HTPC Help! CableCard/Tuner Issues

[nrc0]

Hello LTT community!  :lol: 

 

So, I currently have an outdated PC that I am thinking about turning into an HTPC. It's a cheap rig with an Intel celron CPU and a B75 chip set motherboard that I am thinking

about putting in a GTX 760 I have laying around. Before I invest in a TV tuner, cable card, new PSU (the current PSU wattage is too low for the 760, being only at 350w) and possibly

a whole new chassis, I wanted to make sure I have the general knowledge of what i'm getting myself into. 

 

Just so you have a little background knowledge, I don't know much about how cable works. I have a COAX cable that runs from my wall that carries cable AS WELL AS my internet.

So in short, there is a COAX cable running from my router to the wall that provides me with internet. Then on the other side of the room I have a COAX cable running from a different

outlet on the wall to my TV that provides me with cable.

 

I just don't know if i'm going to need to buy a TV tuner with a cablecard slot and then rent a cablecard from my ISP. Or if i can just buy a tuner like this one, plug the COAX cable

that was originally going to my TV into the tuner, and I would get all the channels though the tuner instantly. 

 

Basically what i'm asking Is;

• Is the cable signal coming from my wall already decrypted?

And if not

• How come I do not need a converter/Cable card that goes to my TV?
• Why don't I need a cable box?
• How does my TV get cable with just a COAX from the wall to the TV?

 

I have the basic software down, I was going to go with Kodi V14.0 (Formally known as XBMC)

 

The purpose of this computer is I want to be able to play/pause and record live TV, while also having access to things like Hulu or Netflix and even Steam for gaming. 

 

Responses are always much appreciated and I thank you very much!!

PS: This would make a good As Fast As Possible video 

[nrc0]

Bump^

[FSBAlston]

Coaxial for cable carries both internet and television signals. Depending on your carrier (most likely though) the signal is encrypted and you need dedicated devices to decode internet and tv signals. You'll have to check with your isp/provider to see what your options are as far as that and using a cablecard. From experience, comcast is a dick and won't let you pump a tv signal through anything but their receivers, and use docsis 3.0 for Internet (which means if you buy your own modem you'll have to register the device with them).

Beyond that, unless you can use a pc tuner card with cablecard (and that's dependant on your provider if you can or not) you won't be able to pump any cable TV signal directly to your pc.