Installing a TV tuner card
Today we're going to show you how to install a TV tuner card in your home PC. Yes, it involves opening up your machine and taking a look inside, but don't panic--performing surgery on a computer isn't nearly as risky as the real thing.
The first step is to unplug the thick power cord from your computer's power supply, to make sure this isn't the last home improvement project you ever undertake. Next, find the fasteners that hold your computer's protective case in place. Depending on the brand of computer you own and how old it is, you may need a Phillips screwdriver. Remove the fasteners, making sure to keep them in a safe place.
Once that's done, gently lift the cover off your PC, while also pulling it away from the front of the computer. If you're having trouble, don't try to force it; instead, try slowly moving the cover in all directions until it comes loose without any trouble. Once the case is safely off, rest your computer on its side so that the open window faces up.
Welcome to the inside of a PC. Don't touch anything just yet--there are some parts in here that can be damaged or loosened if you make contact with them. We're looking for your computer's PCI slots, which look like a row of identically shaped sockets about an inch away from each other. If you need to move some cables out of the way, do so gently and make sure they don't become unplugged on either end.
See the PCI slots? Find an open one, and then remove the narrow panel that blocks that port's opening on the back of your PC. Once you've removed the thin panel, we'll be ready to install your TV tuner card.
First, rotate the TV tuner card so that its ports face the back of the case and its prongs match the slot of the PCI port where you've chosen to insert it. Place the card's prongs right up against the slot, and then firmly and evenly press down on the card until you feel it snap into place. Make sure that the outer ports match up with the opening on the case's rear, and then use your screwdriver to bolt the card securely to the chassis. Congratulations! You've installed a TV tuner card.
Carefully return your PC to its normal upright position. Slide the case cover back where it belongs; again, be gentle, nothing needs to be forced into place. Re-insert the screws or bolts that you removed before, and tighten them to hold the cover down. Then, plug the power cord back into the computer.
Last but not least, we'll need to connect your newly upgraded PC to a cable signal. See the new inputs on the back of your computer? That's the TV tuner card. Locate the proper connection for the type of cable signal you're using, and then connect the wire to your PC. Now turn your computer on, install the drivers for your tuner card, and you'll be watching TV on your PC in no time!
Today we're going to show you how to install a TV tuner card in your home PC. Yes, it involves opening up your machine and taking a look inside, but don't panic--performing surgery on a computer isn't nearly as risky as the real thing.
The first step is to unplug the thick power cord from your computer's power supply, to make sure this isn't the last home improvement project you ever undertake. Next, find the fasteners that hold your computer's protective case in place. Depending on the brand of computer you own and how old it is, you may need a Phillips screwdriver. Remove the fasteners, making sure to keep them in a safe place.
Once that's done, gently lift the cover off your PC, while also pulling it away from the front of the computer. If you're having trouble, don't try to force it; instead, try slowly moving the cover in all directions until it comes loose without any trouble. Once the case is safely off, rest your computer on its side so that the open window faces up.
Welcome to the inside of a PC. Don't touch anything just yet--there are some parts in here that can be damaged or loosened if you make contact with them. We're looking for your computer's PCI slots, which look like a row of identically shaped sockets about an inch away from each other. If you need to move some cables out of the way, do so gently and make sure they don't become unplugged on either end.
See the PCI slots? Find an open one, and then remove the narrow panel that blocks that port's opening on the back of your PC. Once you've removed the thin panel, we'll be ready to install your TV tuner card.
First, rotate the TV tuner card so that its ports face the back of the case and its prongs match the slot of the PCI port where you've chosen to insert it. Place the card's prongs right up against the slot, and then firmly and evenly press down on the card until you feel it snap into place. Make sure that the outer ports match up with the opening on the case's rear, and then use your screwdriver to bolt the card securely to the chassis. Congratulations! You've installed a TV tuner card.
Carefully return your PC to its normal upright position. Slide the case cover back where it belongs; again, be gentle, nothing needs to be forced into place. Re-insert the screws or bolts that you removed before, and tighten them to hold the cover down. Then, plug the power cord back into the computer.
Last but not least, we'll need to connect your newly upgraded PC to a cable signal. See the new inputs on the back of your computer? That's the TV tuner card. Locate the proper connection for the type of cable signal you're using, and then connect the wire to your PC. Now turn your computer on, install the drivers for your tuner card, and you'll be watching TV on your PC in no time!