PC Gaming on a TV

[Modular]

So I recently picked up a 60" Panasonic plasma and I'm loving it. I've been slowly moving away from gaming mostly because all my gaming is done in my office, away from my wife. I just don't like sitting in a room alone playing games for hours on end and am hoping that hooking the gaming PC to the TV will reignite my passion for games. Anyways, I'm looking to hear from some of you couch based PC gamers.

What are you using for keyboard/mouse? My gaming computer is in a different room from my TV so I was thinking that the best option would be a bluetooth solution of some sort - is that the best option though? I've used the Xbox 360 controller on games where it makes sense, but I can't play quite a few games with it and I really prefer KB/Mouse anyway.

I've been enjoying Dragon Age on the TV quite a bit (been playing the Xbox 360 version) and I'm looking forward to playing some games on a 60" screen in 1080P goodness!

 

[KaOTiK]

When I do game on my TV I use a controller personally just because I find that most comfortable in that situation. As for bluetooth setups, maybe look into logitech I think they have a few combos that use BT.

 

[Geosurface]

I don't always PC game on a TV, but when I do I use these items:

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-MK520-Wireless-Laser-Keyboard/dp/B004XIOJ7A/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1348457372&sr=8-3&keywords=logitech+k520

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-910-001799-M570-Wireless-Trackball/dp/B0043T7FXE/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1348457405&sr=1-1&keywords=logitech+trackball+m570

The fact that I've used Logitech trackballs rather than mice since 1989 helps me a lot in this regard, because if you want to take your wireless keyboard and mouse over to sit in front of the TV, whether that be on the ground, an air mattress, a chair, a trackball works far better because you don't need to worry about having an area to move it around on like a mouse, or whether the area is flat, or anything like that. You can easily set the trackball on your knee, or whatever you need to do.

That said, I much more frequently use:

and the only games I've ever really felt that I must stick with the keyboard/trackball on are StarCraft 2, Diablo 3, that sort of thing... if I were to play some Counter-Strike: Global Offensive on the TV, I would use them for that too.

However, what I do is just stick with the non-controller friendly games on my PC's monitor.

The game I spent the most time playing with PC + TV was Skyrim. I also have had some good fun playing Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit in that way, both with the controller. I don't even like racing games, but I decided to try that and it was fun.

Most of what I've played lately has been with the monitor + keyboard + trackball. Primarily CS: GO with some occasional SC2 mixed in.

Here's my setup:

 

[Imaginer]

I don't always PC game on a TV, but when I do I use these items:

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-MK520-Wireless-Laser-Keyboard/dp/B004XIOJ7A/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1348457372&sr=8-3&keywords=logitech+k520

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-910-001799-M570-Wireless-Trackball/dp/B0043T7FXE/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1348457405&sr=1-1&keywords=logitech+trackball+m570

My exact and favored means of controls for first person view games, RTS games, Sim games, anything that requires twitch camera viewing and cursor pointing action. The only way to PC game with a gaming HTPC. For things like Darksiders 2 though, the controller feels better and there isn't an emphasis on having to quickly look behind you or around you.

And I like the disjointed feeling that this gives over hunching two hands right next to each other. I also like the wiimote nunchuck setup in that regard as well.

 

[Geosurface]

My exact and favored means of controls for first person view games, RTS games, Sim games, anything that requires twitch camera viewing and cursor pointing action. The only way to PC game with a gaming HTPC. For things like Darksiders 2 though, the controller feels better and there isn't an emphasis on having to quickly look behind you or around you.

And I like the disjointed feeling that this gives over hunching two hands right next to each other. I also like the wiimote nunchuck setup in that regard as well.

Right on, just to clarify are you saying you use that same keyboard and trackball?

 

[CPA]

I don't always PC game on a TV, but when I do I use these items:

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-MK520-Wireless-Laser-Keyboard/dp/B004XIOJ7A/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1348457372&sr=8-3&keywords=logitech+k520

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-910-001799-M570-Wireless-Trackball/dp/B0043T7FXE/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1348457405&sr=1-1&keywords=logitech+trackball+m570

The fact that I've used Logitech trackballs rather than mice since 1989 helps me a lot in this regard, because if you want to take your wireless keyboard and mouse over to sit in front of the TV, whether that be on the ground, an air mattress, a chair, a trackball works far better because you don't need to worry about having an area to move it around on like a mouse, or whether the area is flat, or anything like that. You can easily set the trackball on your knee, or whatever you need to do.

That said, I much more frequently use:

and the only games I've ever really felt that I must stick with the keyboard/trackball on are StarCraft 2, Diablo 3, that sort of thing... if I were to play some Counter-Strike: Global Offensive on the TV, I would use them for that too.

However, what I do is just stick with the non-controller friendly games on my PC's monitor.

The game I spent the most time playing with PC + TV was Skyrim. I also have had some good fun playing Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit in that way, both with the controller. I don't even like racing games, but I decided to try that and it was fun.

Most of what I've played lately has been with the monitor + keyboard + trackball. Primarily CS: GO with some occasional SC2 mixed in.

Here's my setup:

That's a great setup. What are the two cords running along the wall - the HDMI cord and ???

 

[Geosurface]

That's a great setup. What are the two cords running along the wall - the HDMI cord and ???

There are actually 3 running through those sheaths over the big framed gap between rooms, HDMI, Coaxial, and Netwok (CAT 5) the coaxial is not currently utilized, the HDMI is how I game from PC onto TV naturally, and the Network I ran because I could, and because my TV to do updates on itself needed a direct cord connection, the PS3, XBox 360, and Wii all had wireless. But after I did an update on TV I went ahead and put the network cable into the PS3 because I use it the most for streaming with PS3 Media Server from my PC etc, so I wanted it to have a good solid connection.

Thanks for the compliment!

Here's another image which shows details:

 

[PrincessFrosty]

I game from my sofa from time to time, I have a nice 122" 1080p projector in the living room with both my PC and PS3 hooked up.

I actually quite like the PS3 controllers after getting used to them, you can buy a cheap bluetooth USB dongle and download free drivers from MotionJoy and use your PS3 controllers either wired or wireless.

For better control I use my Razer Mamba 2012 edition, it's wireless and has no problem reaching across my living room, for keyboard I currently just extend my Razer Lycosa keyboard with a USB cable, a wireless keyboard is next on the list.

 

[WiseUp216]

I use a 50" 1080p Samsung plasma with a Logitech MK550 mouse/keyboard combo. I haven't felt like I needed a controller until I played Sleeping Dogs. The majority of games I play are first person shooters and the setup is great. The coffee table is just the right height for mouse/keyboard.

 

[Geosurface]

I use a 50" 1080p Samsung plasma with a Logitech MK550 mouse/keyboard combo. I haven't felt like I needed a controller until I played Sleeping Dogs. The majority of games I play are first person shooters and the setup is great. The coffee table is just the right height for mouse/keyboard.

Nice looks good

 

[Zargon]

I have a little table I drag over to game on my 65" DLP, I have USB extentions, and a ms sidewinder setup sitting on it

I keep a MS Arc kb/mouse combo on my htpc all the time tho so i dont cover my coffee table up all the time

it worked very well while I was building my current gaming rig and modifying setups in my office, to play there instead, mostly BC2, and I noticed negative effects, in fact my HS % went up going from 28" to 65"

i wouldnt go with cheap wireless gear in fear of adding input lag on top of whats already there for the TV

 

[Dankk]

I don't always PC game on a TV, but when I do I use these items:

<img>

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-MK520-Wireless-Laser-Keyboard/dp/B004XIOJ7A/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1348457372&sr=8-3&keywords=logitech+k520

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-910-001799-M570-Wireless-Trackball/dp/B0043T7FXE/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1348457405&sr=1-1&keywords=logitech+trackball+m570

The fact that I've used Logitech trackballs rather than mice since 1989 helps me a lot in this regard, because if you want to take your wireless keyboard and mouse over to sit in front of the TV, whether that be on the ground, an air mattress, a chair, a trackball works far better because you don't need to worry about having an area to move it around on like a mouse, or whether the area is flat, or anything like that. You can easily set the trackball on your knee, or whatever you need to do.

That said, I much more frequently use:

<img>

and the only games I've ever really felt that I must stick with the keyboard/trackball on are StarCraft 2, Diablo 3, that sort of thing... if I were to play some Counter-Strike: Global Offensive on the TV, I would use them for that too.

However, what I do is just stick with the non-controller friendly games on my PC's monitor.

The game I spent the most time playing with PC + TV was Skyrim. I also have had some good fun playing Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit in that way, both with the controller. I don't even like racing games, but I decided to try that and it was fun.

Most of what I've played lately has been with the monitor + keyboard + trackball. Primarily CS: GO with some occasional SC2 mixed in.

Here's my setup:

<img>

Funny you bring that up, I actually just barely bought an M570 trackball last week. Unfortunately I've been having a hard time adjusting to it thought; I've always used a Logitech Trackman Marble which uses my index finger for movement, but for the life of me I'm really struggling with using my thumb on the M570.

For some reason my thumb is really shaky and I can't make accurate movements at all. I fear it may be genetic... "shakiness" tends to run in my family. For the time being, I've moved back to my trusty Trackman Marble. Maybe I need more practice with the thumb trackball though?

 

[Geosurface]

Funny you bring that up, I actually just barely bought an M570 trackball last week. Unfortunately I've been having a hard time adjusting to it thought; I've always used a Logitech Trackman Marble which uses my index finger for movement, but for the life of me I'm really struggling with using my thumb on the M570.

For some reason my thumb is really shaky and I can't make accurate movements at all. I fear it may be genetic... "shakiness" tends to run in my family. For the time being, I've moved back to my trusty Trackman Marble. Maybe I need more practice with the thumb trackball though?


You inspired me to try to assemble a timeline picture of every trackball I've ever owned, starting with the original Logitech Trackman we bought for our 386 Packard Bell in 1989 when I was 9:

I believe those are all of them, though I may have missed one or two... but I know we had all of those ones. So all in all, more of them have used the thumb than the index finger.

My favorite, though, was the Cordless Logitech Trackman Marble FX. Third from the right. I used it for YEARS, until it finally died on me... like last year or the year before. I mourn it's loss.

It was fantastic. It used the index finger. There was a spot to steady it or something with the thumb, but I never did.

I think at one point I tried that one you linked or one similar to it, but just for a day and returned it... didn't care for it.

 

[-Slacker-]

If your gamepad isn't enough, but don't want to use a keyboard, you could always use a gamepad+wireless mouse combo, with an input emulator like xpadder 5.3 (free).

 

[WiseUp216]

Nice looks good

Thank you!

I hope a few of you can appreciate all the vinyl records. A rare sight these days.

 

[Geosurface]

I forgot to mention, I've always used the number pad for first person games instead of WASD. This also ended up helping me, well okay not always, but I started using it in 1997 with Jedi Knight 1. Trackball as I said helps for the TV thing because I don't need a space to move it around on like a mouse. The number pad thing ended up helping me because I got this:

Logitech wireless number pad. I can use it with the trackball to play FPS on the TV, but I must admit I haven't really done this often. I think I just prefer to play controller-friendly games on TV, keyboard/trackball/mouse type stuff on the monitor.

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

I use a 32" TV, but it's setup like a monitor and I sit close to it (there's a couch setup behind me for if I want to watch something but I don't game on it). Sigh, once a true 120hz tv comes out I'll upgrade to 37 or 40"

 

[Modular]

Nice setups. I'm going to go ahead and pick up that KB/M combo and see what I think of it. I've yet to use a trackball for any extended period of time, so I'm not sure how it'll all work out, but it's worth a try!

 

[slightlyhuman]

thought this pertained to the thread:

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2264479

 

[Imaginer]

Right on, just to clarify are you saying you use that same keyboard and trackball?

Yes. The exact same models.

 

[Imaginer]

Funny you bring that up, I actually just barely bought an M570 trackball last week. Unfortunately I've been having a hard time adjusting to it thought; I've always used a Logitech Trackman Marble which uses my index finger for movement, but for the life of me I'm really struggling with using my thumb on the M570.

For some reason my thumb is really shaky and I can't make accurate movements at all. I fear it may be genetic... "shakiness" tends to run in my family. For the time being, I've moved back to my trusty Trackman Marble. Maybe I need more practice with the thumb trackball though?

I came off of using this http://www.logitech.com/en-us/mice-pointers/trackballs/cordless-trackMan-optical

It took roughly two weeks of constant use of the M570 for my thumb to stop shaking. And it was worth it.

 

[Dankk]

I came off of using this http://www.logitech.com/en-us/mice-pointers/trackballs/cordless-trackMan-optical

It took roughly two weeks of constant use of the M570 for my thumb to stop shaking. And it was worth it.

Oh, thank you thank you! Glad to see I'm not the only one with "thumb-shake".

I figured maybe my thumb just needed some "strength training" or I just needed to discipline it enough to stop twitching. Perhaps I'll take my M570 to work tomorrow and use it there, and once I become really precise with it, use it for gaming.

Now come to think of it... when I hold the mouse and roll the ball while actually looking at my hand, my thumb doesn't shake at all. But when I take my eyes off the mouse and actually look at the screen in front of me, that's where I begin to struggle. It feels like a spatial coordination problem more than anything.

It certainly took me a few weeks to adjust to my Trackman Marble, so I guess there's no reason why adapting to the M570 should be any faster.

 

[Geosurface]

I've never been much for mice, always favoring trackballs, but I must begrudgingly admit that on a few occasions I've decided to use the mouse that came bundled with that Logitech keyboard, I think when my trackball battery was dying once or twice, or the signal of it's wireless was being wonky for some reason... those were the first times I tried it.

Well, I must admit that I've used it more frequently lately, and sometimes it did feel like maybe I was doing better in CS:GO with it than the M570. Now mind you, I still feel that if I still had my old index-finger operated Logitech Wireless Trackman Marble FX, which was the pinnacle of trackball design... that it would be preferrable.

But last night I decided to get an expensive gaming mouse, and a nice pad for it. This is what I got:

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wireless-Gaming-Mouse-G700/dp/B003VAM32E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348564610&sr=8-1&keywords=g700

and http://www.amazon.com/Rocketfish-Universal-Gaming-Mouse-Pad/dp/B005RF4QK8/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1348564644&sr=1-1&keywords=rocketfish+gaming+mouse+pad

and it seems pretty good, though I'm still getting used to it and tweaking the very elaborate settings for DPI, speed, etc.

I like to have options, and maybe I shouldn't have spent $100 for another option but I want to try to use this more frequently... we'll see.