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WebTaps™ HDTV and Touch-Screen Web Browser

Enjoy the Internet on your HDTV or touch-screen PC


System Requirements

Q: What are the system requirements for the WebTaps web browsing software?
A: WebTaps requires a PC running Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7. It also requires a 600 MHz. processor and at least 128 MB RAM. Broadband Internet connectivity from the PC is required for most video websites. The PC graphics card and display must be able to display one of the following resolutions: 1920x1080, 1024x768, 1280x1024 or 800x600. Note that higher resolutions require a more powerful PC. WebTaps uses Mozilla Firefox - if you have Firefox already installed, make sure its the latest version by clicking the Help menu item and then selecting Check for updates.... The WebTaps installer will automatically install Mozilla Firefox if it is not aready installed.

Q: What are the system requirements for use with an HDTV?
A: In addition to the WebTaps software requirements above, use with an HDTV requires an HDTV with video and audio input compatible with the PC's video and audio output. You will also need appropriate cables to make this connection. Commonly used cables are available in the Cables and Connectors section of the WebTaps store.

Q: What are the system requirements for use with a touch screen PC?
A: In addition to the WebTaps software requirements above, the touch-screen PC must have a windows compatible touch interface.

Installation

Q: How do I connect my PC to my HDTV?
A: Using your HDTV with WebTaps software and your PC requires that your PC's video and audio be sent to the HDTV for display. Ideally the HDTV has a video input jack that is the same type as the video output on the PC - either HDMI, VGA or DVI. If both have HDMI, use it since it carries both audio and video and automatically sets the screen resolution. Note however, that you may need to configure the audio out on your PC to use HDMI for audio as some PCs do not automatically switch the audio output. Alternately, if both the PC and HDTV include VGA/SVGA, simply connect a VGA/SVGA cable from the PC to the TV, redirect your PC's video output to the external VGA/SVGA port and then connect an audio cable from the PC's audio jack to the HDTV's audio input. DVI is similar to VGA. If you have difficulty, several websites show how to connect your PC to your HDTV. Amazon.com's instructions shown here are quite good. Commonly used cables are available in the Cables and Connectors section of the WebTaps store. If you are having difficulty, please email support@webtaps.com and we will help.

Q: How do I install the software?
A: First, obtain the software installer by clicking here and saving the file to your desktop. Then simply double click on the WebTaps.exe installer and follow the on-screen instructions. The installer will create an icon on your desktop to allow you to run the WebTaps web browser. Double click the WebTaps icon to start the application. Next, click the Settings icon in the control bar and configure your settings. Be sure to set a password on your configuration on this screen.

Remote Control / Wireless mouse

Q: What is the remote control or wireless mouse used for?
A: When used with an HDTV, the remote control or wireless mouse allows you to click on the screen from across the room to navigate, select content and enter text on the on-screen keyboard.

Q: Which remote controls or wireless mice are compatible?
A: Any mouse-compatible input device can be used as a remote control including desktop mice, touchpads, touch screens, and trackballs. When used for viewing on an HDTV, it is recommended that you use a wireless or RF mouse, though a wired mouse can be used.

Q: Which remote controls are recommended for use with the WebTaps web browser software?
A: Many remote controls have been tested with WebTaps software. Click here to see the recommended products at the WebTaps store.

International Localization

Q: Which languages are supported?
A: The WebTaps control bar and screens can be configured to show their labels in English or Spanish. WebTaps content is provided in various languages determined by the content providers. Email us at support@webtaps.com if you are interested in using WebTaps in another language.

Q: Which countries are supported?
A: WebTaps includes a content guide that lists websites by category. This list of websites depends on the configured country. Set the country by clicking the Setup icon in the control bar. Currently WebTaps software supports USA and UK. Email us at support@webtaps.com if you want us to include a localized content guide for your country.

System Use

Q: What are the size-up / size-down buttons for?
A. At times you may desire to zoom in on a portion of a webpage or find that the zoom level selected by the WebTaps web browsing software is not ideal. Simply click the Enlarge or Reduce buttons on the control toolbar to adjust the page to fit your needs.

Q. How do I enter text?
A. You may use the built-in on-screen keyboard or a keyboard connected to your PC. The on-screen keyboard will appear automatically for most websites when you click in a text field. If you need to manually make the keyboard appear or hide, simply click the Keyboard button in the control bar. You can move the keyboard by dragging it to the desired location if it is ever in the way.

Troubleshooting Tips

Q: Fullscreen video playback is too slow. Any ideas?
A: Fullscreen playback of internet video taxes all areas of your computing environment. The issue is usually caused by one of the following problems: a slow CPU or graphics card, an inadequate home network or a slow broadband internet connection. Try running at a lower screen resolution, especially if your PC has a slower than 2 GHz CPU or slow graphics card. If you are using a wireless internet connection, upgrade to 802.11n or use a wired connection. If your internet connection is slow, upgrade to a faster broadband connection.

Contact Support

Q: If I have a question not addressed in this FAQ, how can I solve my issue?
A: If your issue is not addressed in this FAQ, email WebTaps support at support@WebTaps.com with a detailed description of the issue. If you are using WebTaps Premium Edition, please include your Premium Account Key and phone number in your email to us and we will contact you via email or phone. If you are using the free WebTaps Lite Edition, check back at this FAQ as it is our primary support tool and is updated frequently to address the questions we receive.