| Author | Message | ||
     Swordsman |
Okay, here's the deal: we're canceling our cable television. I had an idea to build a cheapo PC and hook it up to the TV in our living room, and set it up to watch web-based content (Hulu, etc.) and DVDs. Here's what I think I'll need to do it: 1.) a spare, functioning PC (already got one) 2.) wireless internet card (due to location) 3.) vid card capable of TV out Planning on using a wireless trackball for navigation, and probably the virtual keyboard for data entry (won't really be used much after I get all my bookmarks set up). Can anyone think of anything that might throw a wrench in this idea? I'd like to get some feedback before I start buying parts. Thanks! ~SM | ||
| Froggy |
What make/model of TV? Mostly because I want to google it to see what inputs it supports and how to best guide you.  They make wireless keyboards with touch pads on them if you are interested in that. There are also computer remotes available that work great. I have an old ATI remote  | ||
| 20xb12s04 |
I've got a Gyration remote and keyboard for my Media Center PC. Very nice. Right now they have a $40 rebate on the remote and a $50 rebate on the remote and keyboard combo. http://www.gyration.com/index.php/en/products/in-a ir-remotes/air-music-remote http://www.gyration.com/images/stories/rebateform. pdf http://www.buy.com/prod/movea-air-music-remote-wit h-compact-keyboard-kit-audio-video/q/loc/111/20796 4454.html | ||
| Swordsman |
It's an older JVC flatscreen (not flat panel). It only has the S video, cable, and red/yellow/white whatchamacallits (sorry, having brain fart). A remote would be kinda cool if it was universal, so that I could control the television volume and then wiggle the pointer too. However, I'll be using Ubuntu as the OS (cuz it's free), and I have serious misgivings about getting anything as complex as a universal PC remote to function properly, since there probably aren't any drivers available. A trackball is pretty straightforward. ~SM | ||
| Teeps |
Here you go; all the answers in one place... http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=83 bbf5a87eacb8a143af69e2dc22b7cb&t=940972 | ||
| Froggy |
Oh, Linux... all bets are off! S-video isn't wonderful either, but its the best choice you got with that TV. Oh, the remote I posted does work on Linux, but because it runs on RF and not IR, it wouldn't be able to control your TV. You could use it to control the PC volume. | ||
| Nik |
If you add bluetooth to the computer you can use a Wiimote to control it. | ||
| Ferris_von_bueller |
That AV thread is like from 2006. Is it still relevant? | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
Can't you do all that with a wii? | ||
| Teeps |
Ferris_von_bueller Posted on Friday, September 25, 2009 - 05:02 pm: That AV thread is like from 2006. Is it still relevant? Yes. go to page 85 for the latest recommended systems. | ||
| Ourdee |
Why stop half way? | ||
| Firebolt32 |
All you need is a VGA to Composite Video converter. Quick google search gave me this. I now nothing about the brand or quality but it's doable. http://sewelldirect.com/pc-to-tv.asp | ||
| Froggy |
Many videocards have a s-video output on them, thats is better then composite output, but still looks like ass. His money should be on a new display with DVI/HDMI | ||
| Firebolt32 |
yeah...I wasn't going to break down all the signal types but since you went there Froggy. From bottom to top...Composite, S-Video, Componet, VGA, DVI and then HDMI. To get the best quality, buy a TV that has the HDMI input. You could then either buy a video card for the PC to accomodate this or up convert from VGA to HDMI. Or to use what you have and spend a less amount of money, no video card would be needed for the PC. Just buy a VGA to composite or S-video converter to accomodate what you have existing...better Froggy?  (Message edited by firebolt32 on September 25, 2009) | ||
| Dbird29 |
HDMI is your friend> | ||
| Loki |
Looking to concentrate on the feeds from online? Take the big short cut now available from LG. One heck of a BlueRay player that wireless to your network. Also streams the good net sites. Just food for thought. | ||
| Swordsman |
Considering most of the crap I'd be watching online is compressed flash-type movies, I'm thinking you guys might be going a little overboard.  I think my TV may have one component video input on the back (currently reserved for my XBOX). I'll have to double check... been awhile since I set all that up. ~SM (Message edited by Swordsman on September 28, 2009) | ||
| Froggy |
The stuff I watch from the internet looks better than most DVDs. But I also got all the right hardware to back it up, including a 2560x1600 res monitor    And my favorite out of the set:   Many modern videocards support component video, so if possible share that with the Xbox via a switch or something. Also, Netflix with the watch on demand feature is awesome. | ||
| Swordsman |
DAMN that Mustang is one serious eyesore! Looks like they gave a pack of 14 year old hispanic kids a blank check and turned them loose on it!  Mine looks way better.   | ||
| Froggy |
But it looks like a V6 without a spoiler  | ||
| Doon |
I've been toying with the idea of using an acer aspire revo as a TV Pc. They have a small version at NewEgg for $199. It uses the Nvidia ION platform so it can do 1080P video (as long as you have the driver support) It comes with both vga and HDMI output, as well. at $200 it is in the range of experimentable to see how it will work. All else fails, it would make a really nice X Terminal for the house |
