If video killed the radio star, then internet live streaming services have indeed ended the reliance on cable TV. In recent years, the advancement of technology has been rapid and frankly difficult for some to accept. However, for the most part, access to sophisticated technology has increased, which has led to a boom in people working from home.
Practical
Businesses around the world have embraced the idea of employees working remotely, provided they have a stable internet connection. It’s a win-win situation as people get to spend time at home with their families while still being a productive member of staff. It reduces the need for travel, which results in fewer vehicles on the road and, in turn, decreases our impact on the environment. The concern about working from home is then about maximizing your PC’s capabilities.
Added Convenience
When you’re working in your living room turned office space, you need to capitalize on the area provided. Integrating your PC with your TV provides you with a larger screen surface, which is handy if you have issues with your eyesight and struggle to view the icons on your screen. Furthermore, we recommend a bigger screen if you’re working with video or photo editing it allows you to be more precise, thus enhancing your work.
Turning Your TV Into a Monitor
The technology in TVs has advanced to a place where you’re able to connect your PC and maintain a high-quality picture. Most TVs have an input for HDMI for components such as a Blu-Ray Player or an X-Box to connect and provide an image in high definition. Modern PCs also have that output, which simplifies the process by acquiring an HDMI cable and connecting the two components. There is a high-speed HDMI option which costs around the same amount as the standard cable, but rather select the high-speed cable for deep color video.
Older PCs contain a VGA or DVI output, which traditionally you would have seen hooked up to a screen projector. Some adaptors allow a connection between VGA or DVI to HDMI. Acquiring an adaptor solves this issue and provides you with crisp images on your TV.
Directing Your PC Audio to an Entertainment System
Regarding HDMI connections, you won’t have to worry about sound because they transmit both audio and video. If you route the HDMI cable to your home theatre sound system, it will automatically detect any Dolby Digital bitstream from services such as Netflix and decode the audio to provide the best possible audio experience.
If your PC doesn’t support HDMI, you would require an adaptor for the visuals to appear on the TV; however, it would require a different cable to manage the audio. There are three options to transmit the audio from your PC to your home theatre system or TV. The traditional headphone jack works perfectly through a mini-to-RCA cable that transmits an analog signal. Coaxial and optical cables supply digital connections.
Going Wireless
Connecting your laptop or PC to your TV and home theatre systems require a fair amount of cables. In some cases, you may need adaptors to operate the system effectively. Physically, that requires the source to be located in the vicinity of the TV and entertainment system. However, there is another option to operate your PC through those components without physically being nearby.
For this to work, you’d require a network set up at home. It doesn’t matter if it’s via an Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi, your smart TV, PC, media box all require the internet to operate. It is possible to stream audio, video, and other files stored on your PC to the TV or via a media box. In most cases, the smart TV or media streaming device has an app or a downloadable one that communicates with your PC. Once they’re linked, you’ll have access to the streamable files from your PC on your TV, which simplifies the connection process.
Positioning Your PC
If you’re buying an entertainment unit, you must consider the various components that you will house there. You have to ensure your PC has space to “breathe” and allow the air to circulate and keep the system cool to prevent overheating and possible malfunction. If you’re using the PC as a DVD or CD player, check the space for the disk tray and provide enough for it to open properly. The USB ports need to be visible and clear of obstructions should you decide to play files stored on the removable device.
Adjusting Your Computer Settings
Once all your cables are set up, and you’re ready for a trip to stream-town, you have to make some adjustments to the settings of your PC. In some cases, the TV automatically mirrors the computer, and there’s no further work required of you. However, in other cases, there may be parts of the image that is cut off or the picture may be fuzzy.
Windows users should go to their control panel and opt for display settings. After that, select ‘extend’ your PC onto the TV. You will only receive full HD with the extended option, apply the changes, and adjust the resolution to best suit your TV. Mac users must connect the video cable to the TV first, then select the input and plug the cable into your mac. Visit your system preferences and uncheck “mirror displays.”
Accessories
After putting in the work of having your PC integrate with your home entertainment system, the last thing to consider is accessorizing the system. You do not want to be walking up to your PC every time you need to change the stream or search for your favorite title. Hence, acquiring a mini wireless keyboard and mouse is the perfect addition to your entertainment set up. It’s usually smaller than a TV remote and is incredibly convenient.
Conclusion
It’s safe to say that on-demand services have taken over the planet. You’re now in charge of what you want to hear or watch. Integrating your PC or laptop to your home entertainment system plays a significant role in providing you with the freedom to select what you want, whenever you want. All these components come together to form a well-rounded digital lifestyle.
