| To watch satellite TV on PC is a relatively new | | | | the USB port. If your computer does not have a |
| concept for many people. This article will teach | | | | USB port, you will likely need to purchase an |
| you how to do just that, allowing you to watch | | | | adapter. Finally, you will need to be connected to |
| TV programs through satellite without any costly | | | | the internet, and this will be discussed further |
| and complicated satellite dish installation at all. | | | | below. |
| For those living in rural parts of the world, without | | | | 2. Internet Connection |
| access to cable television, satellite dishes were the | | | | For the highest quality transmission, it is |
| only way to go. These dishes were necessary | | | | recommended to have a broadband connection of |
| components, pulling in far flung signals to your | | | | 512 KB or higher. For those without the option of |
| otherwise snowy TV. The process of setting up a | | | | broadband in their area, you can still watch the |
| satellite dish was anything but simple though, and | | | | satellite TV on PC with this setup, but the quality |
| required erecting the dish in a proper area, and | | | | of the streaming will be understandably lessened. |
| fixing it with a low-noise block converter. Finally, a | | | | 3. Computer Specifications |
| receiver or decoder had to be configured and set | | | | Minimum recommended requirements to view |
| up with the television set that would be receiving | | | | satellite TV channels on PC to the fullest include |
| the signal. Thankfully, watching satellite TV on PCs | | | | 128 MB of RAM, and a Pentium 3 system. Most |
| is much simpler, not to mention cheaper. | | | | modern computers will easily meet these |
| The basic hardware and computer requirements | | | | requirements, or can be upgraded to for a minimal |
| necessary to watch satellite TV on PC are as | | | | cost. |
| follows: | | | | 4. Optional Computer Peripherals |
| 1. PCTV Card | | | | For increased viewing pleasure, it is recommended |
| The first thing you need to do is enable your PC | | | | to install high quality graphics and sound cards on |
| to receive and decode the satellite TV signals. | | | | your PC. This will ensure smoother streaming of |
| This is accomplished through a PCTV card. The | | | | the video signal, and submerse you in the |
| card can be installed internally in your computer's | | | | program with heightened sound. Sub-woofer's or |
| PCI slot, which connects hardware like the PCTV | | | | surround sound systems compatible with your |
| card directly to the motherboard, or externally via | | | | computer are ideal for audiophiles. |