Turn your computer into a TV

By | March 13, 2011
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This tip is for Windows 7 – so if you don’t have Windows 7, it probably won’t do you much good. But you can still read it if you want – or click on a few ads and help support the site :-).

We strongly recommend you have a broadband (high-speed) Internet connection. I wouldn’t think your old dial-up would work very well for this kind of thing. You’re welcome to try it of course, but remember what I told you – this is for those of you with high-speed connections…

Enough disclaimers!

If you are using Windows 7, you can turn your computer into a TV in just a few minutes, and it’s not hard to do. It’s not configured by default, so you’ll have to set it up first.

You don’t need a TV tuner.

First launch Windows Media Center. You can do this quickly by clicking “Start” and typing in Windows Media Center in the start menu search. Then choose TV from the menu. You’ll see the words Internet TV appear. Click on Internet TV. Next, you’ll need to install a small add-in from Microsoft, and you may need to upgrade your version of Microsoft Silverlight too – this is done automatically, if necessary. All this takes a only few seconds to download. The add-in (and upgrades) will install automatically for you.




Once you have Internet TV set up, you’ll be amazed at the great choices you have. You can watch full episodes of PBS shows, some of your favorite TV shows, shows like Star Trek (the original series), news shows, movies, movie and program trailers, even get the latest sports scroes. We were both really surprised by the high quality of the TV shows and movies, and by the number of choices offered. We think you’ll be really impressed too.

Internet TV is one of the least known features of Windows 7, but we think it’s one of the best, and we’re betting you will too. Give it a try. There’s a really good chance you’ll find many things you’ll enjoy viewing with Windows 7 Media Center’s Internet TV. It’s easy to set up, and easy to find whatever kind of shows or movies you enjoy watching.

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6 thoughts on “Turn your computer into a TV

  1. Gerri

    Tried to turn my computer into a TV but it didnt work because I do not have a tuner.

    Reply
    1. infoave Post author

      You don’t need a tv tuner to watch Internet TV. I added some pictures to the post. You can’t watch Cable TV on your computer without a TV Tuner but you can watch dozens of Internet TV channels. Windows 7 Internet TV is part of Windows Media Center – it does not require a tuner.

      Reply
  2. Wendy Breese

    I am reading the article on windows media and internet tv. I tried it on my Macbook pro, which I have windows 7 on and was told I do not have a tv tuner. What do I need to buy ,there are many types on line and I dont know what to get. My PC also does not have a tv tuner.It is 1 year old Acer

    Reply
    1. infoave Post author

      You don’t need a tv tuner to watch Internet TV. I added some pictures to the post. You can’t watch Cable TV on your computer without a TV Tuner but you can watch dozens of Internet TV channels. Windows 7 Internet TV is part of Windows Media Center – it does not require a tuner.

      Reply
    2. Wendy Breese

      Sorry I don’t mean to be a pest,but I can’t get it to work. I did the updates and there is no Internet tv option and then I went to the troubleshooter and guide and this is what it said “On the Windows Media Center start screen, scroll to Extras, click Internet TV, and then browse the available content.
      Internet TV is not available in all regions. If you don’t see the Internet TV option in Media Center, then it’s probably not available in your region.”
      I live in Canada so I guess we Canadians don’t get it????

      Reply
  3. Robbi

    I tried the instructions you gave for Internet TV on my laptop and it worked! I love all the movies and shows you can view. Thank you so much!!

    Reply

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