How to Connect a Computer to a Coaxial Cable

By Joshua Benjamin

A basic coaxial cable.
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A coaxial cable typically transmits video signals from a source, such as an active cable connection in your home, to a TV screen or similar video device. You can also connect a coaxial cable to your home computer to view video on your monitor, although you will need a special piece of equipment to do so. Computers are not equipped with coaxial inputs straight out of the box.

Step 1

Connect the TV tuner device to your computer. There are two types of tuners: USB devices and PCI devices. USB devices connect to your computer through a basic USB port, while PCI cards plug into a free PCI slot on your motherboard inside your computer.

Step 2

Install the software that came with your TV tuner device onto your computer. If applicable, insert the CD into your computer's DVD drive and follow the installation instructions as they appear on your screen.

Step 3

Connect one end of your coaxial cable onto the threaded connector stud on your video source. This will be an active cable jack on your wall, in most cases.

Step 4

Connect the other end of the coaxial cable to your TV tuner device. You will now be able to view the video input on your computer screen.

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