Archive for the ‘'How to' Guides’ Category

Which Cables are needed for an in-the-wall TV installation?

 Friday, June 25th, 2010

Wall Mount Cables Needed for TV Installation? You have thought long and hard about getting your new LCD or Plasma TV. You know it comes with a stand. It will be really easy to setup this way, but you will need a stand of some sort, perhaps wood or glass or…

No. You know you want to hang it on the wall! It is a flatscreen TV afterall. What other point is there to having a great new flatscreen TV, if it isn’t hanging on the wall, for all to see in it’s glory.

Now comes the dilema… do you hang it on the wall and have the cables hanging down? Or do you do the job properly and have the cables hidden, plastered in or hidden behind some crafty MDF and a slinky plinth?

Which ever way you decide, getting the right cables now, could make all the difference (and frustration if you forget one!) in setting up your audio video equipment, players, recorders, games consoles, SKY box and the list goes on… here is our top tips on what you may need!

Why not print this guide off and tick the boxes [    ] for the cables you will need?

1 – A Basic Flatscreen InstallationC13 to C14 Extension Cable for Power

a – [    ] – Power Cable – Perhaps you need a C13 to C14 Power extension (check your TV 1st)
b – [    ] – Aerial Cable from TV Aerial
c – [    ] – Aerial Cable from Satellite, Digital TV Box or Video Recorder
d – [    ] – SCART Cable or Cables from DVD Player or Digital TV Box

2 – A Standard Flatscreen Installation

a – [    ] – Power Cable – Perhaps you need a C13 to C14 Power extension (check your TV 1st)3 RCA Audio Video Composite Cable
b – [    ] – Aerial Cable from TV Aerial
c – [    ] – Aerial Cable from Satellite, Digital TV Box or Video Recorder
d – [    ] – SCART Cable or Cables from DVD Player or Digital TV Box
e – [    ] – Composite Audio Video Cable (3 RCA Phono) for Camcorder, Games Console
f -  [    ] – S-Video Cable (if any of your AV equipement uses 4 pin S-Video?)
g – [    ] – Audio Component Cable to Hifi, Speakers or Home Cinema Receiver?

3 – A High Definition Flatscreen Installation

a – [    ] – Power Cable – Perhaps you need a C13 to C14 Power extension (check your TV 1st)HDMI Cable
b – [    ] – Aerial Cable from TV Aerial
c – [    ] – Aerial Cable from Satellite, Digital TV Box or Video Recorder
d – [    ] – SCART Cable or Cables from DVD Player or Digital TV Box
e – [    ] – Composite Audio Video Cable (3 RCA Phono) for Camcorder, Games Console
f -  [    ] – S-Video Cable (if any of your AV equipement uses 4 pin S-Video?)
g – [    ] – Audio Component Cable to Hifi, Speakers or Home Cinema Receiver?
h – [    ] – HDMI Cable or Cables depending on how many HDMI sockets your TV has.  (HDMI Carries Audio + Video)
i -  [    ] – Optical Audio Cable to your home cinema receiver for the best in digital audio.

4 – A 3D High Definition Flatscreen Installation

a – [    ] – Power Cable – Perhaps you need a C13 to C14 Power extension (check your TV 1st)3D Ready HDMI Cables?
b – [    ] – Aerial Cable from TV Aerial
c – [    ] – Aerial Cable from Satellite, Digital TV Box or Video Recorder
d – [    ] – SCART Cable or Cables from DVD Player or Digital TV Box
e – [    ] – Composite Audio Video Cable (3 RCA Phono) for Camcorder, Games Console
f -  [    ] – S-Video Cable (if any of your AV equipement uses 4 pin S-Video?)
g – [    ] – Audio Component Cable to Hifi, Speakers or Home Cinema Receiver?
h – [    ] – HDMI Cable v1.4 Compliant Cable (or Cables) depending on how many HDMI sockets your TV has.  (HDMI Carries Audio + Video)
i -  [    ] – Optical Audio Cable to your home cinema receiver for the best in digital audio.
g – [    ] – Ethernet Network Cable Cat 5 or Cat 6 (Cat 6 is more suited to streaming HD video signals). Should your TV support it.

5 – A 3D / Internet Ready High Definition Flatscreen Installation

a – [    ] – Power Cable – Perhaps you need a C13 to C14 Power extension (check your TV 1st)Ethernet Network Patch Cable
b – [    ] – Aerial Cable from TV Aerial
c – [    ] – Aerial Cable from Satellite, Digital TV Box or Video Recorder
d – [    ] – SCART Cable or Cables from DVD Player or Digital TV Box
e – [    ] – Composite Audio Video Cable (3 RCA Phono) for Camcorder, Games Console
f -  [    ] – S-Video Cable (if any of your AV equipement uses 4 pin S-Video?)
g – [    ] – Audio Component Cable to Hifi, Speakers or Home Cinema Receiver?
h – [    ] – HDMI Cable v1.4 Compliant Cable (or Cables) depending on how many HDMI sockets your TV has.  (HDMI Carries Audio + Video)
i -  [    ] – Optical Audio Cable to your home cinema receiver for the best in digital audio.
g – [    ] – Ethernet Network Cable Cat 5 or Cat 6 (Cat 6 is more suited to streaming HD video signals). Should your TV support it.

6 – A Media Centre (PC / Laptop) Ready High Definition Flatscreen Installation

a – [    ] – Power Cable – Perhaps you need a C13 to C14 Power extension (check your TV 1st)
b – [    ] – Aerial Cable from TV Aerial
c – [    ] – Aerial Cable from Satellite, Digital TV Box or Video Recorder
d – [    ] – SCART Cable or Cables from DVD Player or Digital TV Box
e – [    ] – Composite Audio Video Cable (3 RCA Phono) for Camcorder, Games Console
f -  [    ] – S-Video Cable (if any of your AV equipement uses 4 pin S-Video?)
g – [    ] – Audio Component Cable to Hifi, Speakers or Home Cinema Receiver?
h – [    ] – HDMI Cable v1.4 Compliant Cable (or Cables) depending on how many HDMI sockets your TV has.  (HDMI Carries Audio + Video)
i -  [    ] – Optical Audio Cable to your home cinema receiver for the best in digital audio.
g – [    ] – Ethernet Network Cable Cat 5 or Cat 6 (Cat 6 is more suited to streaming HD video signals). Should your TV support it.

Depending on what your laptop, computer or media centre PC has. you will need the following:PC input VGA 15 pin cable

a – [    ] – VGA Cable – Quality 15 pin Analogue Video. Or VGA to DVI cable perhaps?
b – [    ] – DVI Cable – Quality Digital Video. Or DVI to HDMI cable?
c – [    ] – HDMI Cable – High Quality Audio and Video
d – [    ] – 3.5mm to 2 RCA Audio Cable. Provides an audio connection from your computers sound card to the audio inputs on your TV. If your TV supports a single 3.5mm audio input, then don’t panic as a simple 3.5mm to 2 RCA adapter will help keep your audio connected.

Other Cables to consider depending on your equipment…

a – [    ] – Component RGB Video Cable (Red, Green, Blue). Provides an excellent analogue video Component rgb video cable connection between devices that support RGB component video.
b – [    ] – DisplayPort cable. Not so popular, but if your TV or computer supports it, then don’t forget it!
c – [    ] – Specific Games Console Cables. Perhaps your Wii or Playsation uses the games console to Component or Composite cables? Pop them in the wall now before it’s too late.
d – [    ] – Have 5.1 or 7.1 Home Cinema System? Don’t forget to install the centre speaker cable for under the TV or front left and right cables.

Want a Professional finish?

If you want a better finish for your HD ready, HDMI cables, we have just taken oboard a range of HDMI Silver Wall Plate'sHDMI Wall Plates, Single and Double Wall plates available in silver or white finish too. They have female sockets on the rear so installations should be a breeze too. A very posh finish…

Final Thoughts

When Drilling your speaker brackets into position, especially the front centre speaker on a surround sound system, don’t forget where your in-the-wall audio and video cables are. This one can really catch you out, just when you think you have nearly finished your AV install! The same goes for your actual LCD or Plasma TV bracket too. It’s all too easy to get excited over your install, pop the drill in the wall and slam it through your nice and neatly fitted AV cables. Ouch.

Then just sit back and enjoy your Flatscreen TV where is should be. On the wall (with cables hidden of course!).

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Windows Settings for a 2nd Display on your Computer or Laptop

 Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

cables-and-leadsWith various ways of connecting a 2nd, 3rd or more screens to your computer or laptop. Or perhaps you want to connect a TV to your laptop for bigger screen entertainment. Here is our quick help guide on what to do and how to go about it!

Once you have got the right cables and connected your computers 2nd display or TV, you need to let your Windows operating system know what you have done. If you haven’t got the cables yet and need help, either get in touch or view our Computer to TV cable help guide now.

So here we go:

For Windows XP Users
1 – Right click your Windows Desktop anywhere but on an icon and select ‘Properties’.
2 – Then the Properties box should appear, then select tab ‘Settings’
(If you have connected a 2nd or more displays you should see a window 1 and window 2.)
3 – Select the display from the dropdown or the number for your 2nd display or TV.
(If you are unsure which is which, select the tab that says ‘Identify’, this should help!)
4 – Now enable and select the box ‘Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor.’
5 – Make sure you set the screen resolution to a setting that your 2nd display can handle. If unsure check the manual that came with your monitor or TV for help.
6 – You should now select ‘Apply’ and now be able to drag and drop a Windows program or ‘Window’ on and off 1 display and onto another!
7 – That’s it! You have now setup your 2nd display or TV for multi-screen viewing.

For Windows Vista Users
1 – Right click your Windows Desktop anywhere but on an icon and select ‘Personalize’.
2 -In the next window, towards the bottom, then select the text ‘Display Settings’
(If you have connected a 2nd or more displays you should see a window 1 and window 2.)
3 – Select the display from the dropdown or the number for your 2nd display or TV.
(If you are unsure which is which, select the tab that says ‘Identify’, this should help!)
4 – Now enable and select the box ‘Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor.’
5 – Make sure you set the screen resolution to a setting that your 2nd display can handle. If unsure check the manual that came with your monitor or TV for help.
6 – You should now select ‘Apply’ and now be able to drag and drop a Windows program or ‘Window’ on and off 1 display and onto another!
7 – That’s it! You have now setup your 2nd display or TV for multi-screen viewing.

Multi Display Error Messages and Problems to be aware of!

If you are faced with a blank screen or the ‘Out of Range’ error on your 2nd display or TV, please check the following:

1 – Are you sure you have set a resolution in the instructions above that your 2nd display or TV can handle? On some screens or TV sets you may also need to set a matching ‘Frequency’ too. To make this change, while in the Display settings window mentioned above, select the tab ‘Advanced’… then the tab ‘Monitor’.
2 – You should now see a Monitor Settings dropdown selection. Ensure you change your frequency to that, that is recommended by your monitors guide or TV instructions. Some TV sets require the frequency to be as low as 60Hz, but do check 1st.
3 – Ensure the correct display cables are connected. See our Computer to TV cable help guide now if you are unsure or need to double check your cable connections!

If you are still stuck, then feel free to add your comments below or contact us for further help!

We offer a full range of converters and cables for all computers, monitors and TV’s old and new. So feel free to get in touch or view our guide above for further details.

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How to extend HDMI

 Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

cables-and-leadsThe possibilities are endless with modern technology and in particularly with HDMI. With the right equipment, some good help and advice you can have a true entertainment environment in your home. With the digital signal from one source streamed to many places around the home. Maybe you just want to move your TV from where it is now and want to know how far away you can do this.

Well it is possible with the right equipment to extend your HDMI up for up to 60 meters. Although for the realms of this explanation we will stick with normal home sizes! For the average user CAT5 / CAT6 is probably the cheapest, easiest and most secure method of extending HDMI. This is the same technology that is used to connect computers together and as such is very affordable.

To extend your HDMI through Ethernet technology you will need a HDMI transmitter, a HDMI receiver, and up to 2 CAT5 / CAT6 cables depending on the quality and speed required. Alternatively you can buy a HDMI extender kit. These transmitters & receivers allow for the manipulation and transmission of HDMI over CAT5 / CAT6 Ethernet cables. You will also need 2 HDMI Leads to connect your source and display. Standard HDMI Cables are fine for this, however if you prefer premium cable we would recommend something like a Monster HDMI Cable.

The basic process to extend HDMI cables through a CAT5 / CAT6 connection goes something like this:

-        The HD source connects to a HDMI transceiver using a standard HDMI lead the transmitter and the receiver are connected by 1 or 2 CAT5 or CAT 6 cables, dependant on the quality and speed required. The signal will then be broadcast between the transmitter and receiver. The HDMI transmitter & receiver acts as a ‘repeater’ for the signal from the source to the display. The receiver is then connected to the display device, again with a standard HDMI cable.

Well there you have it, the basics on how to extend HDMI over CAT 5. As you can see from the outside it may look like a complicated topic, but in reality it’s not as tricky as you may have thought. And should you get stuck you could always give us a call one of our technicians could talk you through it.

Product Range Updated!

We now have HDMI over SINGLE CAT5 / Cat 6 Extenders available. These make installations even easier as you only have to install 1 single CAT5 or CAT 6 Network Cable to acheive a HD connection between the sender and receiver. A single CAT6 Network cable, will then allow up to 1080p resolutions over a 50 metre distance.

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How to convert SCART to USB

 Friday, January 15th, 2010
Cables & Leads

Cables & Leads

If you are trying to convert SCART to USB you will be happy to know that there are SCART to USB kits available that allow you to do this very easily. Whether you are trying to record TV programs to your laptop or recording your old videos and writing them to DVD’s. Some kits even supply you with not only the connectors and adapters to allow you to connect your video recorder or other output device such as a Sky HD box to your laptop. But they also supply you with the software that you need to record your videos or TV on to your computer in a simple and easy way.

Even when you have a kit with everything you need there are as always a few things that you will need to take care of and keep an eye on to make sure that your recordings are as good as you would want them to be.

Click Here to buy a SCART to USB Kit

Click Here to buy a SCART to USB Kit

Ensure you have enough space on your hard drive to store the recorded files uncompressed video files are large in size and take up huge mounts of space. If you are short of space then backup as much data as you can to a DVD or another computer / hard drive to increase free space before recording. Similarly between each recording also back them up as you have made them, this will help with the performance and quality of the recordings.

Make sure that the cables are connected not only the correct way around but also are connected tightly and not much chance of them falling out. Also make sure that they are not trailing across the floor where people can trip of them and pull them out mid-recording.

Familiarise yourself with the software before hand and possibly do a test recording before hand.

Following the above process and advice will help make the entire project go without too many hiccups giving you the ability to watch and relive all of those happy memories again.

Related Articles:
How to convert USB to HDMI
How to Connect a Laptop to a TV

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How to Convert USB to HDMI

 Monday, January 11th, 2010
Cables & Leads

Cables & Leads

Converting a USB port to allow a connection through a HDMI cable to a HD ready display is easily achievable; although at first glance it can seem a little complex, fortunately you can get a USB to HDMI Kit to help make the whole process a lot easier to do. By doing this you can use two displays on your PC or laptop this can be used to duplicate what is showing on your initial display or as a extra screen so for example you can be writing a document / surfing the web while watching movies or videos on the other. I am sure you can appreciate the benefits of both. But how can it be done and what do I need in a USB to HDMI Kit.

As USB is not designed to transmit video signals that your display can read then you need to do a little bit of manipulating, converting the connection first to DVI and then out through a HDMI lead to the display. To make this operation easier there are kits available that give you everything you need,

A USB to DVI converter that plugs in to a spare USB slot on your PC or laptop, this then makes the operating system see the USB slot as a new display port.

USB to HDMI Kit

Click Here to Buy a USB to HDMI Kit

A DVI to HDMI converter that allows the connection of a HDMI lead to your high definition display for you to do whatever you want with it.

A set of audio leads RCA type, as both DVI HDMI can transfer both audio and video channels at the same time your USB ports will not allow this so it is necessary to use separate cables for the audio channels.

The idea of the USB to HDMI Kit is to help utilise existing equipment in different ways, having two displays for your computer can have many benefits including watching modern internet based media through your high quality TV display etc…

Other Related Articles
How to Connect a Laptop to a TV
How to Mount a Flat Screen TV

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How to Connect a Laptop to a TV

 Wednesday, December 16th, 2009
Cables & Leads

Cables & Leads

The increase in popularity of people using Laptop and notebook computers rather than the larger traditional PC has lead to more people using there TV’s instead of a computer monitor. Although the quality of the image displayed will be dependant on your TV. Whether you want to watch movies from your Laptop or use it for surfing the web, with the right know how it is a very easy and can be very worthwhile to connect your laptop to a TV.

In this guide on how to connect a laptop to a TV we will help give you the knowledge you need to be able to get the task done as easily as possible.

Getting your laptop connected up is basically as easy as getting a cable and connecting the two together, then changing the display settings on the laptop to allow the best image possible for the particular TV you are using.

Choosing the right cable for your equipment is where the problems start, there are so many available with different types of connectors to suit a full range of equipment that has been made over the years. Particularly in the last few years there have been so many changes in the types of cable used. To help make sure that you get your laptop connected to your TV as easily as possible it is necessary to identify what type of ports you have available on both your laptop and on your TV. We’ll go over the most common here and describe them as best we can to allow you to make the right choices, no matter if you have the latest equipment or it is a little older.

The majority of TV sets and Laptops will use one of the following Composite or RCA, S-Video, Scart, VGA, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort don’t worry if your laptop and TV don’t have the same type of connections available as there are a number of converters / adapters available to take care of this.

So what are they all and how do I tell the difference?

Flat Screen TV

Flat Screen TV

Composite Cables or sometimes known as phono leads were very common a few years ago using three round coloured connectors and used to transmit analogue data. The three connectors are yellow for video, white for the left channel audio and red for right channel audio.

S-Video cables or Super Video is still popular and consists of a round connector with between 4 and 7 pins for the video signal and two audio cables for the left and right audio channels the same as RCA.

Scart Cables are rectangular in shape and have 21 pins in two horizontal rows. Commonly used on European TV’s and are capable of transferring both audio and video signals in standard definition. Now of course they are outdated and if your equipment is modern it is unlikely to use them.

VGA cables commonly used on older laptops and desktop computers and are a 15 pin connector and have a rounded rectangle shape. The VGA cable is only capable of transferring video information for audio you will normally have to use RCA cables.

DVI cables are rectangular in shape and have three horizontal rows of 8 pins giving a total of 24 pins. These were the standard connector for digital video until recently with the advent of newer and faster technologies.

The HDMI Cable is now the standard for digital connections and used for watching HD TV etc… They are rectangular in shape and about half the size of a DVI connector having only 19 pins in the connection. One of the advantages of these is that they can transfer both digital audio and video.

DisplayPort Cables have been specifically developed for connecting computers to there displays and to home entertainment systems and allowing the transfer of High definition data both audio and video.

Once you know what connection types you have on your equipment from the list above it is then time to start looking for a laptop to TV cable that will suit your equipment.

Can’t find the right cable? Click Here For Help Finding A Cable

Related Articles:
How to Connect a Computer to your TV
How to Mount a Flat Screen TV

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How to Mount a Flat Screen TV

 Wednesday, November 4th, 2009
Cables & Leads

Cables & Leads

As with most modern technology TV’s are getting smaller and smaller, while offering vast increase in their performance. Gone are the days of the huge ugly box in the corner and the need for yet another piece of furniture to try and make it look decent. Nowadays modern TV’s are slim and styled to look good in our modern homes.

Modern interior design is all about minimalism getting rid of clutter and bulk from around your home. While the TV in a lot of homes is used on a regular basis the space that it takes up can be better used for other things or just to give you more space. Getting that TV off the floor makes sense and can look good too.

Here we will give you some pointers to show you how to mount a flat screen TV on your wall.

Before deciding where to mount your TV you need to consider where your other furniture is situated and whether people are going to be able to see it in its new position. If not then you need to rectify this before moving on. You will also need to see if there are any cables or plumbing in the area you are going to be working in. If there is any chance that there is then you will need to investigate this further.

Other things to consider are:
The bracket that you will need, it has to be strong enough to hold the weight and also the size of your screen. You also need to make sure that the bracket will actually fit on the back of your screen.

Cables and wiring. When you have the TV on the wall you have got to get the cabling to it. This can look unsightly when strewn across the living room wall! Options are to run the cables in some kind of trunking this keeps the Power Cables & HDMI Leads tidy and you can decorate over them to keep them looking tidier. Many people don’t like the idea of the trunking so the only option for these people is to hide the wires in or behind the wall. Of course how much work this takes depends on the construction of the wall itself.

Flat Screen TV

Flat Screen TV

How you mount the TV is of course important. It has to be strong enough to take the weight and to take the extra load put on them by people leaning on it when cleaning etc… This again depends on the construction of the wall whether it is brick and plaster or plasterboard as these are the two most commonly found. If you are fastening it to a plasterboard wall then it is crucial that you fasten the screws into the wood that supports it and not directly into the plasterboard as this will result in it falling. The screws you use should of course be as strong and thick as practically possible, with a lot of the brackets on the market they will supply you with suitable fixings.

As you can see we have shown you how to mount a flat screen TV for that modern and stylish look. If you follow the advice above you will be able to do it with as little stress as possible and make it safe. The whole process is easily achievable by someone with a little knowledge. The only part that will give you problems will be if you have to bury the cables in the wall itself in the case of brick and plaster construction.

Other Related Articles:
How to Extend HDMI
How to Connect Your Sky HD Box

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How to Connect a Computer to Your TV

 Friday, September 18th, 2009

cables-and-leads More and more devices around the home can connect interact and work together or be controlled remotely via mobile devices and from small controls in the home. While it is true that there are a lot of things that can work together in this way, one of the most common connections and the one we will help you with here is connecting your computer to your TV.

It really isn’t that difficult to do; in fact a lot of modern pc equipment particularly laptops come complete with the necessary cables. Although many times the cables you get may not be the best they will be enough to get you started then you can upgrade as and when you deem fit.

So what do you need to get your TV and computer connected?

You need to get a cable with the right type of connectors or adapters, one end to connect to the TV and the other to connect to your computer. For this you will need to look at your PC and see what connection options you have, also do the same with your TV.
So what are the popular options for connecting them?

Over the years there have been a number of different connections devised to allow people to connect devices together. While some are now too slow to be of any use nowadays, there are some which have stuck around and are still good to use.

S-Video cable consists of either a 4-pin connector or a 7-pin. Since most computers nowadays usually support only a 7-pin, you will find it difficult to connect a PC to a television if your TV only supports 4-pin S-Video. This connection method is as simple as connecting the cable from your computer to the television. There are various types of converter available which allow the connection of S-Video to other types of socket on your TV.

VGA cable. These are more commonly associated with high definition televisions, and are probably the better choice for a computer to TV connection if you don’t want to lose any video quality. Normal televisions will usually be equipped with an S-Video port, so don’t expect to find a VGA connection on anything other than a hi-def television.

DVI and HDMI Leads are another great way to ensure that the quality stays between the transfer of data between the computer and the TV. High definition televisions can support DVI cables, but they definitely aren’t cheap to purchase. However, the level of display that a DVI cable can support is stunning. HDMI, by far being the best quality, is not supported by PC’s at the moment, although there is a solution by purchasing a DVI to HDMI converter which runs through a USB port from the computer.

Hopefully now you know what you are looking for you should find connecting your computer to your TV a much less daunting task. If you have any doubts then it would be wise to talk to a good supplier who would offer you advise on what your options are.

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