Media Box Update

Post by **andrew** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 6:51 pm

Hi all,

In case anyone cares....... I did eventually get some parts together to build a new box, infact most were second hand with the exception of a new mobo and heatsink fan (Â£93), I did say i'd update you all

Dual core 4600, 2 gig of fancy geil ram, pci-e 7950GT, barracuda drive, zalman HSF, zalman PSU, couple of 120mm fans that are quiet., All in a thermaltake case. Overall the sound level is low, acceptably low, i've improved this even more by using a 10m HDMI lead and putting the pc in sliding mirror wardrobe thing.

Only issues have been my Philips TV, i'm replacing it at the weeked with a Sony Bravia as I cba sorting the Philips issue (suspected firmware/chip issue problem), its a great panel and works other hdmi items fine except for the pc, i've tried different pcs and leads, the issue IS the tv.

Still need to grab a blu ray player but they are for nout anyway, overall its good and cost nigh on Â£300 to spec/build. Oh and I got a 19" hyundai panel thrown in the mix, so i'm very pleased for the overall cost, however its prompted me to get another TV which isn't cheap but as long as richer sounds have it in stock ill be happy by sunday !

Post by **Thane** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 8:32 pm

Gratz on the rig.

When I got my 40" HD Samsung TFT TV the HDMI didn't work properly with a PC attached, when I rang Samsung they said they didn't support PC's, then had to tell the twat to forget I said anything and that it didn't work with any HDMI.

Engineer and Â£350 board replacement sorted it a couple of days later. Very nice screen at 1920x1200. Glad warrenty covered the board, and Very glad I decided to test the HDMI inputs straight away.

Post by **andrew** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 9:28 pm

Its strange, my hdmi's both work with the 360 in them (using a hdmi 360 lead which comes with the elite version), all settings on high etc.
The rig works on other TV's fine, as does lead, its when testing other machines on the TV I then knew it was that at fault.

When I was sold the panel originally the richer sounds guy hounded me to get it, i'm suspecting he was on the most commission/wanted rid of stock..... this time i've done some research (avforums) and i'm hopefully confident im gonna get it right this time !

Its strange, my hdmi's both work with the 360 in them (using a hdmi 360 lead which comes with the elite version), all settings on high etc.
The rig works on other TV's fine, as does lead, its when testing other machines on the TV I then knew it was that at fault.

When I was sold the panel originally the richer sounds guy hounded me to get it, i'm suspecting he was on the most commission/wanted rid of stock..... this time i've done some research (avforums) and i'm hopefully confident im gonna get it right this time !

Post by **Turts** » Fri Oct 31, 2008 9:02 am

Top job Andrew... sounds like a nice rig bud.

Whilst on the subject of PC-TV connections (not wishing to hi-jack Andrews post... but it's a related topic..)

About 3months ago I was ok using the pc to feed movies etc onto the tv (Panasonic 37" lcd) via the HDMI.. I went to feed thru the other night and nothing..

The only change I can think of is that I've swapped the 17" LG tft (with working HDMI to tv)for a samsung 22" tft (and drivers to suit) ..nothing getting thru to TV.

I've tried binning the samsung drivers and plugged the LG back in, but still no joy..

Any help would be muchly appreciated chaps..
thx

Post by **Thane** » Fri Oct 31, 2008 1:59 pm

user error, get rid of that and your set

Post by **Turts** » Fri Oct 31, 2008 3:13 pm

Thane wrote: user error, get rid of that and your set

? Is this from the man who dies every 5 mins in AoC ??

I canna watch anything on me tele chaps.. comon ... help an old goit out plz

Thane.. do1 !

Post by **andrew** » Fri Oct 31, 2008 4:06 pm

I don't mean to be rude here Turts, but I you mention you've changed the drivers...... The first port of call is the display setup menu and make sure its setup for a second scree. When changing drivers I noticed it dropped this out on mine !

Just popped to richer sounds on way back from work, big mistake.... heavy traffic so couldn't get near to the store, so i'm going to pick the panel up 2moro, and I also told him his m8 sold me a duff panel. Bemused looks from the 2 sales guys. I had to drop that subject and said reserve me that till 2moro...... /makes quick exit

Post by **Eagle** » Fri Oct 31, 2008 4:45 pm

The 2nd screen setup was what I was gonna say also

Post by **Nellyboy** » Fri Oct 31, 2008 6:22 pm

I was doing some reading on avforums.com about the pioneer kuro range. They say the best bargain for quality large tv is the slightly older model 8 of the range. The 9 model is out so 8 is cheaper and was one of the best telly's in the world..........they say.

<a href="http://www.hdtvtest.co.uk/" target="_blank">These</a> boys sound like complete hdtv geeks to me. The pioneer 42" review is glowing indeed for the older model 2007 set.

<a href="http://www.pricerunner.co.uk/" target="_blank">Pricerunner</a> is getting better at the reviews listings, the pioneer tv pages have some great views of the 50" plasma.

Just bored and googling for fun.

I aint a pioneer fan just what i was readin is all, me I got a Toshiba

Post by **Turts** » Sat Nov 01, 2008 7:42 am

Andrew, OGF1...thanks for the info chaps..

Yup, had.. yes 'had' the 2nd screen setup fine with the LG running, but now with this damned Samsung tft it wont acknowledge that the TV is there.. All it offers is a standard 'TV' not HDMI like it used to

I've run the 'search option to try and grab the HDMI and have also tried the 'force find' option ...still no joy

It all appears to have started from when the Samsung was introduced..
Am still open to try anything.. keep the ideas coming plz guys..

ta

Andrew, OGF1...thanks for the info chaps..

Yup, had.. yes 'had' the 2nd screen setup fine with the LG running, but now with this damned Samsung tft it wont acknowledge that the TV is there.. All it offers is a standard 'TV' not HDMI like it used to

I've run the 'search option to try and grab the HDMI and have also tried the 'force find' option ...still no joy

It all appears to have started from when the Samsung was introduced..
Am still open to try anything.. keep the ideas coming plz guys..

ta

Post by **andrew** » Sat Nov 01, 2008 6:25 pm

I had similar issues as well as my distorted/pixelated screen. It was that frustrating i've been and bought a new TV..... which I picked up a couple of hours ago, very nice it is too !

I'm not sure what else to suggest now turts, other than try running the wizards/playing with options more and more.

Post by **andrew** » Sun Nov 02, 2008 3:58 pm

Well, its all up and running perfectly now, had to buy an audio adapter this afternoon (Â£3 from maplins). Its great, streamed quite a few movie trailers from apple.com and it looks superb. I'm very pleased....... just need a bluray drive and its all systems go