Re: What is an Extender and why do I need one?

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"Steve Thompson" <steven-l-thompson@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:54466D80-0A34-460F-B457-2F99AEE8C009@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Jaime" <jaimelobo@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
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First question:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/mediacenter/features/extender.mspx

Second Question:
You are going to need to explain "picture is not very clear" a little
better, as well as, how everything is configured. The picture recorded by
MC should look (more or less) the same as that coming straight into the
TV from the cable box. Depending on the type of connection and tuner
card, you may see a little difference in the image.
--
James
Orlando (Goofy says "Hey"), Florida


I only have one Vista machine with Media Center and that is the only
computer that I want to use to record and watch my recorded TV programs
on. So, do I still need an extender? I have a Media Center remote that
came with my computer so I have a TV card. The TV card is hooked up to my
satelite box and my computer. My monitor is a 24" flat panel HDMI display
and when I view the media center in a letter box mode (not full screen)
the picture is just as clear as it is on the TV. However, when I maximize
the media center to full screen, the picture is just not as crisp and
clear as it is when it's not full screen.

When configuring Media Center there is a sample video to watch for
calibration, I guess, and it's just as crisp and clear wether it's full
screen or not. Shouldn't the signal from the TV be just as clear as the
sample video that's built into the Media Center?

Sorry, I don't mean to seem dense but this is the first time I'm working
woth Media Center.


Any additional information would be most helpful. BTW, would an HDTV make
a big difference?


Thanks,

Steve


"Steve Thompson" <steven-l-thompson@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:7A3BEC30-7317-43B7-A40D-4B7D6D4EBDA0@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hello all,

What is an Extender and why do I need one? My Media Center is hooked up
to a satellite dish and my HP Pavilion KQ497AA-ABA-m9340f Windows Vista
x64.

I notice that when I record a TV show that the Media Center's picture is
not very clear. Could it be that my TV is not an HDTV?

Thanks,

Steve



What type of connection are you using between the Sat box and the tuner?
RF Coax (F type connector) - worst possible signal
Composite (Yel - Whi - Red RCA connector) - better
S Video (4 pin + Whi - Red RCA connectors) - best

The signal you are feeding the tuner card in the PC is at best NTSC (480
lines of resolution interlaced) and will never be as good as the test video
supplied with MCE to setup the video signal (which is either 720p or 1080p
depending on how you setup MCE as to monitor type - for a 24" monitor I'm
assuming the native resolution is 1920 x 1200). An extender will do
absolutely nothing to improve the source signal. A separate HD TV with
Component input (Red - Grn - Blu + Whi - Red RCA connectors) would provide
the best possible signal (1080i) IF the Sat box has those outputs, but you
will not be able to use MCE to record that signal (unless you're willing to
spend big bucks for a component capture card for the PC).

--
SoCalCommie
http://so-la-i.com/

George W Bush, WORST pRESIDENT EVER!!!


.

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