Can a laptop replace a TV (1 Viewer)

[bernardfeay]

Just found out that my Avtex 19" TV has sound but no picture. I don't even get the illuminated green/white screen that lets you know it is switched on. I'm tempted to think it is time to put it in the bin and buy a new one but I have one question first.

If I buy the right 17.3 inch laptop will it connect up easily to freesat?

The freesat side of things has worked well and I know my way round making it find the signal well enough.

 

[bungy]

does the freesat box have a HDMI output - if so you can get laptops with hdmi input that would work for you

 

[bernardfeay]

Yes it does. Am I ok to get a laptop without a TV tuner and rely on the freesat box? It is very possible that I buy the laptop and make all the connections only for it to not work (that's me all over).

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[bungy]

just had a look for one, they are quite rare and darned expensive

Alternative would be a laptop with plugin tv tuner - good article here on it

 

[Clive]

not sure if this would work

 

[gozomike]

I have used a memory stick sized tuner into a laptop, it also had a video input. It worked fine, I just gave up on it because of nothing worth watching being on.



May give a few ideas.

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[cranky]

I'v got a 19" Avtex in the garage. I changed it for one with a dvd player. PM me if interested.

 

[scotjimland]

Short answer yes, it can.. but just my opinion , why use an expensive lappy for tv.. it also has to sit somewhere.. there are plenty of cheap 12v tvs on the market that are easy to wall mount.

 

[greygit]

Short answer yes, it can.. but just my opinion , why use an expensive lappy for tv.. it also has to sit somewhere.. there are plenty of cheap 12v tvs on the market that are easy to wall mount.

I always have my laptop but we haven't got a TV so the thread is of interest to me.

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[SuperMike]

If I buy the right 17.3 inch laptop will it connect up easily to freesat?
.

No good, unless it has a 37" screen.

 

[scotjimland]

I always have my laptop but we haven't got a TV so the thread is of interest to me.

ok.. it was only my opinion..

there are two ways of having TV on your laptop..

If the laptop has an HDMI - IN .. you can connect the output of the Freesat or Freeview ..
More info here

Or, use a USB TV Freeview tuner.. more info here Broken Link Removed
you will still need a decent outside aerial in all but very strong signal areas. ..
Freeview Tuner Example

 

[Minxy]

Using a laptop is possible, once the connections etc are sorted, but it is never as good as a proper TV IMV, usually takes more power to run and the screen can be affected more by light than a TV.

Personally I'd see how much cranky above wants for his Avtex or get a standard TV (some come with 12v connections) and use that.

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[bernardfeay]

I've solved my problem. Turns out my TV is still in good working order. The leisure battery was almost totally out of power and could only provide enough juice to power the sound. Once I turned the engine on the picture came back. Sorry for wasting everybody's efforts.

 

[voyagerstan]

you need a solar panel not a tv STAN

 

[JJ]

Not sure if a laptop can replace a TV but I know good company, interesting places and a Kindle can.


JJ

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[cranky]

I'll put it back in the garage then