Buzz
Today, Mytour will guide you on how to stream live TV on your computer using network/broadcaster websites, TV tuners, or paid streaming services.
Steps
Watch on TV Websites
Launch your computer's web browser.
Find the broadcaster's website or network. Many local stations, as well as major cable networks, often stream the latest episodes of their popular shows for free on their homepage. Providers also broadcast live programs they produce in certain regions. Some major networks streaming content in the U.S. include:
Look for the TV streaming link. Not all networks or broadcasters offer this option. If a site doesn't stream live content, you can check other platforms, such as affiliate websites in different markets. In Vietnam, you can visit the websites of major broadcasters like HTV, VTV, and others.
Click the link.
Watch TV.
Using a Subscription Service
Access the subscription service's website via your web browser.
- If you use cable or satellite subscriptions, you can watch numerous cable networks by logging into the network's site with your subscription details.
Choose the service and package that best suits your needs.
Watch live TV. You can stream live TV on your computer with subscriptions like Sling TV or Hulu's Live TV beta. YouTube has also introduced YouTube TV, offering live streaming in select cities for a fixed monthly fee.
- No cable or satellite subscription is needed for Sling TV or Hulu, both providing access to over 50 channels.
- Hulu's live TV service is limited to specific devices, including Chromecast and Apple TV (4th generation).
Watch recent TV shows.
- Hulu allows you to view programs from major networks and cable channels. Often, new episodes are available shortly after airing. Most Hulu content includes commercials, but you can upgrade to a premium plan for an ad-free experience.
- HBO Now is HBO's standalone service, offering new and archived series like "Game of Thrones." New episodes are available just hours after their initial broadcast. Unlike the cable-affiliated HBO Go, HBO Now doesn't require a cable or satellite subscription.
Watch full TV series seasons. Entire seasons of many TV shows are available on Hulu and HBO, alongside:
- Netflix releases its original series, such as "House of Cards" and "Orange is the New Black," by season rather than episode. Netflix also archives full seasons of numerous shows from various networks.
- Amazon Prime offers a vast library of archived series along with its originals, like "Transparent" and "The Man in the High Castle."
Using a TV Tuner
Purchase an external TV tuner. A TV tuner allows you to connect an antenna or cable box to your computer, enabling you to watch and change channels using an on-screen interface.
- TV tuners for computers are available at most electronics retailers or online marketplaces like Amazon, Lazada, etc.
- Many TV tuners also let you record TV programs and save them for later viewing, similar to a DVR.
Connect the tuner to a USB port. Plug the TV tuner directly into a USB port on your computer or use a USB extension cable if the ports are too close together. Avoid using USB hubs as they often don't provide sufficient power.
- You can also install a TV tuner card into a spare PCI slot in your computer, though this is more complex than using a USB-connected tuner. Check online for PCI card installation guides.
- Both options are equally powerful, but an external USB TV tuner is much simpler to set up than a TV tuner card.
Connect the antenna or cable box. Some tuners come with an included antenna. Alternatively, you can use a coaxial cable connector to plug the cable from your antenna or cable box into the tuner.
- If you want to keep your cable box connected to both your TV and computer, you'll need a coaxial splitter.
Install the TV tuning software. You may need to install the software that comes with the tuner. Follow the tuner's instructions for setup.
- Windows Media Center supports TV tuners.
Scan for channels. Launch the TV tuner software and follow the instructions to scan for available channels. If you're using an antenna, the channels you receive will depend on signal strength and antenna performance.
You're now ready to start watching TV.
