SteepEdge

TV

Connecting your TV to the Internet is where much of the new and exciting development is taking place.

The traditional and simple way is to connect a laptop to your TV with a lead. The type depends on both the computer and the TV. The TV must be digital.

 

VGA

On a PC laptop you usually need a 15 pin male VGA to male VGA. A Mac has a digital output and requires an adaptor; depending on the age of the Mac it will be a mini VGA to VGA or a DVI to VGA. You should then connect the standard 15 pin VGA cable into the adaptor and the other end into the TV. Set your TV channel for VGA or the appropriate channel.

 

S-Video

This is slightly more complicated but typically produces a better picture. Connect the TV and laptop with an S-Video cable. This supplies the picture. You will then need a mini jack to RCA audio cable. The mini jack goes into the computer and the red and white leads go into the audio-in of the computer. Set your TV channel for S-Video input or the appropriate channel.

 

Wireless Converter

This is in effect a set top box which links via a wireless network with your computer. Various boxes are available.

Set your computer up for split screen (different view on TV and laptop) or mirrored (same view on both.)  Adjust the screen ratio for the TV if necessary.

For full details and a definitive guide, follow the instructions for your TV and laptop computer.

You can now watch either downloaded or streamed films controlled by your laptop on your TV screen. The first time you set it up can be complex, but once done, it guarantees a better viewing environment.

 

TV Set Top Boxes

To simplify things, there is a new breed of TV set top boxes that are rapidly being promoted heavily in North America and are just starting to be available worldwide.

They use streaming to watch films and media content on TVs connected to set top boxes (connected to the Internet.) Examples include Apple TV, Boxee, or GoogleTV ( e.g. Sony Internet TV and Logitech Revue.)

 

Apple TV

This device already works with SteepEdge because it networks via Wi-Fi with iTunes on your computer, so you can watch downloaded films which you have stored in iTunes. SteepEdge will roll out apps to enable streaming to these devices, and hence be compatible with these devices, in the near future.

 

iPad and iPhone

These are TV set compatible, so cables are available which connect your device to the TV. 

A number of devices are adopting AirPlay technology and this will help wirelessly connect devices, enabling a better and simpler connection between a range of devices and your TV. SteepEdge will adopt this technology as soon as it is available.