PC to TV

[smurph]

I am investigating the linking of my PC to TV, i.e. creating a wireless media network in the house.

I am unsure if this is the correct forum, maybe a new forum needs created for this, as it is going to become very popular in the future as we try and create home media networks to play and distribute PC stored media files throughout the home on TVs and HiFis.
Or maybe you can suggest other forums that specialise in this?

I want advice on the best/cheapest method to create a wireless media network in the house, to play pics, video and audio files that are stored on my PC upstairs on my TV downstairs.

I heard it can be done by several methods:
1. with a chipped/modded Xbox, but with file type limitations.
2. specific transmitter/receivers
3. Digital Media Adaptors, the big IT companies are manufacturing these dedicated equipment like "D-Link MediaLounge DSM-320 Wireless Media Player" and "iCube* Play@TV Digital Media Adapter"

Can anyone provide further information?

 

[Shannon]

well, if you want something wireless, you could always put together a box specifically for home media with a tv-out on the video card. If you've got any leftover parts, you can use them.

I've actually been researching these things off and on for a while. google HTPC (home theatre PC). There are lots of interface options as well, including Windows XP Media Center Edition.

 

[smurph]

Thanks Shannon....have been considering/researching for while also!

Although I don't have the parts, and am not a brilliant PC building techie, but would be interested in resolving this. A few questions on your suggestion:
1. Box is to be located at and connected to TV?
2. Does it need a monitor?
3. Where does the media need to be, is it transmitting wirelessly from PC upstairs?
4. Operating system?

 

[Apokalipse]

a lot of video cards have VIVO (Video In Video Out) which means you can connect a TV to them

 

[Shannon]

1. yes, usually. you can get sleek/small formfactor cases if you like
2. doesn't need a monitor(except for during setup, I suppose, for which you could borrow one from another PC) if you have TV-out then you can just use the tv, which is what you want to view your media on anyway
3. can be on the hard drive of the HTPC, or if you've got a wireless(or wired for that matter) network set up, you should be able to stream whatever you like from your other PCs.
4. Windows XP Media Center Edition(can be bought from NewEgg OEM) would probably be easiest, but you could use regular Windows XP and there are addon apps you can use for interface.

You can even get remote controls that you can use with these boxes.

 

[smurph]

Thanks again Shannon
I don't want to waste alot of time and space on this solution alone in this thread, but it seems feasible, although a little expensive, getting a box (maybe secondhand) and buying a new video card with TV out, Win Media Centre plus remote control. It would be nice for it to be in the smaller case you describe, another expense, and also means that it is to be self built.....dunno if I would trust myself!!
I would be posting questions here for a long time!!

 

[Shannon]

yeah, that's possible. Might not be pretty, but it is a feasible solution. If you're looking at just getting something cheap I think that emachines have a box out with MCE on it. I don't think it actually had a tv-out card in it, but for like $500, if you would've had to start from scratch, it might be a good deal for you even if you have to put a tv out card in.

Or the next time you upgrade a PC save the parts to put in an HTPC box.

 

[HAVOC]

Miss Shannon is spot on.

You'd need a HTPC, with a Videocard that has an S-VIDEO out, connected to your TV. MCE2005 would be your operating system of choice. As it has a very TV friendly interface. It's also built on Windows XP PRO so networking that unit to your PC upstaiirs wirelessly would be easy.

If you are interested in building a simple inexpensive HTPC let me know, I can recommend you some ideas.

 

[smurph]

Yeah, cheers HAVOC2k5
Please send pm or post (may as well let others see) ideas/proposals..........

Also, could incoming TV be inputted into this box, and distributed to more than one other TV and/or PC?

 

[HAVOC]

Yeah, if you get a PVR card (Personal Video Recorder), you can capture TV (cable via coaxial) to a HDD. Then you could access those captured files through networking on other PC's. You can also (Burn those files to a DVD or CD) or transfer them to a portable Device that supports video files.

Actually to distribute entertainment to other TV's you'll need what's called a Windows Media Extender and XBOX360.

I'll put together a list of components that would work well for a HTPC.

WIN MCE Extender Home Page;
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/extender/default.mspx