Connecting PC to Home Theater - GoFuckYourself.com - Adult Webmaster Forum

X

96ukssob

So Fucking Banananananas

Join Date: Mar 2003

Posts: 12991
Share

Post
#1

Connecting PC to Home Theater

11-12-2013, 09:55 AM

I have a decent PC at my office that is merely just sitting there. We built it for our one partner, but he uses his Macbook instead. I've been considering getting a HTPC, but don't feel like spending the $$ at this point, yet curious if this would suffice for "basic" use.

I would need this to connect into my receiver via HDMI (video + audio) or HDMI and some audio source, like optical. I wouldn't plan to store any media on here, just use it for things like Hulu, Netflix, etc.

I don't want to sacrifice to much quality, but without spending $200 on a video/audio card, any recommendations to output a 1080i signal?

Email: Clicky on Me
Tags: None
AaronM

GFY Royality ;)

Join Date: Oct 2001

Posts: 46923
Share

Post
#2

11-12-2013, 10:11 AM

I've been using a dedicated HTPC for about 6 years...Until 2 weeks ago when I pulled it out and just plugged my old MacBook Pro into my receiver instead.

I was running Windows XP which didn't support audio over HDMI when I built it. I just used a DVI to HDMI converter for the video and added an audio card with optical output then configured it all though the receiver.

No idea what the new Windows OS supports but I can tell you that my old Macbook Pro out performs the HTPC by leaps and bounds.
Comment
brassmonkey

Pay It Forward

Join Date: Sep 2005

Posts: 77396
Share

Post
#3

11-12-2013, 10:11 AM

geek squad?

TRUMP 2026 KEKAW!!! - The Laken Riley Act Is Law!
DACA ENDED - SUPPORT AZ HCR 2060 52R - email: brassballz-at-techie.com
Comment
Fat Panda

Porn is Dead. Move along.

Join Date: Aug 2006

Posts: 13296
Share

Post
#4

11-12-2013, 10:15 AM

ya call geek squad
Comment
96ukssob

So Fucking Banananananas

Join Date: Mar 2003

Posts: 12991
Share

Post
#5

11-12-2013, 10:22 AM

Originally posted by AaronM

I've been using a dedicated HTPC for about 6 years...Until 2 weeks ago when I pulled it out and just plugged my old MacBook Pro into my receiver instead.

I was running Windows XP which didn't support audio over HDMI when I built it. I just used a DVI to HDMI converter for the video and added an audio card with optical output then configured it all though the receiver.

No idea what the new Windows OS supports but I can tell you that my old Macbook Pro out performs the HTPC by leaps and bounds.

The PC I have would be running on Windows 7.

I do have an old Macbook pro, but only problem is my AV system is in my basement and I'll be to lazy to walk down and turn it on

I could probably run some wires through the living room walls to connect that way.

Originally posted by brassmonkey

geek squad?

Originally posted by Fat Panda

ya call geek squad

This was one of the first places I went, they tried to sell me an adapter from DVI to HDMI, then a series of connectors that go 3.5mm audio out to composite, then buy an adapter that connects video in HDMI along with composite in, then HDMI out... all in all, over $300

The other guy told me to just check on NewEgg, they would have it there

Email: Clicky on Me
Comment
MaDalton

I am Amazing Content!

Join Date: Feb 2004

Posts: 39861
Share

Post
#6

11-12-2013, 10:33 AM

you could also try one of those streaming usb sticks - http://www.wifiezcast.com/index_en.html

waiting for mine to be delivered

AmazingContent.com - providing only the best content and service since 2003
Monetize your content on Veegaz.com - one of Germanies largest VOD sites
Got German traffic? We convert it into money for you!
Email: oltecconsult [at] gmail [dot] com
Comment
Antonio

Too lazy to set a custom title

Join Date: Oct 2001

Posts: 14136
Share

Post
#7

11-12-2013, 10:34 AM

Does the computer have a video card with SPDIF output? Then, all you have to do is buy one tiny SPDIF cable and one HDMI cable, total cost probably less than $20.
Comment
femdomdestiny

Confirmed User

Join Date: Apr 2007

Posts: 5182
Share

Post
#8

11-12-2013, 10:58 AM

Originally posted by Antonio

Does the computer have a video card with SPDIF output? Then, all you have to do is buy one tiny SPDIF cable and one HDMI cable, total cost probably less than $20.

precisely. I am using this.

Femdom Destiny

--------------------------------------------
ICQ: 463-630-426
email: webmaster(at)femdomdestiny.com
Comment
96ukssob

So Fucking Banananananas

Join Date: Mar 2003

Posts: 12991
Share

Post
#9

11-12-2013, 11:00 AM

Originally posted by MaDalton

you could also try one of those streaming usb sticks - http://www.wifiezcast.com/index_en.html

waiting for mine to be delivered

I have Apple TV which I use for my laptop, but that looks pretty cool.

Originally posted by Antonio

Does the computer have a video card with SPDIF output? Then, all you have to do is buy one tiny SPDIF cable and one HDMI cable, total cost probably less than $20.

Not sure, but definitely will check

Email: Clicky on Me
Comment
KRosh

So Fucking Outlawed

Join Date: Nov 2001

Posts: 5114
Share

Post
#10

11-12-2013, 11:22 AM

you already have apple TV why not use that?

ICQ 115433750
Comment
96ukssob

So Fucking Banananananas

Join Date: Mar 2003

Posts: 12991
Share

Post
#11

11-12-2013, 12:34 PM

Originally posted by KRosh

you already have apple TV why not use that?

Dont want to put that much abuse on my laptop

Email: Clicky on Me
Comment
iSpyCams

Amateur Gynecologist

Join Date: May 2009

Posts: 4436
Share

Post
#12

11-12-2013, 01:03 PM

Just get a Roku, it is small, cheap and can handle all that stuff. If you want to steam media from your PC you can do it through Plex.

- As soon as I think up a good sig it's going here.
Comment
srockhard

Retired

Join Date: Jul 2011

Posts: 1976
Share

Post
#13

11-12-2013, 01:59 PM

Originally posted by MrBottomTooth

Just buy any video card with HDMI out. I have one older PC with an ati 5450. Should be able to get one of those or similar for less than $50. Supports all the HD audio formats like DTS master audio and Dolby true hd as well and you only need to run one HDMI cable to your receiver. There's no reason to buy a second audio cable if your receiver has HDMI.

Agreed.

Check this Newegg link for card under $30 ...then you will need to buy an hdmi cable.

Then buy this... http://www.ebay.com/itm/740065-New-B...item2c6eb5777d

Piper Pines
Comment
bigluv

Confirmed User

Join Date: Jul 2008

Posts: 850
Share

Post
#14

11-12-2013, 02:15 PM

HTPC's have been a major hobby for me for probably 15 years or more.

If your only purpose is hulu, netflix, etc, you are probably better off buying one of the little streaming boxes that include those services. Some names are Roku, Apple TV, boxee, WD Live TV, etcetera etcetera. I admit to knowing very little about the streaming boxes since I have always built my HTPC's, and now use raspberry PI's as satellite extenders to other TV's in the house.

The reason I recommend one of the packaged solutions is that just getting a remote connected and working if the PC is not sitting next to the TV is going to be a bit of a pain in the ass, then there's the question of navigating between apps/websites/etc.

Now, this all assumes you don't want to take building one of these up as a second job for a while. I read your message as saying you want simple and "just works". If that's not the case, feel free to mess around bringing the PC to the TV and try it out to get a feel for what you want.

Also, you can youtube XBMC to see some people's setups on HTPC's but not so much on the netflix/hulu side.

Good luck
Comment
96ukssob

So Fucking Banananananas

Join Date: Mar 2003

Posts: 12991
Share

Post
#15

11-12-2013, 02:43 PM

Originally posted by srockhard

Agreed.

Check this Newegg link for card under $30 ...then you will need to buy an hdmi cable.

Then buy this... http://www.ebay.com/itm/740065-New-B...item2c6eb5777d

Sweet, thanks!

I have a keyboard similar that I bought when I made an attempt at the HTPC thing over a year ago, but I like how that is much smaller

Email: Clicky on Me
Comment

Previous 1 2 template Next

Working...