Poor Man HTPC

[mz_]

What I'd like to do is hookup my PC to a LCD HDTV, with the computer being in a separate room. The rooms (computer and living room) are back to back, meaning the

Computer is on one side of the wall, and the TV on the other side.

I have a E6600 with a Sapphire X1950Pro 256MB HDCP video card (2 DVI outs). I'd have one going to my Dell Monitor (Computer Room), and one to the TV in the other room.

Now here's where it gets tricky, I'd have to go through the wall to do this. The TV's I'm looking at have VGA/Stereo In (DSUB or RGB, depending on brand), is this

possible ore no? If so, what would i need? I'd want to have some type of faceplate on both walls to make it look neat, and also maybe try to do a Wireless

keyboard/mouse setup, even if I have to bring the RF sensor through the wall somehow also.

It just gave me something to ponder about, let me know how you guys would set something like this up. Thanks.

[redwudz]

If your card's DVI output also has a VGA converter/adapter, that would be the simple way for the TV. You can also use extension cables for the keyboard/mouse.

Actually, just to make this a lot simpler, you could put a 2" tube through the wall, with a nice trim plate on both sides. It would save a lot of wiring/connector problems and make for easy changes. And if you decided to remove it in the future, not much harder to plaster over/clean up than a connector faceplate. Either way, you will have a bunch of cables if it's hardwired.

[jagabo]

Actually, just to make this a lot simpler, you could put a 2" tube through the wall, with a nice trim plate on both sides.

I did this a few years ago. Drilled a 1 1/4 inch hole through the drywall and put in a short length of 1 inch PVC pipe. I didn't bother with face plates because neither side is visible (one behind the TV, one behind the computer).

[mz_]

Thanks for the "tube" suggestion, that sounds like an idea also.

Which would be better, DVI (video card) to HDMI (tv) or DVI to VGA/Stereo Plug?, or there pretty much the same? I can use both DVI's on the video card right?, one to the PC monitor and one to the TV? I'll just have to switch displays?

[jagabo]

I use a DVI to HDMI cable on my 1080p HDTV. It has a non-overscan mode (Samsung calls this "just scan", some others refer to it as 1:1 pixel mapping) so the entire 1920x1080 desktop is visible. But many HDTVs will overscan the HDMI inputs leaving the outer ~3 percent of the frame not visible (ie, the 1920x1080 input is digitally scaled to about 2036x1144 then only the middle 1920x1080 pixels are displayed).

VGA inputs usually aren't overscanned because it's assumed the input is from a computer where it's important to see the entire picture.

DVI to HDMI is potentially the better picture (especially if you can use 1:1 pixel mapping) but the overscan issue may be your deciding point.

[Constant Gardener]

but the overscan issue may be your deciding point.

I have a 2600XT card connected via HDMI to a 1080i CRT, which overscans. The Catalyst video driver lets me tweak desktop size so that I can get an exact fit on the screen. Usually I don't bother, but I have the choice.

[mgithens]

can't do wireless VGA/HDMI/DVI, etc and get any decent quality... wireless HDMI is just hitting the market and it is EXPENSIVE!!

a Gyration RF mouse/keyboard combo is like $90 (ebay is less) - and you'll be completely happy, DO NOT get that crappy MS MCE keyboard - it is line of sight... the mouse can be used in the air or set on a surface, super slick... and comes with a recharging cradle...

it hasn't been stated in this thread, but the computer and TV will see the same thing... I assume you know this, but the sound will also be the same, so this means you need to shut off the computer speakers when you aren't using that room...

[edDV]

Tell us the HDTV you plan to use. If the native resolution is 1366x768p either connector will work. If 1920x1080p DVI-D to HDMI may be your only option.

RF remote through an interior wall should be ok.

Audio may need some work unless you have a S/PDIF already set up.

[mz_]

Tell us the HDTV you plan to use. If the native resolution is 1366x768p either connector will work. If 1920x1080p DVI-D to HDMI may be your only option.

RF remote through an interior wall should be ok.

Audio may need some work unless you have a S/PDIF already set up.

The TV will be a Samsung 1920x1080p (either LCD or DLP). Both have HDMI and PC Connections (VGA/Audio Jack).

[edDV]

Most current LCD Samsungs do 1920x1080p over HDMI or VGA. I don't know about DLP.

Download the manuals.