A search for "tv emulators" doesn't seem to do much either. Can anyone help here?

One more thing; I was just at comp usa, and found three different products that would do this. I didn't buy any for two reasons: 1) I don't feel I should have to pay money for TV I already pay for and 2) All of these had some sort of extra hardware attachments to use... I couldn't see why you would any type of hardware, when I can already watch video in many different formats using SOFTWARE. Am I way off base here? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

A_Chris_1@hotmail.com

edit: damn spelling errors

[BloodySabbath]

AFAIK, you need hardware. My ATI All-in-Wonder RADEON works great for me.

[Foreverboard]

If you already have a video card, try a TV tuner card. I have a ATI tv Wonder card and I love it. i can only get 75-80 channels but I think I bought the bottom of the line one. I know that others get more channels. Look into it, i only paid like 40$ for it.

[wesr]

That is a good question, i have a cable modem and i use the same company for my ISP as my cable tv provider. But how can i watch tv on my laptop. it gets wireless internet. is there anything i can do. also would it cost money to get the tv service. i realize that i would have to pay for any hardware, but will it cost anything else

[macazar88]

here is what u do you get your tv set and glue it to your moniter.there all u need to do is pay 1 dollar for superglue.

[Sarevok]

He does have a point, but I don't see how that could be the easy way...

[morgrum]

Thing is, your cable modem doesn't pull CaTV thru it, so the signal never actually hits your processor... therefore, it won't display on your monitor. What you need is a TV in card like the ATI All-In-Wonder. Just plug the cable line into that as well as your modem with a splitter, then you can watch tv on the same line. I have a splitter sending the signal to my tv and my computer. Also, some cable companies have to install a signal amp for this to work, but they should do it for free if you ask (as long as the package you bought includes both).