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All-in-One PC as kitchen TV

10 years ago

Does anyone use an all-in-one PC as their kitchen TV? How well is it working for you? Did you purchase any other special gear (e.g., wireless router, booster, wireless access point)

I am considering using an all-in-one in the kitchen with a flip down under cabinet mount. However, I tried the Optimum app using wifi on my laptop (which is a few years old and doesn't have HD) and I get the occasional buffering. I've tried it from our bedroom which is on the same floor as the Sagecom? router and also in the kitchen which is the floor below We're on the top internet speed package and use the cable company's modem which DH says is the latest one.

How do I know if this is an issue with the computer, the router or both and if the new all-in-one and possibly a new router will create a smooth TV experience (without buying it first and trialing)?

I like the notion of using the PC to save on cable box cost per month and the space as well as to be able to look up recipes, maybe video conference some day, check the school bus app which shows you where the bus is and when to go outside, etc. However, its primary purpose would be TV so if that isn't working well, we'd have to go with a regular TV.

Also, which mount did you use? Thanks!

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Comments (5)

xedos
10 years ago
If you want to watch tv over WiFi then you are going to need an enterprise grade network in you house. You might have the "latest" modem , but the whole thing depends on the weakest link. You'll also need full coverage of the signal throughout you house - which can be affected by many things.

Hire a network designer first.

I think you'll find that those all in ones don't allow for flip down use, so may though.
CT_Newbie
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks Xedos! I will start with the Best Buy consultant. That would be a shame if they don't allow for flip down use. Maybe that's part of the reason for the low response to this post

Anyone else accomplish this? Txs
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robo (z6a)
10 years ago
We watch TV on our computer through wifi all the time. we have a small computer hooked up to our TV and netflix, hulu, youtube, whatever, works great, most places in our house. It works best in closer proximity to our modem but fine in our room upstairs over the modem. I'm no expert but am guessing your laptop may be the problem.

Would you consider a tablet with a stand as opposed to something mounted? it might be more convenient and you could see it from more places in your kitchen?

This post was edited by robotropolis on Sat, Jan 11, 14 at 23:38
CT_Newbie
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks Robo! What wireless modem do you have and what speed is it? Is there a certain # or lettered modem that is best in class?

In terms of the mount vs. a stand, I wanted the countertop clear so I really didn't want a stand. I do worry about the weight. One 21.5" weighed 12+lbs which sounds a bit heavy to be hanging from under the cabinet

I did find a few all-in-ones that say VESA mount (A Dell and an Asus ET1611PUT). https://www.asus.com/AllinOne_PCs/ET1611PUT/#overview
The ASUS is about 7lbs. Will try to check reviews on them later. I'm calling BestBuy tomorrow to schedule something

Thank you!
xedos
10 years ago
" I will start with the Best Buy consultant"

That's not where I'd start if I were looking to set up a solid, reliable and fast WiFi network. Sure it's convenient, and packaged up nicely, but how long has the guy implementing your system been working there? Will he be there next year when you add a new device or the network crashes ?

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