http://www.highdefforum.com A place to discuss your computer setups, PC requirements, ATI Wonder Card, etc. en Thu, 23 May 2013 16:47:25 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.highdefforum.com/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.highdefforum.com http://www.highdefforum.com/computers-htpcs/141248-display-laptop-not-sharp-after-hitting-wrong-buttons-typing.html Mon, 20 May 2013 22:49:02 GMT I have a Toshiba 855 s5320 laptop I bought in November. Still getting used to the laptop after yrs and yrs of a desktop and also windows 8. I today was typing and hit I guess some wrong buttons and I noticed the screen's resolution changed. I tried playing around with the zoom and font sizes but it still doesnt' seem to be as clear as it was. It almost seems lighter and not as sharp. I also played with the bright button on it. Help me on what I need to do next please. '

thanks ]]> Computers/HTPCs nyg052003 http://www.highdefforum.com/computers-htpcs/141248-display-laptop-not-sharp-after-hitting-wrong-buttons-typing.html http://www.highdefforum.com/computers-htpcs/141144-cutting-cable-using-htpc-record-ota-hd-tv-need-advice.html Thu, 09 May 2013 14:55:48 GMT Hey Everyone! A few years ago you guys brilliantly helped me out with my journey of building and using a HTPC for watching Blu-Ray movies, and the hassles/complexities of all the different cables and settings associated with getting things set up. First Thread... Hey Everyone!

A few years ago you guys brilliantly helped me out with my journey of building and using a HTPC for watching Blu-Ray movies, and the hassles/complexities of all the different cables and settings associated with getting things set up.

First Thread
Second Thread

First off, thanks again for all of that help! A lot has happened in a few short years. I'm still rocking the HTPC setup, but now I want to ditch my monthly cable bill and utilize my HTPC more.

Pretty much my only option where I live in Ohio is Time Warner Cable. Right now I'm spending around $140 per MONTH for HDTV with DVR and 20meg internet. My wife and I pretty much only watch local channels, so I've realized that I'm paying a lot of money per month for something we aren't not using. The shows we DO watch that aren't offered online are available to stream online for free (i.e. Duck Dynasty, love that show).

So, here's what I want to do:

1. Ditch cable TV and pay for only internet to stream shows online, play games, or whatever else
2. Use my HTPC as a DVR to record OTA HD shows that my wife and I enjoy
3. Purchase some sort of wireless remote to have the computer "act" like a cable box to change channels, etc (needs to be wife friendly)

Here's what I have:

• 60 Inch Samsung LED HDTV with plenty of hookups for anything I want
• Decent mid-range HTPC
• Onkyo HT-S5100 7.1 Surround Sound Receiver

My HTPC Specs are:

• Silverstone HPTC Case
• ASUS P8P67 Motherboard
• Intel Core i5-2500k CPU
• G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB DDR3 1600
• 1TB WD Black 7200RPM HDD
• Sapphire Radeon HD 5770 1GB
• LG Blu-Ray Drive
• Extremely expensive and excellent PSU I won at a LAN party that can handle anything
• Windows 7 Home Premium

Here's what I'm already able to do with the HTPC hooked up to the TV:

• Watch Blu-Ray movies in all it's glory with full surround and excellent picture through PowerDVD 12 (purchased legally)
• Play games like Planetside 2 (awesome) and others via Steam
• All other regular run-of-the-mill PC functions

I have optical audio going from my PC to the receiver, and DVI-to-HDMI video going from the PC to the receiver. The receiver spits out the audio, and I've got an HDMI cable connecting the receiver to the TV for video.

Knowing all the above, I would greatly appreciate some advice before I drop a few hundred dollars on new gear. The problem is, I'm not sure where to start. I've seen a few setups and guides floating on the internet, but they haven't exactly matched my setup and accomplish what I want to do.

There is a list of things I "BELIEVE" I need to buy and I know there's a possibility I'm overlooking something that I need as well. I'm hoping this is where you, the forum, can help me out.

To accomplish what I want, I "think" I need to purchase:

• An Over-The-Air HD antenna to receive the TV signal
• Some sort of internal PCI-E card to receive the TV signal (I'd like it to be internal to reduce clutter/extra wires, but I'm open to whatever)
• Software to record shows/act like a media player (perhaps this is free and inherint in Windows Media Center or something similar)
• Probably a larger hard drive or array
• A remote control that can control it all

Am I missing anything I need to purchase? I've seen things like the Ceton InfiniTV PCI-E Quad Tuner but that is only if I'm paying for cable TV and want to get rid of my set-top box, correct? I don't believe that is something I would get for my situation of dropping cable altogether, but correct me if I'm wrong. I'd like whatever mechanism that receives the TV signal to the HTPC to be internal so that there's less "clutter" in the entertainment center. I have plenty of open slots in the PC.

I'm cutting cable TV once this season of Game of Thrones ends in about 4 weeks (best show on TV by far), and I'd like to have everything set up and ready to go once I pull the trigger. In an effort to cut costs even more, I just recently purchased my own cable modem to save $4 a month on the cable bill (that's how much they charge to "rent" the cable modem). I spent about $60 so that will pay for itself in a year and 3 months. Anything I buy to cut my cable bill will pay for itself eventually. Any and all help is appreciated! I know this post is huge -- I tried to be as detailed as possible to pre-empt some questions. However, I'd be happy to provide more details if there's anything I missed.

You guys rock! Thanks! ]]> Computers/HTPCs PoppyMcShotgun http://www.highdefforum.com/computers-htpcs/141144-cutting-cable-using-htpc-record-ota-hd-tv-need-advice.html http://www.highdefforum.com/computers-htpcs/141104-buying-ceton-infinitv-ebay.html Sun, 05 May 2013 17:16:08 GMT Not too long ago I found a deal on a new Ceton Infinitv USB tuner on eBay for $169, so I purchased it. I have had many problems with my Hauppauge DCR-2650 tuners so I thought I would give Ceton a try and I must say the Ceton tuners software is far superior to the Hauppauge. I had been getting a... Not too long ago I found a deal on a new Ceton Infinitv USB tuner on eBay for $169, so I purchased it. I have had many problems with my Hauppauge DCR-2650 tuners so I thought I would give Ceton a try and I must say the Ceton tuners software is far superior to the Hauppauge. I had been getting a lot of "searching for tuners", "tuner not available" and other annoying error messages that required a reboot to clear them. With the Ceton tuner my system is solid.

Anyway the tuner failed after a few months the reason is not yet known. I contacted Ceton to arrange for a RMA and was initially told they would not warranty any items bought through eBay. After several emails and a phone call (they called me) they finally understood that the purchase was actually from Newegg. Newegg had listed the product on eBay which Ceton said they were not supposed to do. After I sent in the eBay listing and a copy of my paypal transaction showing I paid Newegg, Ceton gave me a RMA and offered me a refurbished tuner at a reduced price, since I was an existing customer. I've sent in the defective tuner and don't know the status yet.

So if I had noticed it was a Newegg listing before I paid for it, I would have bought it from Newegg direct, but that is water under the bridge now.

Three main points are the Ceton tuners support software is far better than the Hauppauge at least for Windows 7 Media Center, the Ceton customer support is top notch and be careful buying new equipment on eBay as you may have issues with the warranty. ]]> Computers/HTPCs rbinck http://www.highdefforum.com/computers-htpcs/141104-buying-ceton-infinitv-ebay.html http://www.highdefforum.com/computers-htpcs/140994-defective-usb-defective-battery.html Wed, 24 Apr 2013 07:25:43 GMT The cuss i am!! well, the question is, i recently bought a new battery from , It works fine for some days. However, one day when i plugged in my USB with the battery inserted, the laptop computer failed to work, while it worked ok again when the battery is removed. Is the real cause for this issue... The cuss i am!! well, the question is, i recently bought a new battery from , It works fine for some days. However, one day when i plugged in my USB with the battery inserted, the laptop computer failed to work, while it worked ok again when the battery is removed. Is the real cause for this issue the defective usb or defective battery? However, the battery has been tested with all things updated and only can't work with the usb together. It is a battery from and it will be out of the "money back warranty" after 3 days, so, i need help urgently!!

all thoughts will be welcome here.. ]]> Computers/HTPCs greta2013 http://www.highdefforum.com/computers-htpcs/140994-defective-usb-defective-battery.html