big question.

[tymely]

Hi

Have a general question about tv tuning. We have 3 desktops (1- windows xp & 2- windows xp mce) and one laptop (windows vista home premium). Basic cable hookup with wireless networking. I am absolutely CLUELESS on how to go about getting tv reception & recording on any of the pcs. Im not too concerned about getting the tuning on the xp, but Im under the assumption that it can be utilized on both the mces and the vista. I would like to be able to do this with the least amount of futzing I can get away with (i dont ask for much). So, does anyone know how the sony location free works? Do I need hardware installed on all the computers, or is it essentially a base station with a tv tuner inside & transmits wireless signals throughout my house? Also, if the latter is the case, are there comparable products that would outperform the sony? Also..lol...sorry...is there going to be a big problem because of the 2 OS?

any help on this would be great & thanks in advance.

Tyme

[mobo57]

First off, welcome to sysopt tymely... I'm guessing you want to be able to catch the tube on your comp's or laptops. If that is it, then go with the slingbox pro. Best ratings. I have it, upgraded from the basic sling box. Works great. Just got to remember your wireless band width will have an effect on the quality of video, but it is still decent. Easy to set up. Connect cables to your video source, ie cable, connect ethernet cable to your router/wireless ap. Install software, watch tv.

[tymely]

Yes, I was looking at the sling box pro. Do you have your cable box close to your computer? Im assuming I will either need the sling link boxes, or a really long ethernet cable to attach it to my router. Do you know how well the sling links work, as far as reception quality? I would think the quality would be better with a direct ethernet connection. Thanks for your help, I appreciate it.

[mobo57]

As I have cable internet, my modem is next to my router so my slingbox is cabled to my wireless router so I am not sure about the link. But I can say the picture is decent on my laptop over the wireless. Last night I watched the super bowl on my laptop outside will working the barby. Worked great. Now my kids do not have tv's and computers in their rooms. They just watch it on their computers.