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COGENT1

I have a widescreen Laptop PC with a DVB-T tuner. The signal input is via a standard coaxial connector, normally from a puny stick aerial. If I buy a satellite dish will I be able to receive transmissions by just plugging the output of the satellite dish into it? Or do I have to buy a dedicated TV? Thanks for any advice given.

falken

Possibly. It depends on the Sky digibox and the TV tuner you've got. If the TV tuner can also receive Analogue then you can just connect a co-ax cable from the digibox to the tuner and scan for channels. Some tuner sticks will also have composite or s-video connections which may be on your digibox so you might be able to connect them that way as well.

Hope that helps

Regards
Doug

silversurfa

you can use the pc as a monitor only by using the rs232 output on the rear of sat receiver / (I think) sat tv is not the same as terrestrial tv,

Freetochat · Last edited by Freetochat on Thu May 08, 2008 4:56 pm; edited 1 time in total

IIRC you need a DVB - S or DVB - S2 for satelite connection. You can always get a usb external one?

Something like this should do the job:-

Hauppauge WinTV Nova-USB-S - DVB-S receiver - USB

GerryD

Quite simply, no. DVB-T is terrestrial, through an aerial.
There are DVB-S tuners for a PC and you would need one of these.
Gerry

timbop37

something along these lines, although I'm sure you will get much cheaper. As a rule DVB-T dongles are cheaper than DVB-S.

Snelly · Eastern Rally Co-ordinator

If you have a DVB-T usb stick, the one thing you will need is a damn good aerial, preferably a roof mounted boosted jobbie.

Connecting it to a satellite dish will get you nothing, your usb stick is for terrestrial signals (through an aerial).

If your thinking of going satellite, it's going to cost you a few quid to get set up. If you watch tv a lot then its worth it, otherwise stick with the digital terrestrial setup.

COGENT1

Many thanks to all who answered my question. The info was very useful. I have very little to lose by trying to use the PC and if it doesn't work, I can buy an Avtex TV.

I can't run to a posh automatic system, but do the 66cm portable dishes give a passable performance in the UK & Europe?

Snelly · Eastern Rally Co-ordinator