Date:         Mon, 7 Oct 2002 08:39:05 -0600
Reply-To:     Larry Chase <lchase@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Larry Chase <lchase@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      Video Display Question - Conclusion Report
Comments: To: "wetwesties@yahoogroups." <wetwesties@yahoogroups.com>,
          Syncro@yahoogroups.com, ev_update@yahoogroups.com,
          vanagon@yahoogroups.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Volks,

Conclusion Report on this project.

Objective: Using a Laptop Computer as a TV.

> TV signal provided by a DirecTV Sat Dish, DVD, VCR, PS/2, & External Antennae.

Reference Previous postings: 

"Video Display Question"
"Video Display Question - Follow Up Report"

Conclusion: NO SOLUTION FOUND

Comments: Important to note that other folks with faster processors (500mz-800mz) reported good results with the same devices I tested.

My Laptop Processor 366mz and to a lessor extent WinME seems to be the limiting factors.

My Laptop Specs.

IBM 600E ThinkPad
OS: WinME
Processor: Pentium II 366mz
LCD Resolution: 1028 x 764
Memory: 288mb

I installed and tested the following USB Devices:

1. Hauppauge WinTV-PVR-USB / Model 881

2. TV Wonder USB

3. Hauppauge / Model 601USB

Product Evaluation:

- Installation was a breeze
- Signal Input used .... Cable TV Coax
- Performance
    > Video jerky and resolution poor
    > Audio a little out of sync.

Notes:

- Tried LCD Resolutions of
    > 1028 x 764 (color settings of 256k, 16 bit & 24 bit)
    > 800 x 600 (color settings of 256k, 16 bit & 24 bit)
    > 640 x 480 (color settings of 256k, 16 bit & 24 bit)

Summary: 

Currently have a Computer 17" LCD, but it requires 110V power and a NTSC to VGA converter to use as a TV display.

Want to run everything off 12 volt and reduce hardware and power requirements.

Next Step is to evaluate 15"-20" Stand-alone LCD TV Displays.

Now gathering spec info and user input on:

Sharp     LC-15B2UA
Sharp     LC-15B2UB
Digital Research DRLCD15TV
Panasonic TC-15LT1

Corena    CT1702
Envision    EN-7500

Sharp    LC-20B2UA
Sharp    LC-20B2UB

Any inputs on these units or other brands, performance etc .... would be most appreciated.

I will publish the final conclusions on these evaluations.

Hitting the Trail Soon,

Larry Chase
Email: lchase@attglobal.net
Web: www.roadhaus.com - Under Construction
What: The Great North American Tour
When:  01.02.03
How: RoadHaus - 1990 VW Westfalia Syncro 
Today: Denver, CO
From: Mesa,  AZ