A TV tuner is a device that changes signals into sounds and pictures. It makes it possible for one to receive signals from different channels on the television.
A TV tuner can be used to get OTA (over-the-air) broadcasts on various display devices. It is used especially for TVs.
It is also used with projectors, laptops, computers, mobile phones, and MacBooks.
Are you wondering how you can watch TV with your projector? It’s quite easy, really. You can simply purchase an external digital TV tuner. If you want cable TV, you can purchase a cable box.
The TV tuner will receive and display all available channels in your area. An HDMI cable and AV set-up can connect your TV tuner to your projector.
This article will show you the best TV tuners for your projector. It will also tell you all you need to know about TV tuners.
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2 Types of TV Tuners
Built-in TV tuners
These TV tuners come built into your TV. They process and display signals from free broadcast channels. They are used together with antennas which receive the signals.
External TV tuners
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Many TVs come without a built-in TV tuner. This is a small effect of cheaper technology. To receive TV channels, you have to buy an external TV tuner.
These devices are called DTV converter boxes. They contain a TV tuner for receiving and converting digital signals for free broadcast channels.
There are tuners for paid cable channels. They come as a cable set-top box with a built-in digital TV tuner.
Cable channels have encrypted signals. The boxes decrypt the digital signals and display them. You merely have to connect the cable box to your display device.
The external TV tuners can be used with various display devices including projectors.
Qualities to Look Out for in an External TV Tuner
For most people, a good TV tuner should just process available channels and display them.
However, there are some other qualities to look out for while making a purchase. They include:
- Compatibility
- Ability to record shows
- Program information function
- Parental control
- Ease of installation
- Cost
- Display quality
Not all TV tuners are compatible with projectors. You need to get a TV tuner that works with your projector.
Many come with a feature that lets you record shows on an external storage. With one like this, you never have to miss out on a show even if you’re busy.
It is important to have channels with clear pictures. TV tuners with quality displays up to 1080p are preferable.
Some TV tuners let you see information on shows up to 7 or 14 days ahead. This function helps you to keep up with your favorite programs.
If you have kids, you’re going to have to control what they may run into. So, get a TV tuner that has Parental Control functions.
Finally, remember to work within your budget. Look for the best TV tuner within that range.
4 High-Quality TV Tuners for Projectors
A projector and tuner combination works like a regular TV. You only need an antenna to receive any OTA TV signals in the area. Here are some recommendations:
Mediasonic ATSC Digital Converter Box
- Receive Over-The-Air Digital Broadcast to your Analog and Digital TV, Projector, and Computer...
- HDMI 1080P Output / Composite Out / Coaxial Output, Closed Caption, Auto Tuning, Timing Start Up &...
- Real-Time Recording & Programmed Time Recording, recording require user to connect a USB 2.0 or 3.0...
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This is the best TV tuner for your projector. It is budget-friendly and very effective.
The Mediasonic converter box receives only FTA (free-to-air) signals. It is not a cable box. You need to connect an external antenna to the box.
This TV tuner offers recording and media player functions. You can save your favorite broadcast and watch it later.
You can use this digital TV tuner with many devices including projectors and computers. It has a 1080p display resolution.
It comes with the favorite channel list and parental control functions. You can connect it to your projector using a HDMI cable.
Exuby Digital Converter Box
- Watch Free Digital Channels - On your HDTV, tube TV, LCD, LED, projector etc. - Multiple outputs:...
- 1080p Full HD Resolution - Sit back and enjoy pristine video quality - Or adjust the resolution to...
- Recording Capabilities (External Storage Device REQUIRED) - Record your favorite shows by connecting...
Last update on 2023-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
This TV tuner presents pictures in 1080p full HD resolution. You can also set your preferred picture quality, between 1080p, 720p or 576p.
You get 7-days upfront information on programs and shows. The Parental Control feature helps regulate what your kids watch.
This TV tuner receives free digital channels available in your area. It is compatible with projectors and other display devices.
It comes with various connectivity options. You can connect it to your projector using the HDMI cable.
It comes with a flat antenna that receives digital signals. The amount of channels you get depends on your location.
With a USB flash drive, you can record any show and view it at a later date. Many reviews describe this TV tuner as durable and highly efficient.
SiliconDust HDHomeRun Quattro 4 Channel Tuner
- Cut the cable and save on monthly fees
- Watch live TV on multiple devices simultaneously throughout your home with our Multi room Multi user...
- Compatible with HDHomeRun DVR Plex iOS android Windows 10 Mac Linux devices etc.
Last update on 2023-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
This is a 4-in-1 TV tuner. It is quite expensive.
Once connected, you can watch or record four different channels across four different devices.
It comes with an app, the HDHomeRun app. This app lets you watch digital TV channels on many devices including projectors.
The HDHomeRun DVR service allows you to pause, rewind, schedule or record any show. You need a guide subscription for this TV tuner.
It requires a Wi-Fi connection to keep your digital channels available across various devices in your home. You can watch your recordings on any smart media device at home.
ViewTV AT-300 ATSC Digital TV Converter Box
- Function: Convert Digital TV Broadcast to your Analog TV and use as Personal Recorder with a USB...
- Output: Receive HD (720p) and Full HD (1080p) Channels with an antenna (sold separately except in...
- Features: Auto Tuning, Program guide, Recording PVR, Closed Caption, Favorite Channel List, Parental...
Last update on 2023-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
This TV tuner provides image output in 720p or 1080p full HD. Depending on your location, you may receive many or limited channels.
The ViewTV at-300 comes with one HDMI cable and one composite cable.
It converts digital television signals for FTA channels. It does not receive or decrypt cable TV signals.
If connected to your projector, the channels will be displayed on your projector screen. You can record shows, using an external memory device (a USB drive).
Some of the options available are auto-tuning, recording, program information, a list of favorite shows and parental control.
Last update on 2023-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
FAQ
Do Projectors have TV tuners?
Projectors are used for many things. They’re used for tracing pictures, PowerPoint, games and even movies.
Only very few projectors have built-in TV tuners. Most of them do not have TV tuners because they’re often installed on the ceiling.
If you want FTA TV connected to your projector, this is totally doable. You just need to purchase an external TV tuner.
What Is the Best Digital TV Tuner?
Since 2007, most TVs have been bought with a built-in digital TV tuner. By 2009, every OTA broadcast in the U.S. became digital.
Digital TV tuners receive and convert only digital signals. The Mediasonic ATSC Digital Converter Box comes highly recommended.
Conclusion
The TV dial is the oldest kind of tuner ever used. It was popular when television signals were analog. It changed channels and enabled the TV to receive the broadcasted analog signal.
With digital TV tuners, you do not always need a TV. You can connect to your projector and watch enlarged versions of your programs!
Gabriella ‘Diogo is a content writer with a vested interest in tech hardware and equipment. She shares her knowledge and processes in an easy-to-grasp, lighthearted style. When she’s not testing or researching device performance, you’ll find her writing short stories or rewatching episodes of her favorite sitcoms.