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Having a computer dedicated to your entertainment center is fine, but what if you don’t want to dedicate a computer just to that? That’s how I had things set up for a long time. I used the computer less and less after we got a new cable box that included a DVR. With HULU, I contemplated setting it all back up, but then I came across a device that promised to save me all the trouble.
The device pictured above is a USB PC to TV audio and video adapter from a company called Warpia and it’s designed to transmit the audio and video signal from your computer to a receiving unit attached to your PC.
Setting It All Up
The setup for this device really couldn’t have been much easier. Following some simple instructions, I installed the software from the included CD and then plugged in the USB PC adapter. After looking over the settings, I plugged in the A/V base adapter and hooked it up to the HDMI cable I borrowed from my DVD player (will connect via VGA, too). After a couple seconds, everything on my laptop screen was being displayed on my 42 inch TV as well. Check out the video of everything in action:
The refresh rate for video was pretty good, but could be a little better. Other than that, HD video came across as true HD and looked really good. All my applications refreshed seamlessly and I had a very clear picture.
Features and Flaws
One of the things I liked about this was that it’s treated as an additional display, so I can tell Windows to either Duplicate the display or Extend it. When I extend it, I get to keep my normal laptop screen just on my laptop, and a second desktop for the TV. A great example of how that’s beneficial presented itself the other night. I purchased a movie online for direct download and watched it on the TV over my wireless A/V connection. At the same time, I was able to tweet, read and respond to email, etc. from my original desktop. Pretty cool.
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The SWP100A also comes with mounting screw slots on the bottom of the TV adapter and that end’s USB stick can plug in horizontally or vertically in case you want to wall mount it and keep it as flush as possible.
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The only real concern this device presented was the heat it generated. The USB adapter can get pretty warm and the TV adapter gets downright hot. I’d have loved to see an on/off switch on the TV end of the setup. Not only would this help with the heat problem, but it would be a lot easier than having to unplug it and plug it back in every time I want to use it.
Conclusions
At $179.99, it’s not my cheapest device, but it’s cheaper than setting up another computer just for the TV and a lot, I mean a LOT easier. I went from sealed box to completed and in use in about 5-7 minutes. If you can handle the price, it’s a decent solution to get your audio and video from PC to TV in a snap.
Hello Joe,
Thanks for this well done review. For more information about Wireless USb have a look at my Blog.
.-= Wireless USB Blog´s last blog ..ICREON Wireless Multimedia System Now In Mass Production =-.
The heat thing would seem to equate to probable long term reliability issues. Too bad you can’t afford to simply leave both ends turned on and see how long it takes for one or the other to fail. This is, of course, the kind of testing the company itself should have done and ties in with your early comment about never having heard of them before. ThinkI’ll steer clear and wait to see your article about how short the system’s life span turned out to be!
I really like the VGA to VGA wireless ones (or VGA to Whatever really) because they literally take nothing to install. They’re great. I thin you can get them at CablesToGo or something. Not sure.
.-= jtGraphic: James Thompson´s last blog ..Affiliate Summit East 2010 =-.
I am very interested in this device, however; I have some questions.
1. Do you know if this product would work equally well on a UK spec Laptop.
2. How did you find the refresh rate when connected to your HD TV, this would be one of the main selling points if you feel it was a good comparison to viewing on standard TV.?
cheers
Martin: I don’t know why it wouldn’t work on a UK laptop, but I haven’t tried it and can’t say for sure. As for the refresh rate, it’s noted in the specs, but I can say the quality is pretty good for what this does. Straight video into the TV will be a lot better, but this solution is comparable to others I’ve tested.
Hi Joe,
I was looking over your review and was wondering if you thought it would be possible to use this device to play games like World of Warcraft. I’ve hooked up my laptop with a cable before, but it sure would be great to go wireless. Specially I’m wondering about choppy video and lag issues.
Thanks!
I have to admit I really like the Warpia Wireless, I recently did a quick review of it myself. I am looking forward to trying it out on my home computer. Everyone in my family uses the computer a lot, and I think it would be great to view our photos, online videos, even do our Facebook updates on our living room HDTV, it has to be easier on the eyes too.
.-= Tim Hughes@Wireless VGA Transmitter´s last blog ..Best Wireless VGA Transmitters =-.
Its a very good solution to get your audio and video from PC to TV in a snap at very reasonable cost.
can you buy the Wireless USB PC To TV Adapter?
Can you connect the HDMI and the VGA at the same time and have it display on two tvs?
Thanks for the information. I really need this to improve my home theater experience.
Can anyone tell me if there’s a restart needed after installing the drivers on Windows and Mac OS X in order to successfully use it?
Thank you!