Intro

    As the title suggests, this started out to be a Web Page concerning Windows, Linux and TV. Both OS's have TV Software to enable you to Watch -and- Record TV movies and programs. I have used the Windows portion to record some important, to me, TV programs. The Linux part involves a lot more and has not been used ... yet. -But- we are working on it. I didn't even use the Windows vesrion for over a year. The TV card and software just happened to be bonuses that I got with my latest 'puter. I did not specifically look for one with the TV capability. However, I am glad that I lucked into it. Now then, as for this Web Page, it got as far as creating it... and it remaind blank. So much for planning. Anyway, as it turns out my first item will be concerned with a Logitech Harmony 1100 Universal Remote Controler. (Wow! What a mouthful.) Even though it doesn't have a thing to do with my PC TV Ops, it does require a Computer and an Internet Connection in order to set it up. So, we put our experiences here. (Images are to be added as soon as I get them.)

Vista Install - on Toshiba Laptop

Added December 28th, 2011 TRComputing

As mentioned in other places, we have aquired another Laptop. Since the instructions for this thing keeps showing the computer as a Laptop, we are going to install this program on the Laptop. Ohhhh...chuckle, chuckle we just got a message:

---

     Many people like you are excited to set up their new remotes, so we are experiencing a high volume
     of traffic. Please try again later.

---

Arrggg... guess a lot of people got them for Christmas this year(2011).

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  Logitech Harmony 1100 Universal Remote Controler - 06 Jan 11

    We received this for Christmas 2010 from our lovely daughter. She thought that 'all' the Remote Control devices that we had were a pain. Don't know how much of that was for her and how much was for us "old folks". Anyway, it appears to be a cool touch screen device that will get you into viewing with just one click. Of course, with this "neat" touch screen we will have to be careful on what we are snacking on whilst watching the tube. Oooopss... it is now a Flat Panel that she got us last year. I guess instead of tube it is now a slab.?.?

    Initially, the setup is pretty simple, -or- so it seemed. You do need a computer -and- an Internet connection. IF you are reading this ... it is assumed that you have both.

1. First, you need to charge the battery. At least long enough to have power whilst you are setting it up. They recommend 5 hours, but that is only to get a Full Charge. You can do less initally so you can use it sooner. Some of us just can't wait! Charging is done via the Remote Stand, or Charging Station. Plug the AC adapter into a wall outlet and the other end into the back of the Charging Station. Place the Remote on it. When the Remote is properly seated, you will see a lite at the bottom of the Charging Station right below the Remote.
   (These lithium batteries do not have a memory -and- they do not require priming like others do.)
2. Second, you need to get the Manufacturer's Name and the Model Number of each of the devices that you wish to control with this new Remote. Write them down.
3. Third, directons are given on the Foldout for installation of the Required Software on both a Windows Machine and a Mac. Basically, it is inserting a CD and following the directions.
   1. As usual, select a Language.
   2. A Welcome screen is presented which also tells you that you must be connected to the Internet.
   3. Then we have the silly license agreement with which you 'Must Agree' or you can't install the Software.
   4. Next you are given the choice of installing a Logitech Desktop Messenger along with the Remote Software or just the Remote Software. I chose just the Software. Don't need anymore messages popping up.
   5. After clicking on Next, it installed the Software from the Logitech Site. The information concerning your Remote will be saved in your account on the Logitech Site.
   6. Finish. Installation Complete. See next step...
   7. Note: The only thing on the CD is this initial setup software.
4. Fourth, which is really part of the third, hook up the Harmony Remote to your Computer with the supplied USB Cable.... then click Finish. A new Icon will appear on your desktop and it will start the Logitech Program, which will connect to the Internet and will check for/and install updates.
5. Fifth, it signs on the the Logitech Site and presents a screen where you can Create an Account -or- Login IF you have already created an account.
6. Sixth, after Creating your acccount or loging in, you are moved to an Activities, Devices, Remote Settings screen. This is where you are gona do something. The first Screen/Folder that you need to visit is the Devices one. Before you can create any activities you need to have devices. Remember that list I told you to make??
7. Seventh, inputting your Devices. Please move to the Devices Folder, if you are not already there.
   1. Click on Add Device.
   2. You are presented with a screen that is going to ask for the Device, Manufacturer and Model of each item that you wish to control. The Device and Manufacturer are selected from list, but the Model Number must be typed in. An example is presented to help you.
   3. After you have entered the first Device, you can click on Add another device and fill in the info for it. Continue this until you have entered all the devices you wish to control. Or until you get tired. More devices can be added later.
   4. Note: I have Cox cable. Intitial setup was with "Cable Box" which is made by Scientific-Atlanta. It works fine -and- I thought that was all that was needed. However, I could not play from the PVR List. I couldn't even see it! That just happens to be what caused the creation of this Web Page. I find out many things when I start explaining them to someone else. PVR is one of the items listed in the Add another device list.
      Another Note: If you take to long between entries, it will log you out. I started a list, got interrupted, came back and had to re-login. I hadn't saved my entries yet -annnddd-- guess what??? I had to re-enter them!!
   5. More on the above... cause it was the main reason for this! After making a fool of myself, -or- the differences in terminology did, I finally got the "DVR List" to work. You are given many, many choices in the 'Add Devices' section. I, like possibly some of you, chose Cable Box as one of the 4 devices that I was going to control. However, calling it a Cable Box did not add the "PVR List" button in the choices on the Remote. (PVR and DVR mean the same thing.) In one of my moments of anger, I wiped out everything and started over. This time when I added my 4 Devices, I called the 'box' a PVR. In the setup of the Activities I let it decided. I wanted to see what would happen. It worked!!
   6. Using the 'List' involves more Buttons than I care to press -but- it works and perhaps it can be programmed to use just one of the activities. At present you must: (use 7 buttons!!)
      1. Press the TV Activity... then Press OK ( which is getting a little annoying.)
      2. Now mine comes up with what I presume is the PVR screen controls. It has the big Yellow Pause Button in the middle with the other playing, stopping, recording, FF and RW surrounding it. NO PVR LIST. But the TV and the PVR are on and a Cable station is playing -and- I can selecte the Cable Channels.
      3. Pressing the Star in the lower Right hand corner brings up controls for the TV. At the bottom of this screen is a Devices Button.
      4. Press the Devices Button and you are presented with a screen showing all your devices.
      5. One of them is the PVR. You Press on it and you will get another screen.
      6. This new screen has a Numeric Pad with some Up/Down Arrows along the left side indicating that this is screen one of 6.
      7. Pressing the Down Arrow to get to Screen 3. Here we find the 'List Button'.
      8. Press the 'List Button' and the 'PVR List' will appear on the TV screen, as it should.
      9. Use the 'Back Arrow' at the top Left of the screen to go back to your previous screens.
      10. Thoughts --- what you see --- what you think you see --- how it works. (these will be expanded on)
   7. Allllrighty now. We have finally accomplished what was desired. One Button to get to the PVR List. It took to much effort and research to figure this out; IMHO; but then who am I? Just an ordinary Joe who is trying to use one of these new fan dangled remotes. Steps taken are as follows:
      1. SignOn to your Logitech Account.
      2. Select the Activities Tab IF it is not already selected.
      3. Click on Add Activity.
      4. Select No. Cause you want to do this manually.
      5. Click on Next.
      6. Select Watch Television. (We are going to create a Second Watch TV Activity.)
      7. Click on Next.
      8. Select: Watch TV ( DVR or PVR other than TiVo)
      9. Click on Next... and then click on Next. (for two screens)
      10. Now you need to select the Input. It will be the same one that you selected to watch the cable stations on... cause .. it .. is .. the .. same .. box.
      11. Click on Next.
      12. Review the settings and then click on Next.
      13. You will see a screen stating Here is what you have done so far.
      14. Click on Done... and you will go back to the Activities Screen.
      15. In the Watch TV 2 activity, click on Settings.
      16. Now in Settings, click on Review Activities.
      17. On the Review Activities screen click on:
          Yes, but I want to add more control of options and devices for this Activity.
      18. Now click Next.
      19. Now you will see another Review screen showing devices selected and devices not selected. Just look it over.
      20. After reviewing, click on Save at the bottom.
      21. Once again you are asked about the TV input -but- it should already be selected for you.
      22. Click on Next
      23. Finally we come to the Important part. You are presented with the Actions for watching TV 2. The top one is the Start Action. The is a Drop Down Selection box with which you can select the item you want to control. We are selecting Scientific Atlanta PVR.
      24. Click on the Add button.
      25. You will get a screen that will allow you to select the action you want to add. In this case we want the top one:
          Send this infrared Command:   List
      26. After your selection, Click Next
      27. The review screen will come back with your added action showing.
      28. IF you are happy and finished, click on Save at the bottom of the screen.
      29. Once again we get another review. Click on Next.
      30. Then it shows what we've have. Click on Done.
      31. This takes us back to the Setting Screen for Watch TV 2. We are done so click on Done.
      32. We are back to the Activities Tab -but- we are not done yet.
      33. Click on Update.
      34. Ensure your Remote is connected to your PC via the USB cable.
      35. Click on Next... and wait. A new screen will appear that says it is time to test the setup.
      36. Disconnect the Remote from the USB cable and test it. If everything is Ok, then select Yes on this last page and click Next.
      37. You will be returned to your Activities Page and you can Logout.
          (As noted elsewhere, but repeated here, the connection can, and probably will "time out" while you are away testing. Only log back in IF you need to.)
      38. IF you are still connected, Logout and do something else ... like operate your Remote and enjoy TV.
8. Right here I want to say that I, packed this Harmony 1100 Remote up and, was ready to send it back. It was to complicated. And even though it was a gift, I felt that the price was to much for what it did. Well, I still fell that the price is to high -but- after using it and then going back to the 'old' way, I took it back out of the box and am using it. I don't use the PVR List function that often so until I can figure out an improvement -or- they make one, I'll put up with it. Trials and tribulations will continue to be publised here.
   Note: I sent off an e-mail to their support concerning this PVR fiasco. I never did get a reply -but- I did get an e-mail asking me to complete a survey on the product. I did... maybe it will help and maybe they will contact me so we can work this out. I always found user input and then follow up, very rewarding. Hopefully they will feel the same way.
   
   
9. This is From the Logitech Forums mostly, or all, from user WannabeActuary.
   
   10. Sometimes I use the receiver for sound and other times I use the TV. How do I set this up?
       First, you'll want to make sure that you've setup separate activities for each sound option (i.e. Watch TV with receiver, Watch TV). During the setup, you'll be asked what device is used to control the sound. Since you likely won't want the TV outputting sound while using the receiver, at the end of the setup for Watch TV with receiver, you will want to select option 2 (yes, but I want more control). This will make you step through the wizard again, but then allow you to add/delete commands to the start and/or end of an activity. At this point, add the internal speaker mute command (if available), the mute command (if it doesn't display a 'mute' box on your TV the whole time), the sequence of commands to use the TV menu to toggle the internal speaker mute or as a last option, several volume down commands. Keep in mind, that you'll want to undo any changes that you add to the start of the activity by adding commands to the end of the activity (Off does equal exiting an activity). Also, please keep in mind that the more commands you add here will mean the longer you need to hold the remote pointing at the devices (unless using the Wireless Extender with a capable remote).
       Message Edited by WannabeActuary on 11-24-2008 05:16 PM
   16. I want to set up my favorite channels with logos, do I need to make them or can I get them somewhere?
       Randy has his new site up and running with a lot of great logos for the Harmony One, 1000, 1100, and 800 series remotes.
   26. Do you have any general recommendations?
       
       1. When setting up your activities, select the option to setup the activity manually and then select the appropriate activity type. This option allows for more flexibility in setting up your activity and will result in less tweaking after the setup. Please note that this is different from the 'Utility' Activity option which is very generic and does not automatically map commands for you. While this option gives a LOT of flexibility, it does not allow for any icon with the activity and means a lot of manual button/command mapping.
          
       2. Go into the device menu on the remote for each device and try each command listed there. Keep notes on which commands work, which don't, and what they actually do. You may find additional commands that were not on the original remote that do in fact work. It's helpful to test the input commands with the other devices on because some tvs won't view the HDMI inputs as active unless the device using them is powered on. Most commonly, you may find: - Discrete (separate) power on and power off commands that you can use instead of power toggle. This will help activities run more smoothly. - Discrete input commands that you can use instead of your current input selection method. If you find some that work, but not one for each input that you are using, you can set the activity up using the closest direct input that does work and add additional commands (see #10) to the activity the scroll one or two inputs as needed.
10. Additional Commands in Activity startups
13. Removing an Activity:
    1. SignOn to your Logitech Account.
    2. Click on the Activities Tab to select it, if it is not already selected.
    3. In the Upper right corner of the Activity that you want to remove, click on the Trash Can.
    4. You will next be asked to confirm that you want to remove this activity. Click on Yes -or- No... then Click on Next at the bottom of the screen.
    5. Your Activities Screen will reappear -but- your Remote will still have the activity. You have only removed it from your Account.
    6. Now to remove it from your Remote; Click on Update
    7. As the new screen requests, connect your Harmony 1100 to your PC with the supplied USB cable, IF it is not already connected.
    8. Click on Next... and wait. A new screen will appear that says it is time to test the setup.
    9. Disconnect the Remote from the USB cable and test it. If everything is Ok, then select Yes on this last page and click Next.
    10. You will be returned to your Activities Page and you can Logout.
        (As noted elsewhere, but repeated here, the connection can, and probably will "time out" while you are away testing. Only log back in IF you need to.)
    11. IF you are still connected, Logout and do something else ... like operate your Remote and enjoy TV.
14. Removing a device is following essentially the same steps as above EXCEPT you will start on the Devices Tab.

  Cleaning a Touch Screen

    The following was borrowed/stolen from: How to Clean Touch Screen Monitors at eHow.com

1. Well, I must change the first step since we are not dealing with a monitor and this little Remote does not have an On/Off button for itself. Therefore, we need to turn it over and remove the battery. Afterwards you will be able to safely clean the screen.
2. Next, wet a soft, lint-free or microfiber cloth with distilled water. Wring out as much water as you can. Make sure the cloth is damp but not wet. Wipe the screen in a gentle motion to remove dust, oil, or fingerprint smudges off.
3. Another option is to use a screen cleaner kit that includes antistatic wipes. You can buy this at various electronic or online stores. Spray a little solution on a wipe then rub it gently across the screen.(Wal-Mart sells it. I work there.)
4. Finish cleaning the touch screen with a dry lint-free cloth to wipe away any excess moisture, then turn it over and re-insert the battery.
5. Note: The above procedures also apply to the LCD screens that we all, or most of us, now have. Both for our Computers and our TV viewing.

References:  
TV Icons

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Sony TV - 32" & 46"

Added December 26th, 2011 TRComputing

The 32"(measured diagonally) TV was a Christmas Gift from our oldest daughter in December of 2009. The 46"(measured diagonally) TV was purchased July, 3rd 2010. These Super-popular LCD TVs offer bright, detailed images and thin, lightweight panels. Many LCDs have anti-glare screens that cut down on reflections, so they're a great choice for brighter rooms.

32XBR9 Features:

• 31.5" screen (measured diagonally)
• widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio
• high-gloss black finish
• built-in digital (ATSC) tuner for over-the-air TV broadcasts (antenna required)
• built-in QAM cable TV tuner receives unscrambled programs without a set-top box (cable service required)
• 1920 x 1080 pixels
• selectable Motionflow^TM 120Hz anti-blur technology for clearer motion
• 4000:1 contrast ratio (40,000:1 dynamic)
• BRAVIA Engine 2^TM digital video processing
• Advanced Contrast Enhancer (ACE) dynamic backlighting for better contrast and black levels
• built-in stereo speakers (10 watts x 2)
• remote control
• BRAVIA Sync^TM simplifies control of compatible Sony components via the HDMI connection (HDMI-CEC)
• Energy Star® 3.0 compliant ® see our article on TV power consumption for more info about this and other testing standards
• picture settings memory for each video input

Connections and Dimensions:

• 7 A/V inputs, including:
  • 1 composite video (side)
  • 1 S-video (side)
  • 2 component video (one is selectable component/composite)
  • 4 HDMI (1 rear, 3 side) ® accepts signals up to 1080p (60Hz, 24Hz)
• side PC input: analog RGB (D-Sub 15-pin)
• RF input for antenna/cable signals
• optical digital audio output
• side USB port for digital photo/MP3 playback with Sony cameras and flash memory drives
• detachable stand (stand "footprint" is 16-3/4"W x 9"D)
• wall-mountable (bracket not included)
• 31-3/8"W x 21-1/4"H x 3-5/8"D (22-7/8"H x 9"D on stand)
• weight: 29.6 lbs. with stand; 26.9 lbs. without stand
• warranty: 1 year parts & labor ® in-home service or pick-up for service

46EX400 Features:

• 46" screen (measured diagonally)
• high-gloss black finish
• tuner receives over-the-air HDTV broadcasts (antenna required)
• QAM cable TV tuner receives unscrambled programs without a set-top box (cable service required)
• BRAVIA Engine 2^TM digital video processing improves the look of non-HD sources
• room light sensor with automatic screen brightness adjustment
• PC/TV picture-in-picture
• built-in stereo speakers (10 watts x 2)
• remote control
• BRAVIA Sync^TM simplifies control of compatible Sony components via the HDMI connection (HDMI-CEC)
• meets ENERGY STAR® 4.0 requirements
• picture settings memory for each video input

Connections and Dimensions:

• 7 A/V inputs, including:
  • 1 composite video (side)
  • 2 component video (one is selectable component/composite)
  • 4 HDMI v1.3 (2 rear, 2 side) ® accepts signals up to 1080p (60Hz, 24Hz)
• PC input
• RF input for antenna/cable signals
• optical digital audio output
• side USB port for photo/video/music playback
• detachable stand (stand "footprint" is 17-3/4"W x 11-5/8"D)
• wall-mountable (bracket not included)
• 44-3/8"W x 26-5/8"H x 4-1/8"D (27-3/4"H x 11-5/8"D on stand)
• weight: 45 lbs. with stand; 39.9 lbs. without stand
• warranty: 1 year parts & labor ® in-home service or pick-up for service

Tip: For a list of over-the-air digital TV stations you can receive, as well as antenna recommendations for your location, enter your zip code in AntennaWeb's mapping tool.

Refer: Manuals

   

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Blue Ray Player

Added December 26th, 2011 TRComputing

This was the second part of our oldest daughters Christmas Gift in December of 2009.

Key Features:

• plays Blu-ray discs, DVDs, CDs, and JPEG CDs
• plays AVCHD video files recorded on HD camcorders and burned to DVD
• x.v.Color^TM support
• BD-Live Ready ® requires 1GB USB memory drive
• BRAVIA Sync^TM simplifies remote control for compatible Sony TVs and components via the HDMI connection (HDMI-CEC)
• remote control included

• Technical Specs:

• selectable output resolution: 1080p signals available through HDMI output only; 720p/1080i signals available through HDMI or component video
• selectable 720p/1080i/1080p video upconversion for DVD (upconverted video available through HDMI output only)
• built-in audio decoding to PCM for Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-HD, and DTS-HD Master Audio
• high-resolution audio can be decoded in the player or in your compatible receiver (HDMI connection required)
• video outputs include composite video, component video, and HDMI
• audio outputs include stereo, coaxial digital, and optical digital
• Ethernet port for Internet connectivity and possible future upgrades
• USB port for storing downloaded BD-Live material
• 16-15/16"W x 2-5/16"H x 9-5/8"D
• warranty: 1 year

   

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Vizio VSB210WS Sound Bar

The system combines a main unit that houses a 2 channel speaker/amplifier, with a wireless subwoofer, making it a 2.1 channel system.

 CAUTION   DO NOT connect your MP3 player via that Headphine Jack. This can result in damage to both devices. Use a docking station or equivalant conversion unit to adapt the audio level to the Sound Bar.

SRS stands for Sound Retrieval System. The VSB210WS includes a nearly 40-inch-wide soundbar speaker with a shiny black plastic enclosure that's slightly dressed up by aluminum end caps. Inside the back-ported enclosure are two 0.75-inch aluminum-dome tweeters and four 3-inch paper cone woofers, all powered by two channels of 20 watts each.

The top controls duplicate those on the tiny remote, so the remote can spend a few years between the sofa cushions without incapacitating the product. It includes controls for Power, Bar volume up/down, Sub volume up/down, Mute, Input, and buttons that activate the enhancements described below. TVOL toggles SRS TruVolume, while TSHD toggles SRS TruSurround. LEDs inside the right-hand side of the grille serve as indicators for master volume, sub volume, and the status of TruVolume and TruSurround. The back panel has two stereo analog inputs, an optical digital input, and a power jack. Two curved-metal feet can be repurposed as wall mounts.

System Components Sound bar Wireless subwoofer Speaker Type Active Audio System Max Output Power 65 Watt =========================================

Description

• Home Theater System with 2-channel sound bar and wireless subwoofer.
• Sound Bar Amplification: 2 channel Integrated Class-D with 15 watts x 2 output and .01% THD (Total Harmonic Distortion).
• Sound Bar Speakers: 4 x 3" High Efficiency mid/bass transducers and 2 x 3/4" Aluminum Dome Tweeters.
• Sound Bar Frequency Reponse: 80Hz - 20KHZ; Subwoofer Frequency Reponse: 35 - 80Hz.
• Inputs: Two sets of RCA analog stereo line inputs and one Digitial Optical input.
• TruSurround HD processing of two-channel, Dolby Digital/DTS source signals. SRS TruVolume provides dynamic range adjustment.
• Wireless Subwoofer: 2.4Ghz Band. Wireless Range 10m or 30 feet -Clear Line of Sight. Subwoofer power output: 25 Watts.
• Compact Wireless remote control and one set of RCA analog audio cables provided.
• Dimensions: Sound Bar 39.95”W x 4.82”H x 4.33”D; Sub 11.18”W x 12.30” H x 11.87”D - Weight: SoundBar 7.8lbs; Sub 15.5lbs.

In the reviews we have read, the remote seems to be the biggest "problem", IF you want to call it a problem. In the Amazon.com reviews we found this "fix". If it seems that you must be just perfectly in front of the unit for the remote to work. Take the front cover off and look at the back of it. You will see a place cutout so when its put on you can see the led lights. Well in some cases it appears that the factory didn't cut it out enough. Get a pair of snips of some sort and cut out a little more of the squares and place the cover back on. This will allow you to be able to sit nearly anyplace that is just remotely infront of the sound bar and it will work like a charm. So far... we haven't had to perform this operation. Course we've only had it for a couple of days.
27 Dec 11/7:05am
The soundbar has one weakness, as has been described many times from other reviewers. Out of the box the remote has a limited range. The problem is not the remote, it's the IR receiver on the soundbar hasn't got a clear line of sight to the remote from all directions. Vizio commmitted an engineering blunder here, but as mentioned by a previous reviewer this is easily solved:
- Carefully remove the speaker grill. It's connected with rubber plugs that hold it in. Start from one end, it'll come right off.
- On the bottom right side you'll see the LED lights and to the left of the lights, you'll see the little black IR signal receptor.
- The back side of the grill is a plastic honeycomb. Just cut a square out of the honeycomb to make room for the IR signal being careful to avoid cutting the speaker grill cloth at the same time. I used a pair of wire cutters.
Once I did this simple manuevuer I had an excellent signal from the remote from all directions.

Refer: Hometheater and
About.com and
WalMart

   

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