View Full Version : New conditions
mickeymutt
09-01-2009, 07:03 PM
My living situation has changed, so I now am limited in space. I would like to set up a system which combines TV and computing duties through one set-up. Is it doable? I now have Cable, Tivo Recorder, AMD 64 computer w/ 2g Ram, hard wired linksys router and Toshiba 45 rear projection TV. What hardware would I need to get to be able to combine all functions, and, how? I plan to replace the TV with a 27"-32" monitor.
Thanks for any help
viper527
09-02-2009, 01:29 AM
My living situation has changed, so I now am limited in space. I would like to set up a system which combines TV and computing duties through one set-up. Is it doable? I now have Cable, Tivo Recorder, AMD 64 computer w/ 2g Ram, hard wired linksys router and Toshiba 45 rear projection TV. What hardware would I need to get to be able to combine all functions, and, how? I plan to replace the TV with a 27"-32" monitor.
Thanks for any help
Yes, you can achieve "one set-up" entertainment bliss. You already have most of the hardware you will need. You can actually get rid of the Ti-Vo or use it in another room because the computer will handle the Ti-Vo duties and its FREE! For the operating system you can use Ubuntu and that is free as well. After the OS is installed, you can download Myth TV (free) and install that. The myth tv will allow you to watch tv, record tv, play movies, store photos, and more! There are lots of cables and options you could go with to fine tune it all. Now, the TV. You have a good tv already for what you are wanting to use it for. When you do get a new tv you don't need a monitor. An LCD will be great and you can go much larger than 32". If you are planning on playing games on this system then there are some hardware specs the pc needs to meet. Now, this is where I can help out tramendiously, I build and install Home Theater PC's. So if you want to buy one from me or just need more info let me know.
Viper
mickeymutt
09-03-2009, 07:58 PM
Thanks your information is very interesting. I do need to use my computer as I have an home business. I work with spreadsheets and forms. How would the readability and clarity on a 720p tv be?
viper527
09-04-2009, 01:02 PM
Reliability on any HDTV should not be an issue. A 720P TV will look fine but a 1080P will be better because you can go to a higher resolution and when using a pc there is a pretty big difference. I have done both 720 and 1080 and I would never go back to a 720p TV using a PC.
Viper
mickeymutt
09-04-2009, 06:36 PM
Thanks Viper
dark_shroud
09-05-2009, 07:59 AM
You should also take a look at Windows Media Center. It works very well with recording channels and auto loading guides. WMC can handle premium channel DRM that Myth TV can choke on. The best part of WMC is that the PC can be used normal use as well.
davmoo
09-05-2009, 10:33 AM
You should also take a look at Windows Media Center.
Will WMC work with an external satellite (Dish Network) receiver?
My guess would be analog only.