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#299708 - 26/06/2007 11:48 Cheapest way to stream content from computer to TV via HDMI
burdell1
old hand

Registered: 14/01/2002
Posts: 931
Loc: Minnetonka, MN
What would be the cheapest device that I could get that would stream content from my computer to my TV via HDMI?

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#299709 - 26/06/2007 12:27 Re: Cheapest way to stream content from computer to TV via HDMI [Re: burdell1]
Waterman981
old hand

Registered: 14/02/2002
Posts: 804
Loc: Salt Lake City, UT
I know of one product from Ziova that may be what you are looking for. It seems like they are going for about $250 from a couple different places. Of course for $50 more you can have all that and add a region free DVD player.
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-Michael

#040103696 on a shelf
Mk2a - 90 GB - Red - Illuminated buttons

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#299710 - 26/06/2007 12:54 Re: Cheapest way to stream content from computer to TV via HDMI [Re: burdell1]
JBjorgen
carpal tunnel

Registered: 19/01/2002
Posts: 3584
Loc: Columbus, OH
Does your computer have a DVI-D connector on the video card? If so, a simple adapter is all that is required. If not a video card that has one can be acquired fairly cheaply.

EDIT: Doh! that wouldn't be streaming. Maybe try a hacked AppleTV?


Edited by JBjorgen (26/06/2007 15:40)
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~ John

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#299711 - 26/06/2007 16:41 Re: Cheapest way to stream content from computer to TV via HDMI [Re: burdell1]
Dignan
carpal tunnel

Registered: 08/03/2000
Posts: 12338
Loc: Sterling, VA
You could do what I plan to do eventually, and get a somewhat inexpensive video card. It's not as cheap as a DVI to HDMI adapter, but it's a nice solution.
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Matt

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#299712 - 26/06/2007 20:24 Re: Cheapest way to stream content from computer to TV via HDMI [Re: JBjorgen]
msaeger
carpal tunnel

Registered: 23/09/2000
Posts: 3608
Loc: Minnetonka, MN
Has anyone been able to connect a pc to their TV via DVI ? I have tried and never been able to get it work.
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Matt

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#299713 - 26/06/2007 20:40 Re: Cheapest way to stream content from computer to TV via HDMI [Re: msaeger]
wfaulk
carpal tunnel

Registered: 25/12/2000
Posts: 16706
Loc: Raleigh, NC US
A friend of mine has with a Mac Mini. Your TV will only support a few specific resolutions and is very picky about timing. Someone makes a software tool for the Mac to configure the video output for this express purpose, which I forget the name of right now.
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Bitt Faulk

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#299714 - 26/06/2007 20:53 Re: Cheapest way to stream content from computer to TV via HDMI [Re: msaeger]
Cris
pooh-bah

Registered: 06/02/2002
Posts: 1904
Loc: Leeds, UK
Quote:
Has anyone been able to connect a pc to their TV via DVI ? I have tried and never been able to get it work.


I got myself a DVI to HDMI cable from eBay. I use it with my MacBook. HDMI is just DVI with copy protection added, it works just fine if you have the right cable. At least it does for me.

I have one issue, but it's specific to my plasma, it's a Pioneer. I find if I use the HDMI input the panel crops 5% from each edge, even if I set the output res of the MacBook to the native res of the panel, if I use the VGA input then I don't get this problem.

What TV have you got?

Cheers

Cris.

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#299715 - 26/06/2007 21:07 Re: Cheapest way to stream content from computer to TV via HDMI [Re: Cris]
burdell1
old hand

Registered: 14/01/2002
Posts: 931
Loc: Minnetonka, MN
The main reason why i started this thread is I was debating on whether or not i should build a media center pc.....or if i should just stream content to my tv directly. I already have a motherboard and processor, but i am not sure if it is worth it since i probably won't do the tv tuner part of the media center pc.....

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#299716 - 26/06/2007 21:31 Re: Cheapest way to stream content from computer to TV via HDMI [Re: burdell1]
Cris
pooh-bah

Registered: 06/02/2002
Posts: 1904
Loc: Leeds, UK
I would say if you have most of the bits already go for it!

I have TV Tuner in my HTPC, although I have never got to the stage of taking it downstairs and using it as a HTPC, so the card is totally pointless

I think the trouble is I got a Squeezebox at about the same time, and I prefer that, but XP MCE is pretty cool for photos and videos.

If you are thinking of mythtv there are few people on here who are better placed to offer advice.......andym......

Cheers

Cris

PS - you never said what tv you have, what input are you trying to use?

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#299717 - 26/06/2007 21:36 Re: Cheapest way to stream content from computer to TV via HDMI [Re: Cris]
msaeger
carpal tunnel

Registered: 23/09/2000
Posts: 3608
Loc: Minnetonka, MN
I have a sony that is a few year old and still has a tube (xbr40800) It only has component and dvi.
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Matt

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#299718 - 26/06/2007 23:19 Re: Cheapest way to stream content from computer to TV via HDMI [Re: msaeger]
Attack
addict

Registered: 01/03/2002
Posts: 599
Loc: Florida
I have my PC connected via a DVI to HDMI cable connected to my tv.
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Chad

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#299719 - 27/06/2007 01:46 Re: Cheapest way to stream content from computer to TV via HDMI [Re: msaeger]
matthew_k
pooh-bah

Registered: 12/02/2002
Posts: 2298
Loc: Berkeley, California
I've used my Powerbook with both a Olevia 32" LCD and a large RCA rear projector, and DVI has worked perfectly. The powerbook isn't beefy enough to upscale video to 1080i though.

I spent quite a bit of time working getting linux to work on the Olevia's VGA port, and found that the tv simply reported the wrong settings back to the computer. This tended it cause it to default back to 640x480, or something similar. If by chance you're using a 720p(ish) LCD, let me know and I'll try and find you the right modeline to try. (I think the modeline can be converted to the windows and mac custom monitor programs)

One thing of note is the 720p panels aren't really 720p, and if you want to drive them over VGA at least you need to feed them a resolution slightly wider than their actual dimensions. Overscan on a LCD. I guess old habits die hard.

Matthew

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#299720 - 27/06/2007 02:12 Re: Cheapest way to stream content from computer to TV via HDMI [Re: matthew_k]
msaeger
carpal tunnel

Registered: 23/09/2000
Posts: 3608
Loc: Minnetonka, MN
My TV is a 40" 4:3 tube that supports 1080i.
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Matt

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#299721 - 27/06/2007 03:03 Re: Cheapest way to stream content from computer to TV via HDMI [Re: burdell1]
Dignan
carpal tunnel

Registered: 08/03/2000
Posts: 12338
Loc: Sterling, VA
Quote:
The main reason why i started this thread is I was debating on whether or not i should build a media center pc

If everything works out, I may be picking up a $50 P4 machine in the near future. All I have to do is slap a $100 HDMI card in there and I have an instant Media Center PC since I already own the OS.
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Matt

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#299722 - 27/06/2007 15:27 Re: Cheapest way to stream content from computer to TV via HDMI [Re: msaeger]
tfabris
carpal tunnel

Registered: 20/12/1999
Posts: 31597
Loc: Seattle, WA
Quote:
Has anyone been able to connect a pc to their TV via DVI ? I have tried and never been able to get it work.

Yes, I've done it with both a PC with an Nvidia video card, and with the Mac Mini. It's practically plug and play in both cases.

If it's not working on your setup, then it's possible your TV and video card don't play nice together. I understand that can happen. Search around forums that talk specifically about home theater and home theater PCs, and see if you can find the names of your video card and TV set in the same thread.

Incidentally, to answer the original poster's question, I love my Mac Mini for this media-playing purpose. With a wireless keyboard and mouse, it's the ultimate hook-up-to-your-TV all-purpose video player, media streamer, etc... It's the smallest, quietest, most capable little home-theater PC I can think of.
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Tony Fabris

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