Laptop as TV

[CliveV]

Not being particularly technical I was surprized to be told that a "TV Card" could be bought to convert my Laptop (Dell Latitude CPx) to act as a TV for use in the caravan.

Scanning back thru' the threads it seems the results are variable.

Has anyone got any suggestions? The idea is very attractive as I often work when away (sad isn't it) and to then be able to use the same bit of kit as as a TV in the evening sounds great.

Is it as simple as it sounds?

Feedback much appreciated.

 

[Matthew_5040954]

Hi Clive

We use a laptop as a TV all you need to buy is either a PCMCIA card or USB TV Tuner, there really easy to install and most come with full remote control so no need to use the mouse or keyboard.

I've also bought a 160gb external hard drive and copied all our favorite videos and DVD's onto so no need to take the video or DVD player and all the videos and DVD's with us, just simple select the movie you want from a picking list. Each movie takes between 4gb and 6gb of space per film. You'll find the TV tuner should give you the option the record to a hard disk.

 

[CliveV]

Many Thanks Mathew - Most helpful. I like the idea of taking films etc this way.

Thanks again

 

[Paul_5069946]

Another option for anyone thinking of getting a new laptop is a Toshiba Qosmio which comes with Microsoft Media center 2005. It has a built in tv tuner remote control and can record tv to the hard drive. I have one and find it works really well.

Is anyone using a laptop with a 12v to 240v converter?

Paul

 

[ProfJohnL]

Another option for anyone thinking of getting a new laptop is a Toshiba Qosmio which comes with Microsoft Media center 2005. It has a built in tv tuner remote control and can record tv to the hard drive. I have one and find it works really well.

Is anyone using a laptop with a 12v to 240v converter?

Paul

Hello Paul,

Yes I have used a 12V dc to 230V ac inverter with a laptop in both a car and a caravan, and it does work. However there is sometimes another alternative, Maplin Electronics, offer a range of 12Vdc converters which produce stable dc voltages suitable for a wide range of laptops, without having to go through the 230Vac stage. These are compact enough, and will be slightly more efficient than using a intermediate 230V inverter stage. You just have to make sure the PSU has the right plug, suitable output voltage and current capacity.

Look up item code N59AC on http://maplin.co.uk/