Want to create a media center...how?

[blackangst1]

So I got a new plasma, and here's the setup I would like to do:

Im currently running Windows 7 Ultimate. I'd like to be able to stream movies from my PC to my TV via a media centyer keyboard next to the couch (PC is close by so wireless will work fine).

How would I work this? So for instance Im sitting on the couch watching a movie or whatever. I want to look something up real qwik, so I grab the keyboard and pop up a browser on the TV. Or, I want to show a movie on the TV. Make sense?

 

[sivart]

Why not use the Windows Media Center, Hulu desktop and the built in Netflix. It would also play your DVD's / photos and music through Windows Media Center. You paid for it with the OS, why not use it?

 

[kalrith]

Are you just connecting audio and video cables from the computer to the TV/stereo system? Does your PC have another monitor? If yes to both, then you'll just setup the plasma as a second monitor and use WMC to play movies on it. You should be able to just pause the movie (or window it) and open up a browser window. I use the Logitech Dinovo Mini with my HTPC, and it works great. It functions as a keyboard, mouse, and MCE remote. I only use it as a keyboard and mouse, because I use my Harmony remote paired with a MCE IR receiver for the remote functions.

 

[blackangst1]

Are you just connecting audio and video cables from the computer to the TV/stereo system? Does your PC have another monitor? If yes to both, then you'll just setup the plasma as a second monitor and use WMC to play movies on it. You should be able to just pause the movie (or window it) and open up a browser window. I use the Logitech Dinovo Mini with my HTPC, and it works great. It functions as a keyboard, mouse, and MCE remote. I only use it as a keyboard and mouse, because I use my Harmony remote paired with a MCE IR receiver for the remote functions.

Yes Im planning on running an HDMI cable from my video card to the plasma. Im assuming that should work, even having a monitor set up at my desk.

And thanks for the advice of WMC. Soulds like it shouldnt be too difficult.

 

[vshah]

check out xbmc if you want a free alternative to WMC

do you have a receiver /speaker system? or just the tv speakers?

 

[blackangst1]

check out xbmc if you want a free alternative to WMC

do you have a receiver /speaker system? or just the tv speakers?

yah Ive got full 5.1 set up with receiver.

 

[heyheybooboo]

yah Ive got full 5.1 set up with receiver.

The audio may default to the HDMI cable --- you would then have to manually reconfigure to revert back to your current audio output.

Another issue you may encounter would be the OS 'default' primary monitor --- you may use the 'duplicate' display setting in Win7 as a workaround but since the panels will be 2 different native resolutions that may get a little goofy and out of 'skew' (IIRC you may not adjust for 2 different resolutions in the 'duplicate' display setting).