TVs

[DMT]

We're still using a 32'' Toshiba box and it's time to upgrade. I haven't done any research yet, figured some of you guys would be up-to-date on the latest technologies. I saw a commercial for a 50'' LG HDTV for $500. I'd like to be able to play DVDs from my computer or portable HD with a USB connection if that's possible. TIA

[TranaGreg]

you probably would need a computer with HDMI out; I haven't heard of USB direct to TV, but am not up to speed on the latest out there.

[johnnya24]

Yeah ... HDMI is the normal way to connect a laptop to your TV. Most laptops from the last 4/5 years have HDMI slots. If you have a desktop, I'm sure you can get a card with an HDMI slot.

I'm sure you can also get boxes that can transfer PC / Laptop to any TV without cables. I was looking into this a bunch of years back, but don't know anything about newer methods.

Check out Smart TV's and see if they could help you. Ask your dealer to explain how these systems work ... there are 5/6 different platforms from the various manufacturers (Sony, Panasonic, LG, Samsung). If you are going to upgrade, it might be worth looking in this direction ... it could save you money down the line.

[TranaGreg]

yeah, I have a sony smart tv ... it's pretty easy to set up though not the easiest to work with; I plugged an ethernet cable directly into the tv & through the tv menu I can access netflix, youtube, etc. But it's a closed environment - I can't install drivers or anything. So if I wanted to use it as a display for a separate computer the only way I could do that would be through HDMI as previously suggested.

[johnnya24]

I hate HDMI cables ... the cables are far too heavy for the connector. Crappy technology.

[OaklandA's]

I hate HDMI cables ... the cables are far too heavy for the connector. Crappy technology.

Really? I find HDMI so much better than all of the previous connection methods - VGA, DVI, S, or even component or composite. Getting both audio and high definition video on a single cable is great.

Smart TVs will work for NetFlix and things like that, but not as a general purpose computer. Some do have a web browser, but they are pretty clunky. But to watch DVDs from your computer, HDMI is the way to go. Make sure you get a TV with enough HDMI inputs.

If you're in the Apple world, an Apple TV will let you stream from an Apple device (iPad, iPhone, Macbook, etc.) wirelessly to your TV.

[TranaGreg]

hmmm ... then there's DLNA; I got this from the Sony support site; I'll have to try this out:

DLNA compatible devices can be connected to a home network just like a computer, or smart phone. Once the connection is established, you can browse selected folders on your media server PC right from your TV screen and select music to listen to, or photos and videos to watch.

A file sharing application such as Windows Media® Player, VAIO® Media server software, Serviio™ DLNA Media server, Twonky® suite, or EyeConnect UPnP™ AV Media Streaming Software provides the interface between TV and computer.

...
The following is required to view photos, video, or listen to music on a DLNA enabled Device:

An Active Network: The device must be connected using either a wired or wireless connection to your home high-speed Internet connection or to a Local Area Network (LAN).
A DLNA Certified Digital Media Server: These devices store content and make it available to networked digital media players Personal Computers, and network attached storage (NAS) devices.
A DLNA Certified Digital Media Player or Client: These devices are able to find photos and videos from other DLNA Certified devices and play them on your TV, stereo system, home theater systems, Blu-ray Disc™ (BD) player, wireless monitors and game consoles.

so assuming the tv is DLNA certified (I just found out that mine is), a PC with a media server that is also compliant should be able to serve the videos up. I'll have to try this out.

[johnnya24]

Really? I find HDMI so much better than all of the previous connection methods - VGA, DVI, S, or even component or composite. Getting both audio and high definition video on a single cable is great.

Smart TVs will work for NetFlix and things like that, but not as a general purpose computer. Some do have a web browser, but they are pretty clunky. But to watch DVDs from your computer, HDMI is the way to go. Make sure you get a TV with enough HDMI inputs.

If you're in the Apple world, an Apple TV will let you stream from an Apple device (iPad, iPhone, Macbook, etc.) wirelessly to your TV.

Maybe "crappy technology" is the wrong thing to say ... the quality is good. But the connector is very shallow, and the cables are often thick and heavy ... and because of that they often don't flex much. It can be a nightmare getting the cable to stay in an upright slot especially. I used to use HDMI with my laptop a lot, and I just got fed up having to constantly mess with the connector to get a solid connection ... you'd get a connection, then you'd have to tip-toe back to the chair and pray it doesn't flinch. I wasted a lot of money on these cables. The cheaper HDMI cables are worthless.