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PhilANZ

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#128822 24-Aug-2013 16:03
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Hope this is the best location for this query - but I've recently bought a TV stick. The idea was that while I don't expect it to work at home (which is very hilly) I thought it might provide an option while I'm having dialysis - plus I'm due to have three major ops inthe coming months, so I thought it might also provide an option while I'm stuck in hospital.

Trouble was I was sceptical when I saw the tiny aerial - and that has been confirmed by use. I'm getting reception OK - but its patchy at best. Picture cuts out too much - sound doesn't seem too bad - if I'm not using the computer for other fenctions.

So I wondered if anyone knew of a similer device with a slightly more robust aerial.

Thanks

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freitasm
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  #883912 24-Aug-2013 16:08
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A similar device would probably have small antenna as well. You would have to use an external one.

Another question is related to your laptop's configuration. What video card is it running? What OS? And what software are you using to watch TV?





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jonherries
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  #883917 24-Aug-2013 16:15
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You might find an amplified indoor antenna will improve your signal, Dick Smith and the rest sell a number of options.

http://www.dicksmith.co.nz/tv-video/antennas/indoor-antennas

Jon

blakamin
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  #883926 24-Aug-2013 16:29
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jonherries: You might find an amplified indoor antenna will improve your signal, Dick Smith and the rest sell a number of options.

http://www.dicksmith.co.nz/tv-video/antennas/indoor-antennas

Jon

+1 if you can plug it in... I have one of these in the bedroom and it's awesome.



andrewNZ
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  #883937 24-Aug-2013 16:46
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Yep, a proper indoor antenna is probably a better option than included one, unless you're super close to the tower and you can see it.

But don't rush out and buy a new antenna just yet. As freitasm said video card is important too. Unfortunately hdtv is 1080i which can be about twice as hard to process as 1080p. I have a video card that will handle anything, except freeview.

Its also h264 video and AAC or AC3 audio, so codecs are important too. Although, if you're using the bundled software, it'll probably handle it fine.

Batman
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  #883966 24-Aug-2013 17:48
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What's your GPU/graphics card? And CPU?

garbonzai
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  #883985 24-Aug-2013 18:39
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I've had a Genius DVB-T for 4 or 5 years, worked fine on desktop with a GS8400 GPU, but laptop has major probs with channels 1, 2, 3, but the rest are fine (crappy integrated GPU), aerial was ok near window facing transmitter direction (it's now plugged into main aerial).

I did get good use out of it once, the misses hates rugby, (was not allowed to use TV) so back in the world cupin 2011, I took laptop, some alcohol (out to garage and to my surprise, it picked it up clear and was ok with garage door open and was facing towards transmitter, was winter, it was cold.




 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 
 
 
 

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PhilANZ

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  #884057 24-Aug-2013 22:41
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Sorry haven't been responding - been on dialysis and just couldn't keep up with the responses. As always there's more to this than meets the eye.

The laptop is an ASUS X53S. I think it has two video chips - one for normal use and one for vidao / gaming etc. As you can guess I don't know much about video.

I'm running W7 - The TV USB device came with Total Media 3.5. I did try Windows Media centre - but that would not display a picture - sound was OK. I can't really justify a new computer for this ocaasional use.

Those Dick Smith antennae look quite promising - several alternatives. I can't have anything too big - so size is important - but I might just have a look at them.

Thanks everyone

andrewNZ
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  #884060 24-Aug-2013 22:49
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OK. Lets find out exactly what video card it has.

Can you open the start menu. RIGHT click computer, and choose manage. Wait for the window to open, then select device manager.
Tell us what it says under display adapters.

PhilANZ

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  #884064 24-Aug-2013 23:09
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As I said this has two video cards. Intel HD Graphics 3000 and NVIDIA GeForce 610M.

andrewNZ
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  #884065 24-Aug-2013 23:16
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Right, the nvidia 610m should handle it just fine i think. Now its down to the aerial and codecs. You could test the codecs by plugging it into your areal at home and seeing how it goes. Once you're confident it plays reliably you can test the aerials

PhilANZ

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  #884066 24-Aug-2013 23:17
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I did test it using the home aerial - seemed fine.

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andrewNZ
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  #884072 24-Aug-2013 23:28
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Sweet, happy watching then :)

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