Watch TV on a laptop - there are options

Watching TV on a laptop is not a problem - sometimes no additional equipment is required. We show three simple ways in which your mobile computer can also become a TV receiver.

Watch TV on the laptop via the Internet

The first option is obvious: You can receive almost every conceivable station as a stream online today. So you only need an active internet connection on your laptop.

• Streaming is not a problem in home WLAN. It becomes more difficult on the way if you are dependent on a surf stick. The data volume is limited and used up quickly if you want to watch entire films online, for example.
• For individual programs, such as an important soccer game, the mobile data connection can still be a useful alternative. We give buying tips for surfsticks in another article.
• The easiest way to stream the TV program via portals such as Zattoo. Various channels are summarized here, between which you can zap back and forth - similar to the real TV. The offer is completely legal.
• Tip: Many public service broadcasters such as Das Erste or ZDF also offer their programs consistently on their own website via stream. In most cases you get an even better image quality here.

• DVB-T is a radio standard with which you can receive TV signals via antenna. The expansion and availability are very different regionally.
• You can use the Everywhere TV portal to do an availability check and estimate how well DVB-T is expanded at your location.
• Additional hardware is required to view the program on your laptop. This is usually a special USB stick and an antenna that is connected to the stick.
• Cheap models are available from around 20 to 30 euros. Some sticks even include a remote control.
• In addition to the stick, you also need to install software on your laptop that processes the signal. This is usually included with the purchase or can be downloaded online.

Connect notebook to cable TV with DVB-C stick

Our third option is similar to DVB-T: You can transfer your signal from cable TV to your laptop using a USB stick.

• This path is useful if you want to watch TV especially at home and simply don't want a TV as an additional device. A cable connection in your apartment is of course a requirement.
• There are also special sticks for receiving DVB-C that convert the signal and feed it into a normal computer. Simple models cost around 30 euros.
• Here, too, you need additional software, which is usually included.
• An antenna cable is also required: connect one end to your cable socket and the other end to the stick.
• The greatest advantage of cable television is the picture quality. You can see most channels in razor-sharp HD resolution.

We will give a more detailed explanation of what the difference between DVB-T and DVB-C is in the next practical tip. You can also learn how to improve your DVB-T reception.