Korean Job Discussion Forums

[earthbound14]

This has probably been done before...but here goes.

Can you use your PC flat screen LCD as a TV? I'm sure all it would take is a tuner....but since I never tune in TV and just use my Sky dish, wouldn't I be able to simply hook up my sky life box to my monitor and watch tv?

If not I can't just wire my monitor up to my Sky life box, how cheaply can it be done?

Also, anyone out there made a little homemade digital stereo? I currently run everything through my laptop or my i-pod with a 2 pairs of 40,000 won pc speakers. Over all not bad, fills my apartment with sound and has reasonable bass. I was thinking of upgradin though. thought I might like to download all Flac files, pick up a small NAD amp (http://nadelectronics.com/index) and team it up with some Paradigm Atoms (http://www.paradigm.com/en/paradigm/fronts-monitor-atommonitor-model-2-4-1-1.paradigm) and possibly a sub. Then get a small computer dedicated only to music with a sound card designed just for playing music....I'm not too sure how great they are or even if its worth teaming some nice gear with a PC. My current computer tends to have a little hiss and static, but it could be just as likely the cheap amps in the speakers. Whatever the case. anyone do this? What PC would be the best (i.e. good sound quality for a cheap price...no gaming needed)? What sound card? What components? Would you simply set up one PC for audio, visual and web surfing in the living room? (I have a living room)

[cj1976]

I use this little gadget. Easy as pie and does the job.

http://www.gmarket.co.kr/challenge/neo_goods/goods.asp?goodscode=119642467&pos_shop_cd=SH&pos_class_cd=111111111&pos_class_kind=T&keyword_order=skytvusb&search_keyword=skytvusb

[nosmallplans]

i'm actually using a lcd pc monitor for my ps3 - couple important things i learned:

1. if you need hdmi then any model with hdmi will work
2. if you need component ports and have an hd signal then the monitor has to be hdcp enabled
3. if you need composite ports then the above still applies
4. unless you pay big bucks for a solid 'tv' monitor from samsung or lg then don't worry about the speakers - if you get a cheaper monitor then fully expect the speakers to sound tinny and volume buttons to be not easily accessible (if existent at all)
5. i believe anything larger than 19" is 1080i.. or is it p... whichever is better, i don't really care about that stuff

[Bread]

[JustJohn]

You probably want what is commonly called an HTPC (home theatre PC). Lots of places are putting them together as complete packages these days with tuners and remotes and such already installed. You could just read some reviews and get one that suits your budget and needs.

If you want to do it yourself you will probably want an HTPC case (read reviews, buy what suits you) quiet power supply/fans etc., good tv tuner, x-fi or xonar sound card, and at least a 24 inch monitor. That's the smallest size that comes with a 1920x1200 standard resolution, and that's the resolution you'll need to play 1080p HD stuff.


Oh, and to actually answer the questions:

1. Obviously, yes. And you can do it just by adding a tuner to your current PC, but then of course you won't have the sound quality and all that.
2. You might be able to hook your box to your monitor, but you'll need a coax to DVI or (whatever your sky life box uses) to (whatever your monitor uses) cable at least. You'll have to look it up on the internet to see if it's possible. Google is your friend.
3. Have not made a homemade stereo, but you can get some pretty good computer speakers these days, and with a good sound card you should should be getting crystal clear audio with next to no hiss.
4. Set it up wherever you want. That's completely up to you.