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Subject:Video Display Question - Follow Up Report
From:Larry Chase
Date:Sun, 6 Oct 2002 08:57:18 -0600

Volks,

Follow up report on this project.

Viewing a DirectTV signal Full Screen on a LapTop Computer.

Reference Previous posting: "Video Display Question"

Based on input received,  I purchased the  Hauppauge WinTV-PVR-USB / Model 881 unit.

This morning I took it for a test drive and here are my observations.

Evaluation >>>> Sorry to say it just didn't work out.

Laptop Specs.

IBM 600E ThinkPad
OS: WinME
Processor: Pentium II 366mz
LCD Resolution: 1028 x 764
Memory: 288mb

Product Evaluation:

- Installation was a breeze
- Signal Input used .... Cable TV Coax
- Performance
    > Video jerky and resolution poor
    > Audio a little out of sync.

Notes:

- Tried LCD Resolutions of
    > 1028 x 764 (color settings of 256k, 16 bit & 24 bit)
    > 800 x 600 (color settings of 256k, 16 bit & 24 bit)
    > 640 x 480 (color settings of 256k, 16 bit & 24 bit)

Comments: 

Not sure if the limitations are the processor speed, the USB connection, WIN/ME OS  or a combination of all?

Conclusion:

For displaying a Direct TV Signal I believe I'll use a 15-17" LCD TV Display.

Currently have a Computer 17" LCD, but it requires 110V power and a NTSC to VGA converter to use as a NTSC display.

Want to run everything off 12 volts power and cut down on the extra hardware and power requirements.

S0 have been looking for units that accept a 12 volt power input.

Seems Sharp is the leader in this category. 

Any inputs on brands, performance etc .... would be most appreciated.
Hitting the Trail Soon,
Larry Chase
Email: lchase@attglobal.net
Web: www.roadhaus.com - Under Construction
What: The Great North American Tour
When:  01.02.03
How: RoadHaus - 1990 VW Westfalia Syncro 
Today: Denver, CO
From: Mesa,  AZ

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Summary of previous posting:

>Volks,

Since it's Friday, although it truly does have Vanagon content.

Would like to view "Full Screen" video "NTSC" signal on a Laptop computer .

The signal would be from a Direct TV Satellite Receiver.

Most are made to EXPORT video signals, but none I no of are made to IMPORT".

Usage Need:

If I could figure out a way of getting this type of  Signal into a LapTop I could eliminate having a separate 15"-17" LCD screen for Direct TV display.

Perhaps a new LapTop with Firewire.

Don't have time or resources for a lot of trail and correction. Need someone with direct experience.

Vanagon Geeks ... Help!<