Laptop as HTPC? What about sound?

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NZRobin

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#27714 4-Nov-2008 18:53

I'm thinking of getting a laptop to replace my ageing desktop and noticed that some are available with a blu-ray player and hdmi output.

As I have a receiver without an hdmi input does anyone know if it's possible to successfully get 5.1 sound and HD visual out via some sort of hdmi to ? converter.

I've done a bit of googling but haven't come up with anything usable.

If I can't output blu-ray or freeview-t then I might as well get a lower speced laptop.

Done it or any ideas? If youv'e used a laptop for a HTPC what did you use and what problems did you encounter?

Thanks

Robin

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#175968 5-Nov-2008 01:26

NZRobin:
As I have a receiver without an hdmi input does anyone know if it's possible to successfully get 5.1 sound and HD visual out via some sort of hdmi to ? converter.

if it has hdmi audio+video output then there is a good chance it will have SPDIF output too which you could use to output teh 5.1 to your amp. For example the Acer Aspire 5920G comes with both integrated hdmi and spdif

if you are hooking it up to an external screen you might be able to use the d-sub vga connector which will be fine, otherwise you could use an hdmi to dvi convertor to produce HDCP protected DVI. If you dont have VGA or DVI but only component then you would probably need to spend some money on a new screen or a pricey converter/scaler box. Or you could use s-video as the laptop probably has that. on second thoughts.... no you wouldnt use s-video :)

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NZRobin

161 posts

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#177321 11-Nov-2008 12:50

Thanks Regs, sorry haven't replied before now. I thought the laptop computers that had an s/pdif output only output digital 2x channel or 2.1?
Haven't found many computers these days that even have a s/pdif output apart from Toshiba (butt ugly) and after reading many posts decided it might be wise to stay clear of Acer.

My knowledge frustration grows http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?ForumId=83&TopicId=27922

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#178167 15-Nov-2008 20:25

Heaps have spdif available via the multipin "svideo" socket and a break out adapter. Usually coax only.

Works on mums low-spec dell just fine, component out is pretty good too.

Richard rich.ms

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#178174 15-Nov-2008 20:43

i found that you can build your own hdmi/bluray laptop on hp.co.nz for under $1500 bucks delivered by christmas! anyone knows if they're any good?

ps also i dont know if they offer the sound output that you want

NZRobin

161 posts

Master Geek

#178193 16-Nov-2008 00:40

joker97: i found that you can build your own hdmi/bluray laptop on hp.co.nz for under $1500 bucks delivered by christmas! anyone knows if they're any good?

ps also i dont know if they offer the sound output that you want

Could you give us a link to the page, cause I have'nt been able to find it. In fact if you try to select "View all HP Pavilion Notebook PCs »" link... below...

http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/nz/en/ho/WF02a/321957-321957-3329744.html

you get a 'sorry we cant find this page'. It's been like it for over a week. I put it down to them updating with the new models but must be wrong!

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#178210 16-Nov-2008 11:16

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_can_series.do?storeName=computer_store&category=notebooks&a1=Category&v1=Entertainment+powerhouse&series_name=HDX16t_series

click on customize base configuration and buy on the right side. i thought it was the deal of the century! but only if it's "HDTV tuner" plays dvb-t :)

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sbiddle

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#178211 16-Nov-2008 11:22

joker97: http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_can_series.do?storeName=computer_store&category=notebooks&a1=Category&v1=Entertainment+powerhouse&series_name=HDX16t_series

click on customize base configuration and buy on the right side. i thought it was the deal of the century! but only if it's "HDTV tuner" plays dvb-t :)

Being an American product I'd suspect it will do ATSC.

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#178249 16-Nov-2008 16:41

Being an American product I'd suspect it will do ATSC.

in that case (i am assuming it has no way to tune into our freeview dvb-t) that's incredibly misleading to sell something that doesnt work! all with a remote control!

sbiddle

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#178251 16-Nov-2008 16:46

joker97:

Being an American product I'd suspect it will do ATSC.

in that case (i am assuming it has no way to tune into our freeview dvb-t) that's incredibly misleading to sell something that doesnt work! all with a remote control!

Well you are looking at a product for the North American market on a North American section of the HP site with pricing in $US..

NZRobin

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#178258 16-Nov-2008 17:59

Could explain why I couldn't find it heh!!

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#178260 16-Nov-2008 18:23

OMG!!!

well tell you how i got there
typed hp.co.nz ended up here http://welcome.hp.com/country/nz/en/welcome.html
then clicked on hp home notebook pcs as you'd do ended up here
http://h20424.www2.hp.com/product/notebooks/nz/en/hp-pavilion-notebook-pc.asp

don't know why one would want to click on view all hp notebooks to end up here
http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/nz/en/ho/WF02a/321957-321957-3329744.html

so i clicked on laptops ... i have to say tho i've been working 75 hours of night shift over the last 7 days ... but still

apologies.