Home Theater Questions

Q. How can I play and record cassette tapes on my computer?

DELL-Chris B — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:09:59 GMT

Hello:

Most computers have a line-in for Audio. You would simply need to use a cassette player with a line-out, and plug it into the line-in on your computer. Once connected to your computer, use Audio/Recording program to capture the sound.

Refer to the following link for more detailed information:

Converting audio cassette tapes to CD, MP# and other ditial formats

Q. We stream a Jazz station & would like to figure out how to route to our receiver so we can listen to it on our home theater system?

DELL-Chris B — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:02:47 GMT

Hello:

While there are several different ways this could be accomplished, an easy and cost effective way would be to simply use a USB FM Transmitter. While I have not personally used such a device, I've heard positive feedback from the Linex USB FM Transmitter. Refer to the following page for more information.

Linex USB FM Transmitter

Q. How do you know if a TV is too big for a room. Are there guidelines for square footage?

DELL-Chris B — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:47:11 GMT

Great Question!

Generally, you want to multiply the screen sized measured diagonally, by 1-1/2 and 2-1/2. So for a 42" screen for example, the viewing distance should be between 5.25-8.75 feet. However the ideal distance may vary depending on several factors, including signal quality and HDTV resolution.

Take a look at our own Dell Home Theater Learning Center for assistance or check out CNET's Ultimate HDTV Buying Guide for additional information on viewing distances.

Q: Is it possible for me to hook my laptop to my TV so that I can use my computer as a DVD player?

DELL-Chris B — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:56:05 GMT

Short answer, yes!

When choosing your laptop, check the component inputs on your TV. Depending on whether your laptop has VGA/DVI/HDMI outputs, you will need to be able to connect to the input on your TV in order to watch a DVD.

If you have VGA or DVI, you will need to run Audio out via a seperate cable on your laptop. If you choose a laptop with HDMI however, Audio can be run via the same cable, reducing the amount of wires in your setup.

Refer to the following link for more information on what cable options are available.

Audio and Video Cables

Q: What does the 5.1, 7.2, or 8.1 designation mean on the home theater systems?

DELL-Chris B — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:59:13 GMT

When referring to surround sound, the classifications are generally notated with two numbers seperated by a decimal. The first number represents the number of audio channels or speakers, and the last number represents the number of subwoofer channels.

5.1 = 5 channels and 1 subwoofer.
7.2 = 7 channels and 2 subwoofers.
8.1 = 8 channels and 1 subwoofer.

Q: Do I need a specific cable to achieve 1080p video resolution on my HDTV?

DELL-Chris B — Fri, 30 May 2008 00:59:00 GMT

A: Yes, you will need to connect to the HDTV using an HDMI cable. You could also use DVI to connect to your TV, however you would need to use additional cables in order to connect audio as DVI is video only.

Q: With HDTV, what is 1080p, and do I need it?

DELL-Chris B — Fri, 30 May 2008 00:53:21 GMT

A: Well that depends, 480i/480p/720p/1080i and 1080p are all input resolutions which will need to be converted to the native screen resolution of your TV. Most believe that unless you are using HD/Blu-Ray or using a computer, you can settle for 720p for a lower cost.

Q: How can I have a wireless sound entertainment system with my PC?

DELL-Chris B — Fri, 30 May 2008 00:30:05 GMT

A: There are several options available these days as more and more people are moving to get rid of needless wires. My suggestion would be to perform a Google search on "Wireless Sound" and explore your options.

Q: How can I connect to my projector using component with my video card that has DVI?

DELL-Chris B — Fri, 30 May 2008 00:23:28 GMT

A: You can purchase a DVI to component adapter which will allow this capability.

Q: Is it also true that all the large TV's have picture-in-picture now?

DELL-Chris B — Thu, 29 May 2008 22:41:37 GMT

A: While many have picture-in-picture or (PIP), it is not standard on all sets. If this is a feature that you are looking for, make sure you check the specifications carefully or follow up with a knowledgeable salesperson before purchasing.

Q: Can I mount my LCD or Plasma over my fireplace?

DELL-Chris B — Thu, 29 May 2008 22:38:13 GMT

A: Yes, mounting your HDTV over the fireplace is very common these days. One thing that you may want to be concerned with, is subjecting the electronics to temperatures over 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit. One suggestion I've heard repeated is to mount a thermometer above your fireplace in the location you want to mount the TV. If the temperature reaches above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you may need to either raise the mounting location or look at problems with escaping heat.

Q: What hardware do I need to connect my Ins. 9400 to my TV so that I can watch NetFlicks movies?

DELL-Chris B — Thu, 29 May 2008 22:25:16 GMT

A: You can connect your laptop to your TV using an S-Video to RCA adapter, no other hardware is needed.

Q: I am having a hard time selecting a good LCD HDTV. Can you assist?

DELL-Chris B — Tue, 27 May 2008 22:00:08 GMT

A: Take a look at our Dell - Getting Started With Home Theater Guide, which includes great information and tips on choosing the correct HDTV!

http://www.dell.com/content/topics/topic.aspx/global/learn/home_theater/started_theater?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&redirect=1

Good Luck!

Q: I have an HDTV and use an antenna. Will I need to purchase a converter box?

DELL-Chris B — Tue, 27 May 2008 21:39:12 GMT

A: As long as you have an HDTV, you will not need to purchase a converter box February 17, 2009.

Q: Can I connect my 1720 Samsung LCD TV using the HD capabilities?

DELL-Chris B — Tue, 27 May 2008 21:19:29 GMT

A: You will be able to connect your laptop using either the S-Video or VGA out, however you will not be able to connect using HD as there is no HDMI port on the laptop.