Using a PC as a TV

[BadBoy]

We've just bought a new caravan and we're thinking that as we will usually have a laptop with us, is there a simple way of using that as a TV rather than buying a new one?
I know we can watch via the net (provided we have a good 3G signal), but I'm looking at connecting the caravan's ariel.

I have seen this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Freeview-USB-Stic ... 3cb62e976b

Does anyone have any experience of this type of gadget, or can anyone recommend a better solution

[rancidrich]

I have one similar to this one, and it works well so long as you use an external ariel as the one they supply isnt much good
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DVB-T-fr-LAPTOP-P ... 19c22536b3

[alsavs]

I think they were selling that model on amazon might be worth checking to see if anyone has left a review on it.

[Wilberforce]

I've a USB digital tv tuner thingy too... Different brand, mind.
Used to use it when I was away from home in my truck all week... As long as there's a decent antenna on the other end, and most of them allow for using aftermarket ones, then it's a pretty good way of doing things. Used to keep the antenna stuck to the back of my cab, out the way, and fed the cable inside..

[adyclemo]

USB TV Tuners are great. As already said use an external aerial though.

[furball]

It's up to you how much you want to spend of course, but to be honest the cheaper ones are probably best avoided. I carry one with my work laptop for when I end up stuck in a B&B. I tried one or two cheapo ones and they weren't very good at finding channels or at showing decent pictures.

These days I have one of the Hauppage ones. Bit pricey but worth it in the long run.