What good browser is there for htpc use on a 32 inch lcd hdtv?

[yoda313]

So what would do for a good browser on a 32inch 720p 1366x768 hdtv? I think I am almost 100% certain I will be using my vista pc as a fulltime htpc now.

However browsing is problematic with text at any distance away from the set. I have found punching the text size on ie7 to largest helps considerably.

I do have windows media center on my vista premium. It has limited web browsing to specialized sites for sports and news. That is formated for tv viewing not monitor viewing. Is there any free web browser that is optimized for tv viewing?

I'd like to be able to surf on a couch rather than close up with a chair. Suggestions are welcome.....

[Xylob the Destroyer]

How is your PC connected to your TV?

[yoda313]

Currently component via svideo breakout box. Soon I'll pick up a dvi to hdmi converter.

[jagabo]

I have found punching the text size on ie7 to largest helps considerably.

In the lower right hand corner of IE7 you can use the magnifier to zoom in up to 400 percent.

Or in the "Accessibility" settings you can "Ignore font sizes specified on webpages" and elect to use larger fonts. Many pages will not display correctly this way though.

[yoda313]

Thanks jagabo.

[Xylob the Destroyer]

a better connection will make all the difference in the world.
I had mine connected with S-video and it was hopeless.
Eventually connected with component and it was only OK.
Got it connected with DVI-to-HDMI now and it's gorgeous. Text looks great.

[lordsmurf]

Isn't there a flavor of Mozilla like this? Or a Firefox extension? I'm pretty sure there is, saw it not two weeks ago.

[yoda313]

If you can find it please pass on the link lordsmurf.....

thianks..

[TBoneit]

I use VGA to connect to my 32" Westinhouse LCD, Native resolution 1366 by 768.

I'm probably only 4 to7 foot away depending where I sit. I use IE or Firefox and they are fine with no special settings. My Media center 2005 is set to 1280 by 768.

Using the VGA I didn't have to fiddle to eliminate overscan or do anything else except touch up the VGA inputs settings in the Westinghouse. I am presuming that your Westinghouse lets you adust each input seperately as mine does?

[lordsmurf]

If you can find it please pass on the link lordsmurf.....
thianks..

Saw it in a 'pit thread about Firefox add-ons.

[jagabo]

Firefox full page zoom?

http://arstechnica.com/journals/linux.ars/2007/07/27/firefox-3-gets-full-page-zoom

http://pagezoom.sourceforge.net/

http://mozillalinks.org/wp/2007/07/try-firefox-3-full-page-zoom-with-full-page-zoom/

[yoda313]

I am presuming that your Westinghouse lets you adust each input seperately as mine does?

It sounds like you have the exact same set as mine. However I have never gotten around to all of the features. I wouldn't be suprised if it does have that.

@lordsmurf and jagabo - thanks! I'll check that out.

However I currently have moved my vista pc away from the tv for the time being. I think i am just waiting until I pick up a wireless mouse and keyboard and a way to use my logitech remote on media center - it works with the xbox 360 I just don't know what kind of infrared reader usb deal to get to work on the remote.

[jagabo]

Yoda, another thing you should do is set Windows' display DPI setting to a larger value:

Display Properties --> Settings --> Advanced --> General --> DPI setting.

Set it to a larger value and just about everything in Windows will be rendered larger.

[yoda313]

Thanks jagabo. I'll try to remember that.

[Xylob the Destroyer]

alternately, hold down Ctrl on your keyboard and move the scroll wheel on your mouse -- in IE (and most Micro$oft apps) this will zoom in/out.