Help a technophobe please?

Aarghawasp! · 11-10-2014, 11:27

Apologies in advance, I am clueless when it comes to setting up any form of technology.

I have BT YouView up and running so the telly is connected to the net...theoretically I should be able to watch Netflix on the telly? Unfortunately my pup ate the original remote so I'm stuck with the buttons on the side to navigate the set up. The YouView remote works for all the general stuff.

If I can't access Netflix on the TV, how do I connect the laptop to the telly to stream films on my laptop onto my tv? I use Hola to access US Netflix.

David (2) · 11-10-2014, 12:45

If you just want to connect your pc to the TV, all you need is a standard hdmi cable. Anything on the PC screen will then appear on your TV. Just select the relevant hdmi option on the TV. The audio is also sent to the TV along the same cable.
(Obviously your TV and pc will need an hdmi socket).

If you want to remotely control your pc, a wireless keyboard with inbuilt trackpad will do this.

This is how I view most of my online content on the TV.

bobcar · 11-10-2014, 13:49

It doesn't help for the next couple of days but I'm sure you can get a replacement remote for your TV.

oilman · 11-10-2014, 23:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by David (2)

If you just want to connect your pc to the TV, all you need is a standard hdmi cable. Anything on the PC screen will then appear on your TV. Just select the relevant hdmi option on the TV. The audio is also sent to the TV along the same cable.
(Obviously your TV and pc will need an hdmi socket).

If you want to remotely control your pc, a wireless keyboard with inbuilt trackpad will do this.

This is how I view most of my online content on the TV.

If you have a smartphone or tablet, install splashtop (free) or team viewer(free) which are apps that let you use phone/tablet or even another laptop/pc to control PC connected to TV (need to install on pc as well). You need WiFi of course.

Much easier than messing with wireless keyboards/mice etc as these often have a limited range.

David (2) · 12-10-2014, 09:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by oilman

If you have a smartphone or tablet, install splashtop (free) or team viewer(free) which are apps that let you use phone/tablet or even another laptop/pc to control PC connected to TV (need to install on pc as well). You need WiFi of course.

Much easier than messing with wireless keyboards/mice etc as these often have a limited range.

That will work (I have an iPad), but I much prefer a keyboard because it is a physical keyboard. Typing is just so much better on a proper keyboard. Virtual keyboards on pads and phones vary a lot in their useability. My smart phone was a nightmare in this respect (now gone to the gates of mobile phone hell). My iPad is loads better, but still not as good as a real keyboard

I guess there will be people who want to do this but don't have a smart phone or pad, so a wireless keyboard is the way for them.

Not found a prob with range yet. Thinking about it I think my wireless keyboard uses the 2ghz freq or something and not Bluetooth.

spiney2 · 12-10-2014, 12:42

get a new remote maybe ?

many places online including know good supplier farnell components

webbie · 12-10-2014, 17:09

oilman - off topic but thanks for splashtop - i am playing with that now and it seems very good! Cheers!

Aarghawasp! · 13-10-2014, 18:41

Thanks folks. I bought 2 universal remotes, apparently the first didn't cover something (DVD maybe? I've forgotton) - my mistake - and I can't get the second to work. I put in the TV code thing but no joy.

I also bought 2 HDMI cables that appear to have the wrong size of connector for the laptop. *sigh*

So Splashtop...confused! Do you mean it's like a kind of remote method of browsing when the laptop is connected to the TV by HDMI? Rather than using the mouse/kb?

Thanks again.

bobcar · 13-10-2014, 19:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aarghawasp!

Thanks folks. I bought 2 universal remotes, apparently the first didn't cover something (DVD maybe? I've forgotton) - my mistake - and I can't get the second to work. I put in the TV code thing but no joy.

You don't mention the make and model of the TV, that would make it a lot easier to help.

Winston_1 · 13-10-2014, 20:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aarghawasp!

Thanks folks. I bought 2 universal remotes, apparently the first didn't cover something (DVD maybe? )

Don't buy universal remotes. They are not (universal). Buy the correct one for the TV.

Deacon1972 · 13-10-2014, 20:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aarghawasp!

Thanks folks. I bought 2 universal remotes, apparently the first didn't cover something (DVD maybe? I've forgotton) - my mistake - and I can't get the second to work. I put in the TV code thing but no joy.

I also bought 2 HDMI cables that appear to have the wrong size of connector for the laptop. *sigh*

So Splashtop...confused! Do you mean it's like a kind of remote method of browsing when the laptop is connected to the TV by HDMI? Rather than using the mouse/kb?

Thanks again.

Splashtop is a remote desktop program.

You can operate your PC via other devices.

More info here....

http://www.splashtop.com/personal

chrisjr · 13-10-2014, 21:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aarghawasp!

I also bought 2 HDMI cables that appear to have the wrong size of connector for the laptop. *sigh*

You were not trying to plug into a USB port by any chance. Chances are any HDMI socket on a laptop is going to be the same as those on the TV. So the lead should fit.

Might help if you told us what laptop you have, so we can check if it does indeed have a HDMI socket.

bobcar · 14-10-2014, 09:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winston_1

Don't buy universal remotes. They are not (universal). Buy the correct one for the TV.

What a strange thing to say, many of us successfully use universal remotes and then never touch the originals.

Nigel Goodwin · 14-10-2014, 10:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobcar

What a strange thing to say, many of us successfully use universal remotes and then never touch the originals.

Not really, using the correct remote means you have access to ALL functions, most often Universal remotes have some limitations.

But Universal remotes aren't usually supposed to be a 'replacement' for the original, but a 'general use' remote for a number of different appliances, where you get the original remote out for any 'non-standard' uses.

bobcar · 14-10-2014, 11:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin

Not really, using the correct remote means you have access to ALL functions, most often Universal remotes have some limitations.

I have access to ALL functions on my Harmony remote.

Quote:

But Universal remotes aren't usually supposed to be a 'replacement' for the original, but a 'general use' remote for a number of different appliances, where you get the original remote out for any 'non-standard' uses.

I never have to get the original remote out.

I was not however suggesting the OP didn't try and get the original remote, indeed I asked them to give the make and model of the TV in order to see if a replacement was available. My post was specifically in response to the post saying not to buy a universal remote.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winston_1

Don't buy universal remotes. They are not (universal). Buy the correct one for the TV.

Deacon1972 · 14-10-2014, 11:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin

Not really, using the correct remote means you have access to ALL functions, most often Universal remotes have some limitations.

But Universal remotes aren't usually supposed to be a 'replacement' for the original, but a 'general use' remote for a number of different appliances, where you get the original remote out for any 'non-standard' uses.

As with most things, there are products available that will suit all budgets and needs, choose cheap and tacky and the device will no doubt have limited use, chose something of better quality they can be a direct replacement and more.

Logitech springs to mind immediately, they are designed to replace all original remotes, backed up by a huge database of brands and commands you'd have to have something very obscure for it not to be supported.

I can't remember the last time I used an original remote, because out of all the devices I use none have refused to support a single command.

bobcar · 14-10-2014, 13:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobcar

I have access to ALL functions on my Harmony remote.

Actually when I think about it I have more functions on my Harmony remote than I do on the originals. For example I can select HDMI1 and HDMI2 for my Panny TV directly with my Harmony but these are not present on the original remote.

howardl · 14-10-2014, 13:50

Harmony One....best gadget ever, never touch my original remotes.

Deacon1972 · 14-10-2014, 14:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobcar

Actually when I think about it I have more functions on my Harmony remote than I do on the originals. For example I can select HDMI1 and HDMI2 for my Panny TV directly with my Harmony but these are not present on the original remote.

The earlier comments not in favour of universal remotes are obviously from those who have never used one or have no experience with a decent product.

I use a recall command which is available on both universal remotes I use but not on the originals - One button push will switch various pieces of equipment on/off.

Aarghawasp! · 16-10-2014, 11:48

Thanks folks. I now have the correct hdmi connected but I'm getting no signal. Tried Youview out and lappy in, tried both in, tried switching between hdmi 1 and 2 on TV.

In control panel I can see TV in the devices and according to google I should find it in a drop down box in display but it's not showing?

A decent remote is on my to buy list but unfortunately it's way down the list of things we need/need fixed. I'm a divorced working mum on a low income and really struggling in the current economic climate.

spiney2 · 16-10-2014, 12:54

try a phonecall to farnell components ........ see what price they quote for the remote youu lost ......

spiney2 · 16-10-2014, 12:58

hdmi cables are 1 size and available in pound shops.

navigatting the menu system can be tedious espec without remote but should work. often some vital step is hidden in wrong place or where you wouldnt expect. go though instructions very carefully ......

webbie · 16-10-2014, 13:12

No - there are 3 sizes of normal hdmi connector. Type A, C and D.
Type B has 29 pins
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI

Type A is the one used on tvs and set top boxes. Other types are used on camcorders etc.

Aarghawasp! · 16-10-2014, 17:53

Ooft...I'm rubbish at explaining, I'll try again. I have the correct HDMI connected now. I can switch between HDMI 1&2 on the side buttons of the TV but getting 'no signal' on the tv screen. I googled how to set it up and it said I should go to the laptop control panel, display and I should be able to click on the drop down menu. There's only one option (default laptop I assume) in the drop down menu. However, when I check devices on the laptop control panel, it shows the TV so it is reading the connection in devices but not in the display drop down menu.

grahamlthompson · 16-10-2014, 18:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aarghawasp!

Ooft...I'm rubbish at explaining, I'll try again. I have the correct HDMI connected now. I can switch between HDMI 1&2 on the side buttons of the TV but getting 'no signal' on the tv screen. I googled how to set it up and it said I should go to the laptop control panel, display and I should be able to click on the drop down menu. There's only one option (default laptop I assume) in the drop down menu. However, when I check devices on the laptop control panel, it shows the TV so it is reading the connection in devices but not in the display drop down menu.

Switching a laptop to output via a HDMI port is usually selected by holding down the FN key and one of the function keys. - look for a small picture of a computer monitor with a TV screen behind it. On my laptop its FN + F2.

11-10-2014, 11:27	#1
Aarghawasp! Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Scotland Posts: 5,947	Help a technophobe please? Apologies in advance, I am clueless when it comes to setting up any form of technology. I have BT YouView up and running so the telly is connected to the net...theoretically I should be able to watch Netflix on the telly? Unfortunately my pup ate the original remote so I'm stuck with the buttons on the side to navigate the set up. The YouView remote works for all the general stuff. If I can't access Netflix on the TV, how do I connect the laptop to the telly to stream films on my laptop onto my tv? I use Hola to access US Netflix.

11-10-2014, 12:45	#2
David (2) Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: S.West England. Posts: 18,037	If you just want to connect your pc to the TV, all you need is a standard hdmi cable. Anything on the PC screen will then appear on your TV. Just select the relevant hdmi option on the TV. The audio is also sent to the TV along the same cable. (Obviously your TV and pc will need an hdmi socket). If you want to remotely control your pc, a wireless keyboard with inbuilt trackpad will do this. This is how I view most of my online content on the TV.

11-10-2014, 13:49	#3
bobcar Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 14,718	It doesn't help for the next couple of days but I'm sure you can get a replacement remote for your TV.

11-10-2014, 23:52	#4
oilman Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 3,854	Quote: Originally Posted by David (2) If you just want to connect your pc to the TV, all you need is a standard hdmi cable. Anything on the PC screen will then appear on your TV. Just select the relevant hdmi option on the TV. The audio is also sent to the TV along the same cable. (Obviously your TV and pc will need an hdmi socket). If you want to remotely control your pc, a wireless keyboard with inbuilt trackpad will do this. This is how I view most of my online content on the TV. If you have a smartphone or tablet, install splashtop (free) or team viewer(free) which are apps that let you use phone/tablet or even another laptop/pc to control PC connected to TV (need to install on pc as well). You need WiFi of course. Much easier than messing with wireless keyboards/mice etc as these often have a limited range.

12-10-2014, 09:34	#5
David (2) Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: S.West England. Posts: 18,037	Quote: Originally Posted by oilman If you have a smartphone or tablet, install splashtop (free) or team viewer(free) which are apps that let you use phone/tablet or even another laptop/pc to control PC connected to TV (need to install on pc as well). You need WiFi of course. Much easier than messing with wireless keyboards/mice etc as these often have a limited range. That will work (I have an iPad), but I much prefer a keyboard because it is a physical keyboard. Typing is just so much better on a proper keyboard. Virtual keyboards on pads and phones vary a lot in their useability. My smart phone was a nightmare in this respect (now gone to the gates of mobile phone hell). My iPad is loads better, but still not as good as a real keyboard I guess there will be people who want to do this but don't have a smart phone or pad, so a wireless keyboard is the way for them. Not found a prob with range yet. Thinking about it I think my wireless keyboard uses the 2ghz freq or something and not Bluetooth.

12-10-2014, 12:42	#6
spiney2 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 24,123	get a new remote maybe ? many places online including know good supplier farnell components

12-10-2014, 17:09	#7
webbie Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: North Devon Posts: 1,568	oilman - off topic but thanks for splashtop - i am playing with that now and it seems very good! Cheers!

13-10-2014, 18:41	#8
Aarghawasp! Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Scotland Posts: 5,947	Thanks folks. I bought 2 universal remotes, apparently the first didn't cover something (DVD maybe? I've forgotton) - my mistake - and I can't get the second to work. I put in the TV code thing but no joy. I also bought 2 HDMI cables that appear to have the wrong size of connector for the laptop. sigh So Splashtop...confused! Do you mean it's like a kind of remote method of browsing when the laptop is connected to the TV by HDMI? Rather than using the mouse/kb? Thanks again.

13-10-2014, 19:19	#9
bobcar Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 14,718	Quote: Originally Posted by Aarghawasp! Thanks folks. I bought 2 universal remotes, apparently the first didn't cover something (DVD maybe? I've forgotton) - my mistake - and I can't get the second to work. I put in the TV code thing but no joy. You don't mention the make and model of the TV, that would make it a lot easier to help.

13-10-2014, 20:29	#10
Winston_1 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 5,008	Quote: Originally Posted by Aarghawasp! Thanks folks. I bought 2 universal remotes, apparently the first didn't cover something (DVD maybe? ) Don't buy universal remotes. They are not (universal). Buy the correct one for the TV.

13-10-2014, 20:56	#11
Deacon1972 Guest Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 8,103	Quote: Originally Posted by Aarghawasp! Thanks folks. I bought 2 universal remotes, apparently the first didn't cover something (DVD maybe? I've forgotton) - my mistake - and I can't get the second to work. I put in the TV code thing but no joy. I also bought 2 HDMI cables that appear to have the wrong size of connector for the laptop. sigh So Splashtop...confused! Do you mean it's like a kind of remote method of browsing when the laptop is connected to the TV by HDMI? Rather than using the mouse/kb? Thanks again. Splashtop is a remote desktop program. You can operate your PC via other devices. More info here.... http://www.splashtop.com/personal

13-10-2014, 21:22	#12
chrisjr Forum Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Reading Posts: 27,916	Quote: Originally Posted by Aarghawasp! I also bought 2 HDMI cables that appear to have the wrong size of connector for the laptop. sigh You were not trying to plug into a USB port by any chance. Chances are any HDMI socket on a laptop is going to be the same as those on the TV. So the lead should fit. Might help if you told us what laptop you have, so we can check if it does indeed have a HDMI socket.

14-10-2014, 09:28	#13
bobcar Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 14,718	Quote: Originally Posted by Winston_1 Don't buy universal remotes. They are not (universal). Buy the correct one for the TV. What a strange thing to say, many of us successfully use universal remotes and then never touch the originals.

14-10-2014, 10:18	#14
Nigel Goodwin Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: North Derbyshire Posts: 41,789	Quote: Originally Posted by bobcar What a strange thing to say, many of us successfully use universal remotes and then never touch the originals. Not really, using the correct remote means you have access to ALL functions, most often Universal remotes have some limitations. But Universal remotes aren't usually supposed to be a 'replacement' for the original, but a 'general use' remote for a number of different appliances, where you get the original remote out for any 'non-standard' uses.

14-10-2014, 11:29	#15
bobcar Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 14,718	Quote: Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin Not really, using the correct remote means you have access to ALL functions, most often Universal remotes have some limitations. I have access to ALL functions on my Harmony remote. Quote: But Universal remotes aren't usually supposed to be a 'replacement' for the original, but a 'general use' remote for a number of different appliances, where you get the original remote out for any 'non-standard' uses. I never have to get the original remote out. I was not however suggesting the OP didn't try and get the original remote, indeed I asked them to give the make and model of the TV in order to see if a replacement was available. My post was specifically in response to the post saying not to buy a universal remote. Quote: Originally Posted by Winston_1 Don't buy universal remotes. They are not (universal). Buy the correct one for the TV.

14-10-2014, 11:37	#16
Deacon1972 Guest Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 8,103	Quote: Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin Not really, using the correct remote means you have access to ALL functions, most often Universal remotes have some limitations. But Universal remotes aren't usually supposed to be a 'replacement' for the original, but a 'general use' remote for a number of different appliances, where you get the original remote out for any 'non-standard' uses. As with most things, there are products available that will suit all budgets and needs, choose cheap and tacky and the device will no doubt have limited use, chose something of better quality they can be a direct replacement and more. Logitech springs to mind immediately, they are designed to replace all original remotes, backed up by a huge database of brands and commands you'd have to have something very obscure for it not to be supported. I can't remember the last time I used an original remote, because out of all the devices I use none have refused to support a single command.

14-10-2014, 13:12	#17
bobcar Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 14,718	Quote: Originally Posted by bobcar I have access to ALL functions on my Harmony remote. Actually when I think about it I have more functions on my Harmony remote than I do on the originals. For example I can select HDMI1 and HDMI2 for my Panny TV directly with my Harmony but these are not present on the original remote.

14-10-2014, 13:50	#18
howardl Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 4,909	Harmony One....best gadget ever, never touch my original remotes.

14-10-2014, 14:48	#19
Deacon1972 Guest Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 8,103	Quote: Originally Posted by bobcar Actually when I think about it I have more functions on my Harmony remote than I do on the originals. For example I can select HDMI1 and HDMI2 for my Panny TV directly with my Harmony but these are not present on the original remote. The earlier comments not in favour of universal remotes are obviously from those who have never used one or have no experience with a decent product. I use a recall command which is available on both universal remotes I use but not on the originals - One button push will switch various pieces of equipment on/off.

16-10-2014, 11:48	#20
Aarghawasp! Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Scotland Posts: 5,947	Thanks folks. I now have the correct hdmi connected but I'm getting no signal. Tried Youview out and lappy in, tried both in, tried switching between hdmi 1 and 2 on TV. In control panel I can see TV in the devices and according to google I should find it in a drop down box in display but it's not showing? A decent remote is on my to buy list but unfortunately it's way down the list of things we need/need fixed. I'm a divorced working mum on a low income and really struggling in the current economic climate.

16-10-2014, 12:54	#21
spiney2 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 24,123	try a phonecall to farnell components ........ see what price they quote for the remote youu lost ......

DS Forums

Help a technophobe please?

16-10-2014, 12:58	#22
spiney2 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 24,123	hdmi cables are 1 size and available in pound shops. navigatting the menu system can be tedious espec without remote but should work. often some vital step is hidden in wrong place or where you wouldnt expect. go though instructions very carefully ......

16-10-2014, 13:12	#23
webbie Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: North Devon Posts: 1,568	No - there are 3 sizes of normal hdmi connector. Type A, C and D. Type B has 29 pins See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI Type A is the one used on tvs and set top boxes. Other types are used on camcorders etc.

16-10-2014, 17:53	#24
Aarghawasp! Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Scotland Posts: 5,947	Ooft...I'm rubbish at explaining, I'll try again. I have the correct HDMI connected now. I can switch between HDMI 1&2 on the side buttons of the TV but getting 'no signal' on the tv screen. I googled how to set it up and it said I should go to the laptop control panel, display and I should be able to click on the drop down menu. There's only one option (default laptop I assume) in the drop down menu. However, when I check devices on the laptop control panel, it shows the TV so it is reading the connection in devices but not in the display drop down menu.

16-10-2014, 18:01	#25
grahamlthompson Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Redditch Worcs Posts: 17,293	Quote: Originally Posted by Aarghawasp! Ooft...I'm rubbish at explaining, I'll try again. I have the correct HDMI connected now. I can switch between HDMI 1&2 on the side buttons of the TV but getting 'no signal' on the tv screen. I googled how to set it up and it said I should go to the laptop control panel, display and I should be able to click on the drop down menu. There's only one option (default laptop I assume) in the drop down menu. However, when I check devices on the laptop control panel, it shows the TV so it is reading the connection in devices but not in the display drop down menu. Switching a laptop to output via a HDMI port is usually selected by holding down the FN key and one of the function keys. - look for a small picture of a computer monitor with a TV screen behind it. On my laptop its FN + F2.