What does this have to do with obsolescence? To accomodate the largest number of internet users, online content is generally 240p (320x240) or 360p (640x360). This is lower than the lowest definition flat screen HDTV (480p). Now, the question I ask is, if you want to watch internet content in the comfort of your living room couch, why do you even need an HDTV?
The answer, you don't.
Components:
- SDTV (CRT TV)
- Older computer capable of decoding Flash video (you know what I'm talking about, that old computer you replaced with a fancy new laptop and now it's in the closet collecting dust and waiting for the day you toss it out (hopefully recycle)). In my case, it's an Alienware Aurora m7700.
- PC to TV converter
- 3.5 mm audio to RCA cable
- Software (pick your poison): Windows Media Player, VideoLAN Client, Media Player Classic, etc.
- HTPC software: Boxee, XBMC (Xbox Media Center), etc.
The computer I'm using is an Alienware Aurora m7700.
The Alienware Aurora m7700 only has a DVI port, so I used a DVI to VGA converter to connect the computer to a PC to TV Converter. The m7700 seems to have a RCA video out, but it doesn't seem to work. Either Windows 7 doesn't support it or I need the mini PCI TV Tuner. If you're interested in one of those, you can find it here on eBay or buy it here through Ztronics. I've used Ztronics to repair the m7700, so personally, I'd spend money on them again.
For the PC to TV converter, I purchased the KWorld KW-PCTV-1600 VGA to TV converter. The KW-PCTV-1600 outputs RCA video to the TV. Switch the TV to the correct video source to see the computer output.
Using this setup, I can now watch internet-based content from the comfort of my living room couch. If I actually had a living room couch.
In terms of video, this configuration of components work great! You'll even be able to read subtitles. However, this is NOT something you should do to use a computer in the living room. SDTVs simply do not have the resolution to display fine text. SDTVs were never designed for the purpose of reading fine text which is why text on SDTV is usually large, VERY LARGE. You'll need a minimum of an HD CRT TV to even get close to being able to read the text. I have computer hooked up to the TV to output 1024x768. 1024x768 seems to be the best resolution to use Windows 7 (anything smaller and some of the control panel windows are difficult to navigate and some software is near impossible to use). If you want to use the computer from your couch, I highly recommend you go with a different solution. Use an HDTV with your computer. Even with a VGA hookup, you'll be able to read the fine text crystal clear.
To control the computer from afar, you have several choices. The most optimal assuming you can actually read the text on the TV screen is probably an all in one keyboard and touchpad, such as the Logitech PlayStation 3 Cordless Media Pro or Adesso Wireless SlimTouch Desktop Touchpad Keyboard. I will not go into a discussion on the best input device for an HTPC because it is beyond the scope of this article. If you want to remote control the computer hookup to the TV via another computer, you'll want to use something like VNC. Remote Desktop (RDP) isn't ideal in this case because it transfer the session to the remote computer so the local computer is locked. VNC on the other hand lets you remote control the remote computer as though you were sitting directly in front of it. I personally use TightVNC. Be sure to install the mirror driver compatible with TightVNC found here. The mirror driver significally reduces CPU overhead.
2012-03-06 Update
The good news is that the Alienware Aurora m7700 is holding up pretty well. I had it repaired November 2011. I had to move from a WLAN configuration to a wired LAN configuration because either the wireless router couldn't keep up or there's just way too much network traffic for the WLAN card to keep up with with the video streaming and VNC traffic. Another issue is the external monitor extend desktop and the external monitor only setting isn't working. It could be the nVidia drivers or just Windows 7 and older computers. Whatever the case, the clone screen works, so I just have to deal with a very ugly 1024x768 on the 1600x1200 native resolution LCD.
A word of advice, DO NOT CLOSE the lid all the way down!!! Lots of heat dissipates through the keyboard and the LCD creates an insulation and the laptop gets VERY hot. It's best to leave the LCD lid open 2-3 inches, and don't forget the cooling pad.
2012-03-09 Update
Switched out computers and now I'm using the HP Compaq Evo N410c as my HTPC.
It does a good job with the TightVNC compatible mirror driver. Heat is also an issue with this small laptop with the lid closed, so I have it sitting on top of a cooling pad and it's fine now. The first time I left this laptop running all night with the lid down, it crashed.
I had to install the original ATI video drivers to properly switch the display over to the CRT TV. You can find the original video drivers for the HP Compaq Evo N410c here. The drivers will fail if you try to install using installer. Explode the installer file using Universal Extractor and manually install the video driver and the ATI Control Panel. See my post on Universal Extractor here.
No comments:
Post a Comment