Control Windows 8 PC with Windows 8 Tablet

dzirkelb

New Member
Messages
11
I'm looking at this to be an HTPC solution only.

I really like the metro interface for HTPC, I can put tiles for Netflix, hulu, youtube, etc. Then, the specific web pages that don't have apps like big 10 network, starz, etc (have to go to non metro browser though, which is fine).

I can get this all set up exactly how I want it. But, it only works nice when I'm at a desk with a cpu in front of me with a mouse and keyboard.

I imagine the exact same setup would work great on a tablet also, but then the viewing experience would be on the tablet, and not the monitor / TV.

So, essentially, what I am looking for is a way to set up a tablet to be the interface I want, tiles organized how I need them, etc. I would be always looking at the tablet, browsing, say, Hulu for example until I found the show I wanted. Then, on the tablet, I'd tap the show, and it would magically play on the TV. I would do this for all apps, including plex, xbmc, hulu, Netflix, etc.

I have ran into some apps like Splashtop that sort of work, but they seem to scale to the size of the screen from the PC. meaning, what displays nice on the PC ends up being small on the tablet and hard to read.

Anyone have any recommendations?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Other than using the Metro interface, you could do this using an Android tablet in conjunction with a Google Chromecast dongle. Currently the only apps that support it are Netflix and YouTube but many other apps such as Hulu have announced plans to support it.

Even though there aren't a lot of apps that currently support it, any service that has a web page (such as Hulu) can be "cast" to the dongle using the Chrome browser.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W10 Pro (desktop), W10 (laptop), W10 Pro (tablet)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home built i7-8700K, Hp Envy x360 EVO Laptop, MS Surface Pro 7
    CPU
    3.7Ghz Core i7-8700K, 11th Gen Core i7-1165G7 4.7Ghz, 10th Gen Core™ i5-1035G4 1.1Ghz
    Motherboard
    ASUS TUF Z370-Pro Gaming, HP, MS
    Memory
    16G, 8G, 8G
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon RX580, Intel Iris X Graphics, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G4
    Sound Card
    ATI High Definition Audio (Built-in to mobo)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dual Samsung U32J59 32 inch monitors, 13.3" display, 12.3" display
    Screen Resolution
    3840x2160 (Desktop), 1920x1080 (laptop), 2736x1824 Pro 7
    Hard Drives
    500GB ssd boot drive with 2 & 10TB Data (Desktop), 512GB ssd (laptop), 128GB SSD (tablet)
    PSU
    Corsair CX 750M
    Case
    Antec 100
    Cooling
    Coolermaster CM 212+
    Keyboard
    IBM Model M - used continuously since 1986
    Mouse
    Microsoft IntelliMouse
    Internet Speed
    665Mbps/15Mbps down/up
    Browser
    FireFox, MS Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender on all
    Other Info
    Retired in 2015 after working in the tech industry for 41 years. First 10 years as a Technician, the rest as a programmer/software engineer. After 1 year of retirement, I was bored so went back to work as a Robotic Process Automation Consultant. Retired for 3rd (and final) time in 2019.
Is that the 35 dollar thing? I just figured some stuff wouldn't work like big10.com, starz.com, etc. How would that work exactly? If I'm able to cast an app from any device to it then that would rule
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Read about it more, and I'm buying one, exactly what I want. My tablet is the interface, tv just plays it. I'm fine with going to cost online to play nice opposed to a plex app, this will rule
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
That's an interesting concept - Will a Tablet have access to the same apps that are available for a Windows 8 Phone?

I have a Remote Windows 8 Mouse made by Benzle:

Benzle Inc

it sticks my Mouse, Keyboard, and Charms Bar on my iPhone. There are other apps that do the same thing, HippoRemote, Mobile Mouse. I don't have access to the same Store that a Windows 8 Ph9one has, but I am sure there are a few remote apps that will work, PC-Remote is another.

Most of em have Free versions so you can try em out.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
Windows 8 tablet, phone, and PC all have access to the same app store / apps. So, what you have on your phone you can put on your tablet.

I am playing with the chromecast and the playing of hulu and netflix from my phone is superb. What you do after that is basically send what is on your google chrome browser to the screen in a mirror fashion (wiht a delay). So, start abc.com, play a show, "cast" it to the device, lock device that is playing abc.com adn watch on TV.

The casting of tabs is a tad laggy, nowhere near as smooth as the native built in code for hulu and netflix on android, but it is in beta, so I expect it to get better eventually.

It is so muich easier to look "down" then to look "up" to find what you want. Meaning, if I'm browsing cbs.com to play a show, on my TV I have to use either a keyboard / mouse, a mobile app like mentioend above, etc. With an app, i'm looking down, but it is very small in size due to the mirror. If I use keyboard, then I'm looking up and I have to zoom in like 200% to see the screen, hence, horizontal scrolling.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
That would make using something like Teamviewer difficult.

I use Mobile Mouse to control my Keyboard and Mouse, basically it is a Mouse. But I have the ability to start programs, and control Media Players. Some of them have built in commands, but you can make your own special commands for any program, I have made a Player for MPC-HC that gives me access to most features of that app. Of all of the Remote Apps I have, I use that one the most for Mouse and Keyboard.

I also have VLC Remote that controls my VLC, and there is also a remote for WMP, but the server installer is not compatible with Windows 8.

If they have a version of Mobile Mouse for Windows 8, you could use that somewhat. The Tablet is Windows 8 right?

I know there is a Windows 8 version of VLC Remote, I cant get to the installer, it won't let me download it. But you could download the trial.

I have this free app:

PC Remote

It's in the store, can that help you?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
I've used mobile mouse and apps similar, they just aren't what i'm looking for. The issue is not with built in programs like hulu, netflix, etc, it is with streaming shows from specific network web sites. Regardless of how I control the computer, it is difficult to see when using apps like mobile mouse. Chromcast allows me to "airplay" or "cast" everything from my tablet ot the TV.

I do not have a windows 8 tablet yet, I am testignon a windows 8 computer and android phone, and it works exactly as expected so far, just a little sluggish on the casting of the tab from chrome.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
I just tried out PC Remote from my test station to this one, it does have a lot of access to those Media services it seems., especially Hulu. There is no Iphone app for it, maybe there is a Droid version.

If one had a Windows Tablet, it would be a good solution. It does not work well from PC to PC, because it wants the remote app to use the Touchscreen.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
The issue still lives with browsing web sites though when sitting 15 feet away from the TV and not able to see it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Remote Mouse kind of tells you where you are, on the device... But it doesn't cover the other things you want to do.

PC Remote does, but it's Windows 8 Only for now, plus you can't SEE what's on the remote PC.

Have you thought about HippoRemote? It has specific controllers for each app you are controlling.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
In Mobile Mouse, the controls show up when they are in the main window.

Sounds like you need something like Teamviewer but that you can actually SEE. But the problem with those kinds of Remotes, is that they take over the whole system, so it ruins any media playback.

We need something that has the visibility features of TViewer, but won't interfere like Mobile Mouse. My own solution has been to use Mobile Mouse, VLC Remote, VLC Streamer, VLC Amigo, WMPremote, Windows 8 Mouse, Plex, and HippoRemote, I use each one for a specific program.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
Ya, or browse to what you want to see on a tablet, then cast it to the TV using chromecast :)
Glad you like the Chromecast. It should get even better when Google ships the final version of the SDK and opens things up for 3rd party developers.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W10 Pro (desktop), W10 (laptop), W10 Pro (tablet)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home built i7-8700K, Hp Envy x360 EVO Laptop, MS Surface Pro 7
    CPU
    3.7Ghz Core i7-8700K, 11th Gen Core i7-1165G7 4.7Ghz, 10th Gen Core™ i5-1035G4 1.1Ghz
    Motherboard
    ASUS TUF Z370-Pro Gaming, HP, MS
    Memory
    16G, 8G, 8G
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon RX580, Intel Iris X Graphics, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G4
    Sound Card
    ATI High Definition Audio (Built-in to mobo)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dual Samsung U32J59 32 inch monitors, 13.3" display, 12.3" display
    Screen Resolution
    3840x2160 (Desktop), 1920x1080 (laptop), 2736x1824 Pro 7
    Hard Drives
    500GB ssd boot drive with 2 & 10TB Data (Desktop), 512GB ssd (laptop), 128GB SSD (tablet)
    PSU
    Corsair CX 750M
    Case
    Antec 100
    Cooling
    Coolermaster CM 212+
    Keyboard
    IBM Model M - used continuously since 1986
    Mouse
    Microsoft IntelliMouse
    Internet Speed
    665Mbps/15Mbps down/up
    Browser
    FireFox, MS Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender on all
    Other Info
    Retired in 2015 after working in the tech industry for 41 years. First 10 years as a Technician, the rest as a programmer/software engineer. After 1 year of retirement, I was bored so went back to work as a Robotic Process Automation Consultant. Retired for 3rd (and final) time in 2019.
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