►10 Best External HDMI TV Tuner Review [HDMI Output] 2022

Tired of paying TV cable bills because of poor quality channels? Well, the only not so expensive solution to this is to get a TV tuner. An external tv tuner is kind of a device that is installed to receive channels, which have high-quality audio and video. It also acts as a cable cutter because it does not require a lot of cables to be attached. In addition to it, a tuner will help you see channels that you cannot see with a normal cable.

Moreover, if you have decided to purchase a TV tuner, then it is best to go for a TV tuner with HDMI output. This is so because if you want a high-definition tuner, then you will definitely require an HDMI cable. Also, by using a tuner, you can record your favorite shows and watch them later on whenever you want.

Last update on 2023-02-17 at 05:04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

So, if you have made up your mind and want to know the best options available for you in the market, we have incorporated some best of them. Well, read along to know the best HDMI TV Tuner and some other essential points that you need to consider.

Best External HDMI TV Tuner Review [TV tuner With HDmi Output]

1. SiliconDust HDHomeRun Flex 4K ATSC 3.0 NextGen TV: 2/4 Tuners HDFX-4K– Best 4 Tuners

The TV tuner by SiliconDust is all about quality. This tuner has wide compatibility and works with many operating systems so that no matter what devices you are using, you can get high-definition videos on your devices. You can also connect popular gaming consoles such as Playstation 3, Playstation 4, and XBOX. 

This SiliconDust HDMI has four tuners so that you can enjoy high-quality streaming of four televisions at the same time. However, you can get it to stream high-definition streaming on more than two devices by connecting it to your router. 

With this TV tuner, you can record shows so you will never miss out on your favorite shows ever again. Besides its impressive performance, it also has an incredible built quality. It is made only from high-grade materials so that it has good longevity. 

The quality of streaming using this tuner can even be up to 4K. Thus, the users can get the best of entertainment. Furthermore, it has a small and sleek body with a somber design. Hence, it does not occupy too much space and does not spoil the look of your entertainment setup. 

Specifications 

  • Product Dimensions: 7.01 x 4.96 x 2.24 inches.
  • Product Weight: 13.7 ounces.
  • The number of tuners: 4. 

Pros 

  • It gives a good picture quality. 
  • It is robust. 
  • It can be broadcast on four channels at the same time. 

Cons

  • The tuner is weak and may not contain features that AV enthusiasts are looking

SiliconDust HDHomeRun Flex 4K ATSC 3.0 NextGen TV:...
  • FLEX - the next generation HDHomeRun CONNECT 4K
  • Watch live TV on multiple devices simultaneously throughout...
  • All the features of the HDHomeRun CONNECT QUATRO & 4K models...
  • ATSC 1.0 content is compatible with XBoxOne AppleTV iPhone...

Last update on 2023-02-17 at 05:04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


2. AVerMedia AVerTV Volar Hybrid Q, USB TV Tuner, Clear QAM HDTV tuner HDMI & FM Radio, Supports Windows & Android TV 7.0 or Above (H837)– Best Compatible HDMI TV Tuner

You will forget the box-like tuners once you get the future-ready AVerMedia TV tuner. This is a compact TV tuner that resembles a pen drive. It has a USB port on one end and an RF cable on the other hand. The RF cable connects to the mini antenna, which is included with the tuner. The mini antenna facilitates better signal reception.

It is compatible with most iOS, Android, and Microsoft devices, including smart TVs with Android 7.0 or above. Hence, you can enjoy your favorite entertainment shows and movies on your PC in enriched picture quality. 

Not only that, this tuner allows you to record shows and movies from your PC whenever you want and watch them later on your smartphone. It also has a scheduled recording feature. You can not only access OTA channels using its ATSC and other technology but also listen to radio on your PC. 

The AVer TV tuner is engineered with many smart features such as the Picture in Picture function, Timeshift, smart channel grouping, closed caption, and many more. However, even with so many features, this has an intuitive user interface so that the users can get the most of this device. 

Specifications 

  • Product Dimensions: 5.91 x 1.97 x 7.87 inches.
  • Product Weight: ‎8 ounces.
  • The number of tuners: 1. 

Pros

  • It is extremely simple to install and set up. 
  • The picture quality is as good as promised. 
  • Extremely compact and lightweight. 

Cons

  • Inefficient thermal design. 
  • It works only in North America. 
AVerMedia AVerTV Volar Hybrid Q, USB TV Tuner,...
  • Watch ATSC, Clear QAM and Analog TV, Listen to FM Radio,...
  • PIP (Picture in Picture) Function, Real-time iPhone/ iPad...
  • Customized Color Adjustment, Multi-channel Preview, Photo...
  • Specification:75 Ω TV/ FM Antenna, S-Video (Optional AV...

Last update on 2023-02-17 at 05:04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


3. SiliconDust HDHomeRun HDHR5-2US Connect Duo Dual Tuner– Best Dual HDMI TV Tuner

Making SiliconDust Dual tuner a part of your home network comes with various benefits. The foremost benefit is its compatibility. SiliconDust Dual Tuner is compatible with a number of devices which include Windows, Android phones/tablets, Playstation, MacOSX, Amazon-branded devices, Xbox, etc.

With SiliconDust Dual Tuner, one can even record, rewind live TV using Plex. Also, using XBMC/Kodi will enable you to schedule, pause, rewind, and schedule your programs. The tuner makes viewing seamless. Tv shows can be resumed from other devices if paused from one device. 

Moreover, it also cuts the cost of expensive cable boxes or subscriptions and saves your money. You can even increase the number of channels you can record or watch simultaneously by connecting more SiliconDust Dual Tuner to your router.

Specifications 

  • Product Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 1 inch.
  • Product Weight: 13.2 ounces.
  • The number of tuners: 2.

Pros

  • The installation is quite easy and simple.
  • Great picture and sound quality.
  • An easy user interface, hence easy for users to operate.
  • Durable and strong built quality.

Cons

  • Doesn’t work in Australia.
  • Unsatisfactory tech support.
SiliconDust HDHomeRun HDHR5-2US Connect Duo Dual...
  • Watch live TV on multiple devices simultaneously throughout...
  • ATSC 1.0 content is compatible with Android FireTV AppleTV...
  • 2 tuners (ATSC 1.0)

Last update on 2023-02-17 at 05:04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


4. MyGica Hybrid USB TV Tuner, ATSC, Clear QAM HDTV Tuner Stick & Digital Radio, For PC Laptop Windows & Android TV With Mini TV Antenna– Best HDMI TV Tuner With Mini Antenna

With MyGica Hybrid USB TV Tuner, you can stream live Free over-the-air TV anywhere on your laptop or PC. To enable this feature, you need to download free HiDTV software for windows from the official website of MyGica. 

It also supports Android TV. For this, you need to set up an FTA tuner loader application and stabs or android tv operating system in google play retailer. This tuner also has a built-in editor that enables you to save, edit or burn your recorded shows to DVD easily. Moreover, Linux and Raspberry Pi are also supported.

My Gica Hybrid also supports various advanced features such as pause, rewind, replay, fast-forwarding, resident tv, along with time-shifting, or creating a lineup of your favorite channels. Also, you can schedule recording per day, week, or month of your shows with digital program information.

It is also recommended to set an outdoor antenna in case indoor signal quality is poor. The tuner is then used with an outdoor antenna to enhance the signal quality. All in all, this TV tuner includes plenty of great features at a much reasonable price. 

Specifications 

  • Product Dimensions: 7.28 x 5.79 x 1.26 inches.
  • Product Weight: 5.4 ounces.
  • The number of tuners: 2.

Pros

  • Incredible picture quality. 
  • Includes a mini antenna for better signal reception. 
  • Lightweight and space saving. 
  • It is inexpensive. 

Cons 

  • Inferior tech support. 
  • It can overheat. 
Sale
MyGica Hybrid USB TV Tuner, ATSC/Clear QAM HDTV...
  • Watch Live Free over the Air TV on your PC or Laptop...
  • 【Support Android TV】- FTA Tuner Loader for Android TV OS...
  • We strongly recommend that you install an outdoors antenna...
  • Window Driver and software download from MyGica official...

Last update on 2023-02-17 at 05:04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


5. Besy Mediasonic ATSC Digital Converter Box with Recording / Media Player / TV Tuner Function (HW130STB)

If you’re living in an area where you require over-the-air broadcast, then certainly, this device is what you need. This TV tuner combo that is also a media player and a converter box can make it easy for you to watch your favorite channels. This offers an output of HDMI 1080p, giving you a very high defined quality of images. 

If you’re among those who love to re-watch specific episodes of programs, then the feature of the live recording of this tuner can be beneficial for you. In addition to it, you can schedule the recording as well in case you forgot to record it live. You can store all the recorded episodes on a USB. 

It can allow you to watch local channels and can broadcast digital and analog television as well. This tuner is widely compatible, as you can use it with a computer and a projector as well. You can also set up your favorite channel list and parent control. 

However, this device only works when there are ATSC signals that are present in the USA, Mexico, Canada, Bahamas, Suriname, and the Dominican Republic. If you are living in another country, then you might want to check your local signals beforehand.

Specifications 

  • Product Dimensions: 5 x 1.5 x 4 inches
  • Product Weight: 4.6 ounces
  • The number of tuners: 1

Pros

  • High-quality display
  • It is quite easy to install
  • High picture quality

Cons

  • The remote functions slower as compared to normal remotes of TV
  • Not very user friendly
Mediasonic ATSC Digital Converter Box with...
  • Receive Over-The-Air Digital Broadcast to your Analog and...
  • HDMI 1080P Output / Composite Out / Coaxial Output, Closed...
  • Real-Time Recording & Programmed Time Recording, recording...
  • USB Multimedia function play back Video, Music, Photo from...

Last update on 2023-02-17 at 05:04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


6. Mediasonic ATSC Digital Converter Box With TV Tuner Function (HW130RN)– Best Converter HDMI TV Tuner

The last on the list of best external tv tuners are again from Mediasonic. This digital converter that can function as a TV tuner allows your television to receive over-the-air signals. It comes with a playback video function as well from the drive. This device provides an output of HDMI 1080 p, which gives a good quality picture. 

If your television does not come with an in-built tuner, and you’re in need of a digital converter and external tv tuners, then this might be the option that will work for you. Moreover, if you have a small budget, then it can also be the best in your budget. 

It also features parent control and listing favorite channel options. The Emergency Alert System of this device can easily alert you of the information that is received as an emergency one from the television station. The drawback of this device is that it doesn’t allow you to record.

Specifications 

  • Product Dimensions: 5 x 4 x 1.5 inches
  • Product Weight: 0.29 Pounds
  • The number of tuners: 1

Pros

  • Good picture quality
  • Works great as TV tuner
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Average remote control quality
  • Many customers reported that there’s a delay between video and audio
  • No recording option
Sale
Mediasonic ATSC Digital Converter Box with TV...
  • Receive Over-The-Air ATSC Digital Broadcast to your Analog...
  • TV Tuner Function, and USB Multimedia Function to play back...
  • HDMI 1080P Output / Composite Out / Coaxial Output
  • Mediasonic goal is to provide 100% satisfaction guarantee...

Last update on 2023-02-17 at 05:04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


7. HAUPPAUGE WinTV-Dual HD Dual USB 2.0 HD TV Tuner for Windows PC 1595, Black– Best USB 2.0 Tuner

If you are looking for an HD TV tuner for Windows, you have come to the right place. This tuner comes with an ATSC built within it, which allows you to watch live television free of cost. With this tuner, you will be able to manage all your local TV channels on a full screen or as a window on your Windows 7, 10, 8, or Vista. 

The tuner can be installed easily by plugging it into the USB on your laptop, Windows PC, or notebook. This WinTV-dual HD operates with Windows 7, 10, 8, and Vista. It allows you to watch a channel when you are recording one or two other media at the same time. This dual tuner enables you to see picture-in-picture or keep two complete windows open at the same time. You can also use this dual tuner if you have a Windows-based plex media server or an Android, Linux as well.  

All you need is a Plex pass to use the Plex version. This tuner comes with a credit card-sized remote control, batteries, a portable TV antenna, an application for Hauppauge WinTV, an installation guide, and a USB extension cable. For this tuner to work, the system needs a processor offering frequency from 3.0 GHz. It also requires a single or a multi-color frequency of 2.0 GHz. 

Specifications

  • Item Weight: ‎3.8 ounces
  • Product Dimensions: ‎3 x 1.28 x 0.5 inches

Pros

  • The remote control works as desired.
  • High-quality pictures
  • The tuner is easy to install.
  • Everyone can use this tuner easily
  • The brand has offered technical support.

Cons

  • For some customers, the tuner stopped working after a few months.
HAUPPAUGE WinTV-DualHD Dual USB 2.0 HD TV Tuner...
  • WATCH FREE LIVE TV: with the built-in ATSC over-the-air TV...
  • EASY TO INSTALL: Simply plug in to the USB 2.0 or 3.0 port...
  • WATCH ONE CHANNEL WHILE RECORDING ANOTHER OR RECORD TWO TV...
  • PICTURE-IN-PICTURE: with the two TV tuners, you can have...

Last update on 2023-02-17 at 05:04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


8. SiliconDust HDHomeRun DUAL High Definition Digital TV Tuner HDHR3-US (Black) (2013 Model)– Best Dual HD TV Tuner

This HD tuner works with Ethernet-connected computers. When you connect the tuner to your router, it can be accessed from any computer. You can watch and record your shows anywhere in your house, such as garages, bedrooms, or kitchen. With this HDMI TV Tuner, you can use more than one computer at the same time. 

It allows you to watch, pause and record live TV and shows according to your preference. With this tuner, you can watch excellent quality videos, pictures and also stream high-quality content easily. For the tuner to work, you need to have a storage capacity of 1 GB RAM along with 1 to 4 GB for every half an hour of recording. 

If you want the HD playback to work, you need a Dual-core processor. This router works with most of the popular DVR software. It has an encrypted digital cable TV and ATSC digital TV as the sources for TV. You can use it without any worry on multiple devices at the same time. This router has a black color coating and works with iPad and iPhones. There are more than two ways for you to stream content on your iPhones. 

You can either use the InstaTV pro app or Elgato’s EyeTV software to run live shows on your iOS devices. This tuner also offers cartoons, sports, and other channels depending on your location. The tuner weighs less and can be carried easily. You can connect and use this tuner easily. 

Specifications

  • Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi, Ethernet
  • Product Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 1 inch
  • Item Weight: 1 pound

Pros

  • You can install this tuner easily.
  • It is easy to use.
  • Excellent sound quality.
  • This tuner offers high signal strength. 
  • You can watch shows in high definition.

Cons

  • The tuner does not work with PS3 and Mac. 
SiliconDust HDHomeRun DUAL High Definition Digital...
567 Reviews
SiliconDust HDHomeRun DUAL High Definition Digital...
  • Requirements: Dual core recommended for HD playback, 1 GB...
  • Seamless operation with multiple computers
  • TV sources: ATSC digital TV (antenna), Unencrypted digital...
  • Two Digital Tuners, Anywhere on Your Network

Last update on 2023-02-17 at 05:04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


Factors to consider while purchasing an External TV Tuners

Best External HDMI TV Tuner

A TV tuner is considered to be a one-time investment because no one would like to purchase a tuner again and again. So, it’s better to get the best in the first time only. Well, to purchase the best, you need to know a few things and consider them when you’re hunting for one. 

1. Check The Television Signal In Your Area First

The first thing to determine and consider is the signal strength that you are receiving in your area. There are some places where TV signals are hard to receive when you have a traditional antenna. Well, if you live in such a place, then certainly you’ll be needing a satellite card tuner to receive signals smoothly. 

2. HD (High Definition) or SD (Standard Definition) Tuner

The next thing is you need to choose among the HD and SD tuners. If you want to see channels of high-definition, then you have to purchase an HDMI TV Tuner, or else you can go for an SD tuner as well. But, you need to know that HD tuners cost a bit more than SD ones. 

3. Multi-User Network

This is certainly a feature that everyone would like, but sadly there are only some tuners available with this feature. Having a multi-user network feature means that you can connect multiple devices with the tuner at a single time. So, if you have more than one television at your home, it is better to get a tuner with this feature for all the TVs. 

4. Good Quality USB Connection

Well, external tv tuners are connected with the USB present on them. So, you need to make sure that there’s no fault with this port because if later on, you will realize that its quality is not good, then you’ll have to change the tuner. 

5. Recording Feature

Another in-demand feature of tuners is recording. If you have a busy schedule and you can easily miss your favorite programs, then with the help of this feature, you can schedule the recording of the program and watch it whenever you’re free.

6. Compatibility

Even though you’re looking for a tuner for TV, at some point in time, you might want to use it with your laptop or PC. So, for this reason, you might want to go for the widely compatible one. Also, if you’re using a smart TV, say Android or Apple, then you have to look that the tuner you’re buying is compatible with it.

7. Installation Process

Well, there are some people who don’t like to call a technician for small and simple works that can be done on their own. So, if you’re among those people, then you need to get a tuner that has an easy installation procedure. In general, tuners do not have a complicated installation procedure, so it’ll be easy for you to install them.

8. Cost

Many people may not think that cost is something to take care of, but for some, the price of a product can affect them. If we talk about external TV tuners, they may cost a bit depending upon the features it offers. So, the most healthy way of purchasing a tuner is to get the one that falls within your budget and gives the maximum of the features that you want.

What is the digital TV tuner device registration application?

The digital TV tuner device registration application is a scheduled task that is processed by Windows Media Center. This process allows you to connect the current cable provider you are using for your TV with your computer. If you want to watch digital cable TV, which is premium on your personal computer, then you can do so by this method. But, you’ll only be able to watch those channels to which you have access. The primary process on which this depends is the ehPrivJob.exe, as it scouts the cable tuners connected with the computer. 

digital TV tuner device registration application

Well, when it comes to the safety and security of this application, it has been proven that it is quite safe for your PC. However, there are chances that because of a bug, this application might run even if you are not doing any tuning work on PC. So, in this manner, there can be a lot of files that are stored on disk, leading to a slow down of the performance of your PC. 

Digital TV tuner device registration application how to disable?

To disable the TV tuner device registration application from your computer, you can follow any of the given three methods.

1. Disabling The App

If you don’t want to uninstall or remove the application from your PC, then the only way to stop it from running is to disable it. To disable the app, follow the given steps:

Step 1- Search for the control panel in the search panel of the windows. Or else you can simply press Windows Key and ‘R’ key and type ‘appwiz.cpl’ in the dialogue box and click on the run to open the desired window.

Step 2- Once you have opened the control panel, click on the Programs and Features option.

Step 3- Click on the Turn Windows Features On Or Off feature option present on the left side.

Step 4- Now click the Media Features option and unselect the small box present. 

Step 5- To apply the changes, you need to click on the OK button. 

Well, to enable the application, you can follow the above steps and select the Media Features option. 

2. Stop The Process- ehPrivJob.exe 

The next method to stop the process from slowing down the performance, you can end the task using a task manager. For this, you can follow the given steps:

Step 1- With the help of ctrl + ESC + shift keys, open the task manager, or you can simply do so by using the start menu. 

Step 2- Select the performance tab and find the Open Resource Monitor option.

Step 3- Look for the Overview section and find ehPrivJob.exe. Once you have located it, right-click on it and choose the end of the process option.

3. Uninstall The App

Well, if you don’t want to go for any of the above two options, then the only thing that you can do is to uninstall it for the time being. If in the future you want it, you can install it again. To uninstall the application, follow the steps:

Step 1- Search the control panel on the search bar of windows and open it.

Step 2- Click on the Program and Features option and look for the application.

Step 3- Once found, click on the name and select uninstall the program option. 

Well, if you’ve uninstalled the application, you need to reboot the PC.

How do I know if my TV has a digital tuner?

If you are not sure whether your TV has a digital tuner or not, there are some ways by which you can make sure. To know you can go for any or all the mentioned ways.

1. Search For A Aabel

Firstly, you can search for a label stating ‘Digital Tuner’, ‘ATSC, ‘DTV’, ‘HDTV’, ‘Integrated Digital Tuner’, ‘Digital Tuner Built In’, or ‘Digital Receiver’. This label would be present on either the back or front side of the television. So, if you find any of these labels, then your TV set will have a digital tuner.

2. Look For Sub-Channels

If a television comes with a digital tuner, then it tends to display sub-channels as well. So, you need to surf through the channels, and if you find sub-channels, then a digital tuner is present. For example, if you’re on channel number 6, and you proceed further and see that there are channel numbers like 6.1, 6.2, etc., it’s only possible because of the digital tuner.

3. Look For Mentioning In The Manual

The last thing that you can do to find out is to look into the user manual that came with your television set. So, check the manual, and if it states the presence of a digital tuner, then it’ll be present.  

How to watch TV on pc without a TV tuner?

If you don’t have an HDMI TV Tuner but still want to watch television on your computer, then you can do that in WMC that stands for Windows 7 Media Center. 

  • For this, you need first to install WMC on your computer.
  • Once it is installed, open it and scroll down to look for the TV option. In this, you need to find Internet TV. 
  • Now click on it and accept the terms and conditions to start the installation process. 
  • Once the internet TV is installed, you can browse and choose the program that you want to watch. 

Another way of watching TV on PC is via a Digital TV tuner device application, which we have mentioned earlier. 

Frequently Asked Questions[FAQs]

Q1. Is it worth purchasing an external TV tuner?

A1. Well, of course, it is worth spending money on an external TV tuner because of all the benefits it provides. If you’re a busy person and miss your daily programs, then with the help of a tuner, you can easily record it. Moreover, you can view those channels which you cannot watch on normal cable and that too in good quality. Plus, if your television does not have an in-built tuner, then you cannot purchase an internal TV tuner, as in this case you will be needing an external tuner only. So, overall if we look at the advantages and features that external TV tuners provide, we can say that it is worth purchasing one, but definitely a good quality one.

Q2. How can I connect a TV tuner?

A2. To connect the TV tuner, you need either a coaxial cable to do so, or if your tuner comes with a connecting port, then you simply have to insert it. There are some tuners that feature a mini antenna, which also you may need to connect with your television. 

Q3. How can I connect my external HDMI TV Tuner card with my computer?

A3. The process of doing so is quite simple; you can follow the given steps:
Step 1- Open the package of tuner, and take the speaker jack out of the sound card present on the CPU’s back. 
Step 2- Plug in the cable of the tuner that came with it in the sound card jack.
Step 3- Plug the other end in the socket of the tuner card labeled as ‘Sound-out’. 
Step 4- Plug the speaker jack into the ‘Sound in’ port present on the tuner. 
Step 5- Next, you need to take out the display cable from the CPU and insert it into the tuner that has a similar port.
Step 6- Once this is done, you need to plug the other cable into the CPU at the monitor socket. The other end of this cable must be plugged in the other socket of the tuner labeled as “VGA-Out”. 
Step 7- Now plug the adapter into the power source—plug in the output cable in the “Power-in” port of the tuner.
Step 8- When everything is done, plug in the antenna jack in the antenna socket. 
Now, turn the entire system on and use the remote to surf through channels.

Conclusion

If we look at the demand for tuners, there is much because of the benefits it provides. So, in case you want to see the channels that you cannot see with your regular cable, then you need to get a digital tuner for your TV. However, if your TV comes with an in-built tuner and if it’s expandable, then only you can go for an internal tuner; otherwise, you have to go for external tv tuners. All-in-all, we hope that the best HDMI TV Tuner and other information that we’ve discussed were of some help to you.

Last update on 2023-02-17 at 05:04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API



HDMItechnologies is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate We earn from qualifying purchases.

I am Steven S. Martin, the person behind HDMITechnologies. Personally, I run my tech hub in Texas and used almost thousands of devices for my hub for the last 15 years. I put all my experiences and knowledge to make your decision better and valuable.

Leave a Comment