As noted in a previous response, you should have received an email from X10 when you placed your order. This email gave you a link for downloading and installing the software. After the software is installed and you have verified it works (you see the control panel) then plug in the cable that intercepts/splits the ourput from your video port, with one half going to the Showtime and the second half going to your monitor.
Then plug in the Showtime USB connector and turn the Showtime hardware on. Your should see a system message that devices have been recognized and are ready to use. When you run Showtime you should see a green light in the broadcasting line, indictaing the program sees the hardware and is capable of using it.
Then install the reciever on your TV, using either of the two connectors (I think the coaxial connector provides a better picture). Once turned on, you should see the PC screen on your PC. (Warning: on my PC I had to change to a display size of 800x600 to see the full picture. When I used a display size of 1024x768, the picture on the TV was cut off on the left side).
Also be aware that portable phones operating on the 2.4 GHZ band can create bars and noises on the TV screen. By changing the Showtime hardware channel selection you should be able to minimiize interference. In my case I actually had to unplug the power from a portable phone located next to the Showtime box. This is not a Showtime problem, just a case of too many deviices trying to use the same channels.
Also be aware you will have to adjust the Showtime preferences to optimize the picture. In my case I had to set color and sharpness to full scale, and lower brightness. In the end I obtained an acceptable result. We started by viewing pictures from 30 years ago my wife had scanned into the PC. Since the image files were large (4MB) it sometimes took a while for Showtime to change to the next picture. The email and print functions worked OK. For the $15 that I paid using the bandit (including shipping) , I consider the result cost effective. The whole family could easily see our trips.
FWIW, if you just turn on the Showtime, it will broadcast the PC screen to your TV, allowing you to monitor your children"s and spouses PC activity.
I relaize that I have written this response in a little (geek speek), assuming the user knows a little about the technology of computers and phones. If you have any questions, feel free to use this forum to discuss in laymans's terms what to do. This way everybody can benefit.