[jeremy78951]

I want to start useing my computer to watch TV and mybe record some stuff while I am work. I dont know anything about this stuff and need to know where to start.

My internet computer is a Dell WindowsXP 2.8 processor 1.5 gig of memory,AVG 800XPRO ATI video card 112 gig hard drive

While this machine do it and what do I need to get started. My girlfriends computer is about the same without the video card. And has windows media center

[lancec2c30]

well then your girlfirends computer would be the best for watching tv on. Becuase it has a great setup already built in to watch and record tv onto your hardrive with. Just go get a tv tuner and you are set.

Like this one

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16815116625

[Ondorhaan2]

If you don't want to open up the computer you can also get an external tuner. I got a Hauppage WinTV USB a while ago to record analogue broadcasts. It's OK but it also needs to be connected to an aerial.

[EricB]

get an mce certified tuner or a haupage tuner and media center can use it

[sam2698]

yeah. it is not link only or program or that kind of stuff. you need and tuner like the Ondorhaan2 sad. And aerial it is not to expensive and if you will use it. do it, buy it.
I hope this helps

[penfold]

Hauppauge is an excellent company for these. Our tv computer is using Hauppauge PVR-350 and the only thing we don't like about it is that it does not support closed captioning.