Using your computer to record digital TV broadcasts is not difficult.
Since the June 12, 2009 transition to digital TV, all TV stations only broadcast TV signals in digital format. Recording the digital broadcasts of your local TV stations on your PC is not any more difficult than using a VCR or DVD recorder to record the same thing. Recording digital TV to your PC just requires a bit more equipment, as well as the right type of software.
Instructions
Connect a Digital Converter Box to Your PC
1. Insert one end of your set of A/V cables into the A/V output jacks on a digital converter box. Each A/V plug goes into the A/V jack that matches its color, so red goes with red, and so on. Insert the other end of your A/V cables into the A/V input jacks on your video capture card. Then connect your video capture card to your PC through your computer's USB port. If you are not using an external video capture card because your PC comes equipped with a built-in video capture card, then plug one end of the composite video cable, which is the yellow A/V cable, into the yellow A/V jack on your digital converter box. Connect the other end of the cable to the composite jack on your video capture card. Plug the RCA audio plugs end of your stereo Y cable into the red and white A/V output jacks on your digital converter box. Plug the stereo plug end of the cable into the "Line In" jack on the back of your computer.
2. Screw the coaxial cable attached to your TV antenna into the "Ant. In" port on the digital converter box.
3. Connect the digital converter box to a power source and turn it on.
Record Digital TV to Your PC
4. Launch Windows Movie Maker. Install this software program if you do not already have it on your computer.
5. Open the "File" menu and select "Capture Video" to launch the Video Capture Wizard. Follow the wizard prompts to set up your video capture session. When prompted to select your source device, be sure to select your video capture card.
6. Use the preview window in Windows Movie Maker as a monitor for the digital converter box. If the digital converter box still needs to be set up to receive the digital channels in your broadcast area, press the "Menu" button on your DTV remote, and locate and select the option for "Channel Scan."
7. Tune the digital converter box to the channel broadcasting the program you want to record.
8. Click "Start Capture" in Windows Movie Maker when you are ready to begin recording. Click "Stop Capture" when you are ready to end the recording. Then click "Finished."
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