Buzz
Enjoy your preferred shows via websites, subscription apps, & more
An array of Live TV streaming choices are available for your computer viewing pleasure. Some networks provide complimentary live TV on their sites. Various companies offer live TV subscriptions (such as YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV). For a more advanced experience, explore utilizing a tuner to access cable TV on your device. This Mytour guide instructs you on watching TV on your computer through a network's website, streaming services, or a tuner.
Essential Information
- Visit a network website (like http://abc.go.com/watch-live) to access free live TV.
- Opt for a live TV subscription service for a range of channels, either live or on demand.
- Configure a TV tuner to link your antenna or cable box to your computer.
Steps
Exploring TV Websites
Search for a TV network or station website. Looking to watch television without a traditional TV set? Fortunately, numerous options exist for watching TV without cable. Many local stations, along with several major networks and cable channels, offer free streaming of the latest episodes of popular shows on their websites, and some providers also live-stream their broadcasts in certain areas. Some of the prominent networks providing streaming content include:
Find and select the link to access TV streaming. This link is usually labeled as “Live TV” or something similar. Note that not all networks or stations may provide this option. If one website doesn't offer online programming, check others, such as network affiliates in different regions.
Enjoy watching TV. Begin streaming live TV! The website will broadcast whatever is scheduled for their channel during your viewing time.
Utilizing a Live TV Subscription
Visit a subscription service's website.
- If you're subscribed to cable or satellite TV (e.g., Spectrum TV), you can access many cable networks by logging in to a network's site using your subscription details.
- There's a plethora of live TV choices available! Many offer free trials: YouTube TV, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, Philo, fuboTV, and DirecTV Stream.
Choose the services and plans that align with your requirements. Typically, there are various packages with different features (such as additional devices for viewing and streaming quality).
- You can often add extra channels. Select the ones featuring shows you're interested in!
Stream live TV. Navigate to the Live TV section of the streaming platform to access your favorite channels.
Watch recent TV episodes. Numerous streaming services offer the option to watch specific TV episodes on demand. Additionally, you can frequently record TV shows for later viewing.
- Hulu provides access to content from major broadcast and cable networks. Often, new episodes are available the day after airing. While most Hulu shows include commercial breaks, you can opt for a premium no-commercials subscription for an additional fee.
- Max (formerly HBO Max) is HBO's independent streaming service. It offers access to new and archived HBO series, such as Game of Thrones. New episodes are typically available online shortly after their original airing. Unlike the cable-affiliated service HBO Go, Max does not require a cable or satellite TV subscription.
Binge-watch entire TV series seasons. Hulu and HBO, along with:
- Netflix, known for releasing original content like 'House of Cards' and 'Orange is the New Black.' Netflix also offers complete archived seasons of many popular TV series from various networks.
- Amazon Prime, which boasts an extensive collection of archived series and original programming such as 'Transparent' and 'The Man in the High Castle.'
Utilizing a Television Tuner
Acquire an external TV tuner. A TV tuner enables you to link your antenna or cable box to your computer, allowing you to watch and switch channels using onscreen controls.
- You can find TV tuners for computers at most major electronics retailers or online platforms like Amazon and Newegg.
- Many TV tuners also offer the capability to record footage for later viewing, similar to a DVR.
Plug the tuner into a USB port. Insert the tuner directly into a USB port on your computer, or utilize a USB extension cable if the ports are too close together. Avoid using a USB hub as they typically do not provide sufficient power.
- You can alternatively install a TV tuner card into a spare PCI slot on your computer, although this method takes longer compared to plugging in a USB tuner. Refer to this guide for instructions on installing PCI cards.
- An external USB TV tuner is much easier to install than a TV tuner card and offers comparable performance.
Connect your antenna or cable box. Some tuners include a built-in antenna. Otherwise, use the coaxial connector to connect a cable from your antenna or cable box to your TV tuner.
- If you want to keep your cable box connected to your TV while also connecting it to your computer, you will need a coaxial cable splitter.
Install the tuner software. You may need to install software included with the tuner. Follow the tuner's instructions to complete the installation.
- Windows Media Center is compatible with TV tuners.
Initiate the channel scanning process. Launch the TV tuner software and adhere to the provided instructions to scan for accessible channels. If you're utilizing an antenna, the channels you'll receive depend on the signal strength and effectiveness of your antenna setup.
Enjoy your TV viewing experience. You're now fully prepared to watch television via your tuner on your computer!
