Smart (Internet) TVs

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Ragnor

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#504897 11-Aug-2011 11:19

JimmyH:
Ragnor:
tdgeek: Now I'm thinking.

Whats the smallest, quietest device that will output Windows or another OS to a TV in HD and playback well? And can use a wifi keyboard/Mouse?

Hmm..

Apple TV 2 + jailbreak + XBMC + broadcom crystal HD pci-e card (for full HD)
http://wiki.xbmc.org/?title=XBMC_for_Mac_on_Apple_TV

I thought the AppleTV maxed out at 720P - which isn't full HD?

By opening the unit taking the included wireless card out and installing a broadcom crystal HD card and installing XMBC + the broadcom drivers people get full HD from the apple tv.

lchiu7

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#504979 11-Aug-2011 13:57

vinnieg:
lchiu7: Out of interest how many of these smart TV's have the ability to pass the audio portion of the signal they are receiving out to an external amplifier as a digital stream?

The latest Samsungs do, i think last years models might also. I only know because I got Netflix running on mine through a US based proxy. Although I use netflix mostly on my PS3, since it's a better media player imo

*edit, whoops, I see you are doing the same with netflix on your PS3 :) it passes through the 5.1 from the Samsung TV to my Onkyo receiver, just fine. pretty much the same as my PS3 does. but the PS3 interface is easier to work!

Intresting that Samsung TV's sold here have a Netflix client available unless they are generic things you can download from a Samsung site.

So when you are using the TV to access something like Netflix, presumably you take a HDMI feed for audio to your AVR? Or does it only support something like S/PDIF?

Staying in Wellington. Check out my AirBnB in the Wellington CBD. https://www.airbnb.co.nz/h/wellycbd PM me and mention GZ to get a 15% discount and no AirBnB charges.

illicit

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#505311 12-Aug-2011 07:55

Yes, optical (SPDIF) out to sound system from TV.

lchiu7

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#505313 12-Aug-2011 08:00

That explains it. But it does mean for those (mostly in the US of course) who want to watch Vudu with the best sound, they have to compromise since the DD+ audio that Vudu provides cannot be transported over S/PDIF - only HDMI. And one day (if ever) when they stream lossless audio, the same restriction will apply.

Of course by then manufacturers might well be offering HDMI passthrough of audio.

Staying in Wellington. Check out my AirBnB in the Wellington CBD. https://www.airbnb.co.nz/h/wellycbd PM me and mention GZ to get a 15% discount and no AirBnB charges.

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