HDTV to PC Connection

[beth]

What all is needed to make a TV connection to PC work well?
PC/laptop obviously
HDMI
Anybody do this, and, if so, how does it work out for you?
I'd see no remote control as an issue, but you could use a wireless keyboard, I suppose.
Does the connect work ok though a wireless router?
Was playing with the idea of doing TV watching off the pc rather than through the cablebox. There is actually more access and flexibility with PC viewing, it seems.
Do you still even need cablebox?

 

[monsinour]

tv tuner card and the software is all you would really need. Unless you want to watch the laptop's output on the tv. Then all you need is an HDMI cable and wireless input devices. I play angry birds on my 55" every now and then.

 

[beth]

I'm noting that the Internet has a lot more to offer on the TV in the way of programming, then the cable box, which is weird. At least that is the case for Comcast. I'm not a big TV watcher, but I would like to pick more of what I want to watch.
Netflix may be an option as well. Then I could get rid of Comcast.

 

[monsinour]

It sounds like you want to use your laptop/PC as your cable box. An HDMI cable and maybe the audio cables is all that you would need. I get netflix through the Wii. I am also stuck with time warner for cable service.

 

[beth]

I was thinking the HDMI would supply the sound directly coming from TV speakers (not laptop) thereby no need for audio cables.
I was thinking about netflix too but can really figure out how it works. How does it work?

 

[beth]

I was thinking the HDMI would supply the sound directly coming from TV speakers (not laptop) thereby no need for audio cables.
I was thinking about netflix too but can't really figure out how it works. How does it work?

 

[gemmy]

What do you do if you can't get sound on your tv and you have an hdmi cable and audio cable?

(not trying to hijack but I can't get sound on my pc and I do not want to go to best buy)

 

[beth]

You have to configure the sound for HDMI to TV in Control Panel/Sound area. If your Sound is configured only for computer sound, then and HDMI to TV is not going to come through.

 

[monsinour]

Netflix allows you to watch what you want when you want aslong as you have an unlimited account. In about 2 years, netflix wont be dealing with DVD/Bluray discs. At that time, for rental purposes for me, all I will have access to is redboxes. As far as quality, if you have a decent video card, good interent connection, and relatively fact PC, you can stream HD movies to your PC and then put the output to your TV. Interface on wii is neat and the web based interface is better. Netflix is adding new content every day. But as you figured, all of the good new releases are not available and most of the old classic that everyone wants to watch are not available. If there is a trilogy of movies, usually the first one is not available. My kids use the netflix more than I due to all of the kids programing that is available. I can take a screenie and post it if you like.

 

[gemmy]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Beth http:///forum/thread/385802/hdtv-to-pc-connection#post_3385502
You have to configure the sound for HDMI to TV in Control Panel/Sound area. If your Sound is configured only for computer sound, then and HDMI to TV is not going to come through.
Thanks! That is my dumb blonde moment of the day.

 

[bionicarm]

Netflix Online has predominantly older movies you can watch directly on your PC or TV. They also have a bunch of TV Series you can watch as well. They normally don't put 'first run' movies online. You can also go to the major networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, etc.) websites and watch pretty much any series that's running on their network. The shows are usually up to date, and the latest one is normally online the next day. I have ATT Uverse, and they offer HBOGo if you subscribe to that premium channel through your normal subscription. I can watch virtually every program currently on HBO with my account on my PC. They even offered the next episode of Game Of Thrones (Number 7) starting last Monday online. So I could watch it 6 days before it's aired nationally on their normal cable channel. I've also watched several sporting events online (NASCAR, NBA, Major League Baseball). Some are free, while others require a subscription.

 

[beth]

That is what I was thinking. With Comcast, I can pretty much watch anything just about, including previous season episodes, etc, directly off the pc. Was trying to see how I can connect my TV to my PC (which is in another room). Likely a new laptop would be needed for that but then I wonder how much the signal for streaming will be diminished using wireless off a laptop.

 

[bionicarm]

802.11G has a peak bandwidth of 54Mbps. Depending on the number of devices in your home using wireless, you probably get around half of that. Shouldn't be a problem. My wife and daughter sit in bed all the time with their laptops watching Netflix shows, and neither has ever complained to me about picture quality.

 

[bionicarm]

They're not cheap, but a Slingbox will provide you with your TV programming anywhere you can get a wireless signal..
http://www.slingbox.com/go/slingbox-solo

 

[beth]

I was more interested in accessing the internet on HDTV, then in accessing the internet with other sources.

 

[bionicarm]

I guess I'm confused. Do you want to watch TV programming on your PC, or do you want to look at the applications on your PC (surf the internet) on your HDTV?

 

[beth]

I want a pc connection on my TV. Basically, there are a lot more TV programs that I may be interested in that stream from the internet (comcast) then what is on-demand.

 

[monsinour]

then configure HDMI to carry sound, 1 cable connection to TV, ensure that you have windows 7 with media center installed and you have a portable DVR. If no media center, then just stream what you can. If it looks ok on your laptop it should look ok on your tv.
edit : Here is the web based UI for netflix:

Its a little kid based as our kids kinda rule the netflix.

 

[aquaknight]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Beth http:///forum/thread/385802/hdtv-to-pc-connection#post_3385711
I want a pc connection on my TV. Basically, there are a lot more TV programs that I may be interested in that stream from the internet (comcast) then what is on-demand.
So for clarification's sake, you want your HDTV, to act as a monitor for the PC/laptop?
You'll need to make sure your HDTV is a 1080p unit, and not 720p. You can't get the PC resolution to match a 720p set. Also, if the HDTV is a plasma, forget about it. You'll have burn-in, in no time.
As far as what to watch online, don't forget about Hulu. Most of the network shows are on there, and they have movies. Some stuff is free (the latest episode usually), and the rest is 'Hulu Plus' subscription.

 

[beth]

Yes, HDTV as monitor, but only for tv programing, or Comcast off the interent, etc. Not to really surf web, etc.
Right now, I don't have a Win7. Just planning for the future. Thanks, all.