Re: Multiple issues with Media Center -- help!

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On 2:

The cable is probably not Toshiba specific. The cable that Toshiba uses is actually a Sony designed cable now used in tons of products.

It is impossible to get a truly good picture using any analogy tv interface. You need to use a digital interface (DVI or HDMI), and I'm not sure that the laptop has such an output. Alternatively, while it's still not nearly as good as DVI or HDMI, the analog VGA port (which the laptop probably does have) will still give a MUCH better picture than the TV out jack, if the plasma monitor/tv has a VGA input (most do).

You won't completely get rid of the black bars. The aspect ratio of even HDTV isn't the same as that of movies. But, ideally, you will have them only on the top/bottom or sides, not both (and normally on the top/bottom, but narrower than with 4:3 tv set). You may find a big improvement here when you switch to the VGA interface from the tv interface.


muppy wrote:

Hi there. I have a Toshiba Sattelite with Media Center... I've never used it because I've been out of the country for the past couple of years, but two days ago I purchased a 50 inch plasma and hooked it up to my laptop. I did all the set up requirements and noticed a few problems:

1. Even though I've done everything that is required, the media center remote wont change channels. The remote works for everything else, though. I have digital cable through comcast in Seattle and I can view the guide through MC, but can't select the channel with the MC remote... I have to use the comcast remote. Not a major problem, but certainly an inconvenience.

2. The picture quality is poor. My Toshiba came with a RCA/AV cable that is Toshiba specific. When I used it on another TV, the picture was fine, but now, running the TV signal through the computer makes the picture grainy. I thought it was just the signal (it's not necessarily HD, although the TV is an HDTV) but then when I play a DVD, the picture is also grainy. When I use WinDVD, the picture is better, although it's still not as spectacular as I was lead to believe a plasma would be. Any suggestions?

3. When watching widescreen DVDs, I have black bars on all four sides of the screen... about three inches on bottom and top and then two inches on the side. I've changed the aspect ratio (used the zoom, full and just positions) and even widescreen still doesn't take up all the screen. This is through Media Center. However, when viewing a DVD through WinDVD, it does take up more of the screen.

I was thinking that some of the problem might be the screen resolution -- when I first start up, I have the computer at the highest resolution possible. However, when I push the TV out button, the screen is too big for the TV. I have to lower the resolution on the computer for the whole desktop to be viewed on the TV screen. Is there anyway to get around this?

Any help would be greatly appreciated...  this is driving me nuts!

Thanks.

m 
.

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