What is the cheapest or easiest way to record TV to PC?

Question

I have 2 computers, a laptop and a desktop. I would like to record things on TV and store them on my computer? Googling brought up some results but any advice on the easiest way to do this or the cheapest?

I dont know if its better to put cable tv on my computer somehow, or record things from a TV and then transfer it to the computer, and how would I go about doing this?

Answer 1

you would be better off using a tuner card for your computer, it cheaper and easier than trying to use your computer as a dvr storage

Answer 2

You need to get a TV tuner for your PCs. There are plenty of those, many USB-based.

If you have windows media center, it comes with TV guide and other tools to watch and record TV, otherwise use the s/w that will come with your TV tuner. Make sure that the tuner supports Cable/analog TV and Digital TV (ATSC - assuming you are in the US).

If you want to access premium channels, you need a TV tuner with Cable card support. There are very few of those (check ADI) and you also need a PC with special BIOS.