Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Lizzie Zoom on 09 June 2019, 15:30:25

Title: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 09 June 2019, 15:30:25
I need help please from those on here advanced in IT matters!

I have tried to link my Windows 8, upgraded to 10, desktop PC via a Bluetooth Wireless USB dongle to a Panasonic sound bar.  My laptop is fully paired with the sound bar, and until the previous Bluetooth dongle stopped working when I upgraded to Windows 10, the PC was.

I first tried an apparent all singing all dancing dongle which just gave me a "Driver Error" on the Control Panel screen. I got another one of those, only to have a repeat of that.  I looked up reviews online and others had had problems connecting to Windows 10 and just sent their dongle back.

Two days ago I tried again, via Amazon, with a USB BLUETOOTH BT WIRELESS CSR 4.0 DONGLE, with drivers, and meant to be "Plug &Play" for Windows 7/8/10.  I have again been having to swear out loud and throw things around my front room as, after repeatedly installing, then uninstalling, only to do that again and again (!!!!) I arrive at the same point.

My PC has recognised my Panasonic Sound bar, being shown as successfully connected; it is fully linked. BUT, on the Control Panel screen the Sound bar is shown with "connect" and disconnect" 'buttons, both in grey mode, so not reacting to my constant clicking onto them!!  When I check the link on the dongles details the sound bar, or more precisely speaker, is shown as connected, but when I click on that it displays a "A2DP (sink) device and that prompts me to "connect" it. BUT, again, frustration, as the system after trying to connect just gives me the message "Device failed to respond"!!!!

I have sent an email to the supplier asking for help, but I have noted many cases online where the A2DP (sink) thingy gives people real hassles, so I am not holding my breadth!

As a side issue my iTunes app works fine when just confined to my PC speakers, but is giving me a message of "iTunes detects incompatible Bluetooth software on your computer" and may not work correctly!!  (Once more I have noted online comments that this is not an unusual problem).

So, have any of you simple answers of what is wrong and how I can fix it??  (I have again gone through pages of online Windows system advice, via Bing until I feel sick with the complexity of what I should do - usually I end up with thinking of suicide as a simpler option!!

OR, should I just return this dongle as well?  If so, what can you good guys, hopefully sympathetic for my mental health, suggest as a "good" and easy dongle to use with Windows 10?

I have spent days on this issues, but i want my iTunes being played from my PC through to the Sound bar system eventually!

Many thanks in advance :-* :-* :-* ;)
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: TheBoy on 09 June 2019, 17:03:34
Use a cable.
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Migv6 le Frog Fan on 09 June 2019, 17:32:21
And buy a record deck. Digital music is shite.  :y ;D
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 09 June 2019, 18:09:07
Use a cable.

Thanks TB, but plugged in where?

The sound bar is HDMI linked to the TV, with the other ports used by a DVD player and a PlayStation 4. ;)
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: TheBoy on 09 June 2019, 18:28:14
Use a cable.

Thanks TB, but plugged in where?

The sound bar is HDMI linked to the TV, with the other ports used by a DVD player and a PlayStation 4. ;)
Well, assuming the laptop is less than 5 years old, it will have a HDMI socket. But, TBH, it sounds like the soundbar is a bit crap
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 09 June 2019, 18:31:50
Use a cable.

Thanks TB, but plugged in where?

The sound bar is HDMI linked to the TV, with the other ports used by a DVD player and a PlayStation 4. ;)
Well, assuming the laptop is less than 5 years old, it will have a HDMI socket. But, TBH, it sounds like the soundbar is a bit crap

I am trying to connect a desktop PC TB.  My iPad plays through my sound bar using Bluetooth fine; in fact the sound is great. Do you mean that I can run a HDMI cable from the PC to the back of the TV and iTunes will play through it, that is sound will come out of the soundbar as the TV sound does?

That sounds very good to me if that is the case :y
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: TheBoy on 09 June 2019, 18:41:40
Use a cable.

Thanks TB, but plugged in where?

The sound bar is HDMI linked to the TV, with the other ports used by a DVD player and a PlayStation 4. ;)
Well, assuming the laptop is less than 5 years old, it will have a HDMI socket. But, TBH, it sounds like the soundbar is a bit crap

I am trying to connect a desktop PC TB.  My iPad plays through my sound bar using Bluetooth fine; in fact the sound is great. Do you mean that I can run a HDMI cable from the PC to the back of the TV and iTunes will play through it, that is sound will come out of the soundbar as the TV sound does?

That sounds very good to me if that is the case :y
If its a sub 5yr old desktop it likely has HDMI.

Thats no guarantee that iTunes in particular will play DRM'd music/video through it, as all parts of the chain have to support the copy protection protocols.  Anyone "buying" online music/video need their head examining anyway.  Buy real CDs, which you own, and it doesn't matter what happens to the internet servers, you still own it. And convert them into whatever format you find convenient.

And iTunes on Windows?  Really?  Keep off the sauce.  iTunes is universally shite on Apple computers, and is even more hopeless on Windows. And generally considered insecure.
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 09 June 2019, 19:25:18
Use a cable.

Thanks TB, but plugged in where?

The sound bar is HDMI linked to the TV, with the other ports used by a DVD player and a PlayStation 4. ;)
Well, assuming the laptop is less than 5 years old, it will have a HDMI socket. But, TBH, it sounds like the soundbar is a bit crap

I am trying to connect a desktop PC TB.  My iPad plays through my sound bar using Bluetooth fine; in fact the sound is great. Do you mean that I can run a HDMI cable from the PC to the back of the TV and iTunes will play through it, that is sound will come out of the soundbar as the TV sound does?

That sounds very good to me if that is the case :y
If its a sub 5yr old desktop it likely has HDMI.

Thats no guarantee that iTunes in particular will play DRM'd music/video through it, as all parts of the chain have to support the copy protection protocols.  Anyone "buying" online music/video need their head examining anyway.  Buy real CDs, which you own, and it doesn't matter what happens to the internet servers, you still own it. And convert them into whatever format you find convenient.

And iTunes on Windows?  Really?  Keep off the sauce.  iTunes is universally shite on Apple computers, and is even more hopeless on Windows. And generally considered insecure.

You are right TB, there are no HDMI ports on my PC tower, just loads of USB ports. That is why I have used Bluetooth dongles.

As for iTunes on Windows - well, yes that is what I have and works well through the PC speakers, but was even better through the sound bar when the Bluetooth dongle I had, until upgrading to Windows 10!! ;)

As for CD's I have quite a few. But I do not possibly have as many, or could have so many, as I can get, with the latest ones, via iTunes.  For £9.99 a month it is supplying 1,000's of all the music I want for a PC, an iPad, and an iPod in my grandsons house. It will also support it on my android phone (Windows Nokia Luma 930) if I can be bothered to load the app. The iPad does that function anyway.

You sound like an old man TB who does not agree with the new fangled ways us youngsters now use to get our music ;D ;D ;D ;)

I just need to get the Bluetooth dongle that is right for Windows 10 and actually does what it is meant to do!

So, what dongle should I get please? :D :D ;)
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 09 June 2019, 21:06:33
I have not given up yet, and I am still looking for the advice I asked for.............

However after what TB says I am now looking at a new desktop PC (or laptop - not even sure about that!!!). Looked at ones available at Argos, but it must have Windows 10 with Office and, of course, Bluetooth! :D ;)

I may well go back to the Midlands company who built my last two PC's.

Any advice I will always welcome ;D ;D ;)
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: TheBoy on 10 June 2019, 11:47:19
You sound like an old man TB who does not agree with the new fangled ways us youngsters now use to get our music ;D ;D ;D ;)
I've been doing this shit long enough to have seen so many times that the backend servers get turned off (for a variety of reasons), and you are left with nothing.  Apple will do the same, and there have already been rumblings that they will deprecate iTunes in the not too distant future.



As for you issue, remember it might not be a Windows or iTunes problem, or a soundbar problem (although sounders are generally pretty shite), but a blended issue that means the whole chain doesn't work well together.  In this case, it sounds like the copy protection stuff isn't working too well somewhere, probably in the el-cheapo chinky BT driver that came with the dongle.  Might be worth changing out the whole bluetooth stack, or at least uninstalling all the older BT stuff from pre upgrade, and using the default MS stack, and hope there is a driver on Windows Update.
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Viral_Jim on 10 June 2019, 12:30:54
I have not given up yet, and I am still looking for the advice I asked for.............

However after what TB says I am now looking at a new desktop PC (or laptop - not even sure about that!!!). Looked at ones available at Argos, but it must have Windows 10 with Office and, of course, Bluetooth! :D ;)

I may well go back to the Midlands company who built my last two PC's.

Any advice I will always welcome ;D ;D ;)

Given that you seem to be well embedded in the apple 'ecosystem' why not get an Apple TV box? This would link direct to your iTunes and play any music you've bought directly from your account without the pc being involved. You can also play stuff that's held locally on your pc itunes via HomeShare (think that's what its called). This would output the media via HDMI into the TV and then out to the soundbar just like any other TV channel. As a bonus you can also watch certain streamed tv channels if you so desire.

The headline price on the new Apple TV is pretty unpalatable (£139 I think) but they take a big hit on resale and you can get a used one, with a year's warranty for about £50.

No doubt TB will be along momentarily to explain how sh!te they are, but I think it would offer a straightforward solution to your issue.

Re. Choosing a bluetooth dongle - I really have no idea, sorry.
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: TheBoy on 10 June 2019, 13:06:40
Nothing against an Apple TV box here, aside from my dislike of Apple...


...despite typing this on a MacBook Pro, tethered to an iPhone to get Internet, and listening to my iPod!  Oh shit, they've hooked me, haven't they ;D
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 10 June 2019, 17:27:19
You sound like an old man TB who does not agree with the new fangled ways us youngsters now use to get our music ;D ;D ;D ;)
I've been doing this shit long enough to have seen so many times that the backend servers get turned off (for a variety of reasons), and you are left with nothing.  Apple will do the same, and there have already been rumblings that they will deprecate iTunes in the not too distant future.



As for you issue, remember it might not be a Windows or iTunes problem, or a soundbar problem (although sounders are generally pretty shite), but a blended issue that means the whole chain doesn't work well together.  In this case, it sounds like the copy protection stuff isn't working too well somewhere, probably in the el-cheapo chinky BT driver that came with the dongle.  Might be worth changing out the whole bluetooth stack, or at least uninstalling all the older BT stuff from pre upgrade, and using the default MS stack, and hope there is a driver on Windows Update.


Yes, with iTunes I only pay monthly and can cancel, which I have done on numerous occasions, at anytime.  With IT nothing is certain, nothing guaranteed, and I am just waiting for the whole thing to suffer a major (international) full blown cyber attack.  Been here too long not to be totally cynical about all this new fangled stuff. ;)

Thanks for the advice TB, as you are one person I know is fully conversant with IT systems and all the problems us mere simple mortals will never fully comprehend apart from switching things on and turning them off with some loading in between!! ::) ::) :D :D :y

I am in email discussions with the supplier of the stupid Bluetooth thingy, but if they cannot give me any simple and effective answers, Amazon will be receiving the thing back! ;) 
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 10 June 2019, 17:43:53
I have not given up yet, and I am still looking for the advice I asked for.............

However after what TB says I am now looking at a new desktop PC (or laptop - not even sure about that!!!). Looked at ones available at Argos, but it must have Windows 10 with Office and, of course, Bluetooth! :D ;)

I may well go back to the Midlands company who built my last two PC's.

Any advice I will always welcome ;D ;D ;)

Given that you seem to be well embedded in the apple 'ecosystem' why not get an Apple TV box? This would link direct to your iTunes and play any music you've bought directly from your account without the pc being involved. You can also play stuff that's held locally on your pc itunes via HomeShare (think that's what its called). This would output the media via HDMI into the TV and then out to the soundbar just like any other TV channel. As a bonus you can also watch certain streamed tv channels if you so desire.

The headline price on the new Apple TV is pretty unpalatable (£139 I think) but they take a big hit on resale and you can get a used one, with a year's warranty for about £50.

No doubt TB will be along momentarily to explain how sh!te they are, but I think it would offer a straightforward solution to your issue.

Re. Choosing a bluetooth dongle - I really have no idea, sorry.

Thanks jimmy! :y :y

If I had an Apple box I would be committed to yet another contract with payment, as I have in the past had Sky and BT, but now enjoy the simplicity of Freeview Play that gives me everything I need.

I am retired now, but in the commercial world I had to deal with our companies IT Management provider spending all too much time on the phone running through their instructions, involving delving into the dark world of programme checks, corrections, and everything else, to get our main servers working again. Thank God I do not have to deal with that shite again!!

No, I like things simple and there to enjoy without mucking around with IT; leave that to the youngsters and the likes of TB! ;D ;D ;)

As for the dongle, bloody things!!, I am now just considering updating my dest top PC with a newer model that has Bluetooth and loads of HDMI sockets.  It will have Windows 10 again, but now I just want to source the cheapest and easiest way of getting certain programmes like Office with Excel and Powerpoint, let alone any other model useful ones.  My current system is 6 years old now so no doubt considered obsolete!! ;)
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Viral_Jim on 10 June 2019, 19:28:38
Quote
If I had an Apple box I would be committed to yet another contract with payment, as I have in the past had Sky and BT, but now enjoy the simplicity of Freeview Play that gives me everything I need.

Lizzie, this isn't correct. By default there is no subscription. I believe you can subscribe to specific channels and pay for them if you choose to. You can also buy films and boxed sets via iTunes and your Apple TV will play those for you. However, if all you want is music, it's just the Apple TV box and your iTunes login that you need.  :y
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 10 June 2019, 20:07:24
Quote
If I had an Apple box I would be committed to yet another contract with payment, as I have in the past had Sky and BT, but now enjoy the simplicity of Freeview Play that gives me everything I need.

Lizzie, this isn't correct. By default there is no subscription. I believe you can subscribe to specific channels and pay for them if you choose to. You can also buy films and boxed sets via iTunes and your Apple TV will play those for you. However, if all you want is music, it's just the Apple TV box and your iTunes login that you need.  :y

Thanks, but yes all I want is iTunes and that I get anyway on my PC and other devices all for just £9.99 a month.

My latest problem is "just" to do with getting my PC to send music via my sound bar ;)
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: TheBoy on 11 June 2019, 10:58:08
A new PC is no guarantee of it working TBH.  iTunes is all DRM'd, and each update occasionally tightens it further.

Thus, point to point - app (iTunes) through every step to where it goes analogue again (generally the amp) have to support that version of DRM that the app is demanding.  That includes the BT stack, the drivers, the cable, any mixer/graphic/DSP in the soundbar, plus any digital bits beyond.  Even the standard audio driver in Windows can bugger it up, along with any codecs you might have installed.

And all have to support the standard and revision the app wants - which in the case of an unupgradable soundbar means replacement.


For HDMI, the copy protection scheme is HDCP from memory, and has a few revisions. No idea if iTunes uses that or something else, and nor do I care, as iTunes lives on one of my PCs out of necessity to upload to phone/ipod.


Honestly, I'd look towards less proprietary solutions - mine is CDs because I'm old fashioned and like to "own" it, and the amount of music coming out now that I want to listen to is limited.  And I certainly buy less than £10 of CD's a month for myself.  But if you like the streaming thing, other options are available without the Apple awkwardness.  Cant personally recommend any, as not used any for ages.  Mrs TB uses the free ad-sponsered Spotify occasionally, and I think Tunnie uses the premium version.


My own music tastes are quite varied, and for the most part, I'm happy with the wireless on for that variety, though not Radio 2 at lunchtime.  But in the car if I'm in a hurry, I do did out the old favourites like Bat Out of Hell, or something like Canon in D Major if I need to slow down ;D
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 11 June 2019, 14:37:28
A new PC is no guarantee of it working TBH.  iTunes is all DRM'd, and each update occasionally tightens it further.

Thus, point to point - app (iTunes) through every step to where it goes analogue again (generally the amp) have to support that version of DRM that the app is demanding.  That includes the BT stack, the drivers, the cable, any mixer/graphic/DSP in the soundbar, plus any digital bits beyond.  Even the standard audio driver in Windows can bugger it up, along with any codecs you might have installed.

And all have to support the standard and revision the app wants - which in the case of an unupgradable soundbar means replacement.


For HDMI, the copy protection scheme is HDCP from memory, and has a few revisions. No idea if iTunes uses that or something else, and nor do I care, as iTunes lives on one of my PCs out of necessity to upload to phone/ipod.


Honestly, I'd look towards less proprietary solutions - mine is CDs because I'm old fashioned and like to "own" it, and the amount of music coming out now that I want to listen to is limited.  And I certainly buy less than £10 of CD's a month for myself.  But if you like the streaming thing, other options are available without the Apple awkwardness.  Cant personally recommend any, as not used any for ages.  Mrs TB uses the free ad-sponsered Spotify occasionally, and I think Tunnie uses the premium version.


My own music tastes are quite varied, and for the most part, I'm happy with the wireless on for that variety, though not Radio 2 at lunchtime.  But in the car if I'm in a hurry, I do did out the old favourites like Bat Out of Hell, or something like Canon in D Major if I need to slow down ;D

Thanks TB again! :y :y

All this makes me think I should just enjoy iTunes via my iPad, going through my Bluetooth sound bar, only.  I can play it through my PC still, but of course there is a loss of sound quality.

All this hassle is another example of all this new fangled high tech is over rated, and still too complicated or non tech / older folk- to ensure IT companies of all types can gain revenue for giving advice , selling services / software and providing yet more ::) ::)

 :D :D ;)
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: TheBoy on 11 June 2019, 16:05:15
In consumer computing - ie, desktops, laptops, printers etc, there is no profit. Think in the region of one percent on PCs, and about -30% on printers.  Non niche software fares little better, which is why everything is going over to subscription based models, such as Office365, Amazon Prime Video and so on.
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: TheBoy on 11 June 2019, 16:06:46
Unless you use backstreet builders, or buy from the likes of PC World.  In which case, you're a bit radio rental
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 11 June 2019, 16:59:54
In consumer computing - ie, desktops, laptops, printers etc, there is no profit. Think in the region of one percent on PCs, and about -30% on printers.  Non niche software fares little better, which is why everything is going over to subscription based models, such as Office365, Amazon Prime Video and so on.


You are right again, as we were lucky to make much profit on ant of those, and on printers especially it was all about selling the consumables, like ink, toners, and paper so we hoped selling the hardware  cheaply would encourage repeat business on those.  The two former items made a decent profit, generally 35%, company wide, but that just paid for everything else! ::) ::) :D ;)
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: TheBoy on 12 June 2019, 08:34:28
That must have been a loooonnng time ago, unless selling b2b with services.
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: TheBoy on 12 June 2019, 08:34:47
Or PC World
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 12 June 2019, 19:59:38
Or PC World

Ah, you could be all too true on that one, and although I did retire over 10 years ago I know how that retailer operates.......!  :P;D ;D

As for the bloody Bluetooth device, it is going back to Amazon after the supplier sent me an email attachment after I explained my difficulties, with great sceen shots of the process to get it working..............the instructions were specifically for Windows 7, dated 2015, so prehistoric and I pariticuly highlighted my Windows 10 system was not accepting the devices software!!!! ::) ::)

Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: LC0112G on 13 June 2019, 00:27:23
Or PC World

Ah, you could be all too true on that one, and although I did retire over 10 years ago I know how that retailer operates.......!  :P;D ;D

As for the bloody Bluetooth device, it is going back to Amazon after the supplier sent me an email attachment after I explained my difficulties, with great sceen shots of the process to get it working..............the instructions were specifically for Windows 7, dated 2015, so prehistoric and I pariticuly highlighted my Windows 10 system was not accepting the devices software!!!! ::) ::)

Windows 7 doesn't support Bluetooth 4.2, so if your widget requires 4.2 to operate then it won't work on Win7, and if the drivers only claim to support Win7 then if/when you install them on Win10 you may well find that although Win10 does support Blu4.2, the drivers don't.

Had a similar problem at Christmas on my triple boot laptop. Win7 could find but wouldn't connect to a VOCA sound-bar, so we could watch my DVD of The Great Escape, but only had crappy PC sound. If I booted into Win10 I could get the VOCA to connect and play sounds, but there is no native Media Player so couldn't watch the film. This year I'm taking the phono leads!
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 13 June 2019, 09:13:22
Or PC World

Ah, you could be all too true on that one, and although I did retire over 10 years ago I know how that retailer operates.......!  :P;D ;D

As for the bloody Bluetooth device, it is going back to Amazon after the supplier sent me an email attachment after I explained my difficulties, with great sceen shots of the process to get it working..............the instructions were specifically for Windows 7, dated 2015, so prehistoric and I pariticuly highlighted my Windows 10 system was not accepting the devices software!!!! ::) ::)

Windows 7 doesn't support Bluetooth 4.2, so if your widget requires 4.2 to operate then it won't work on Win7, and if the drivers only claim to support Win7 then if/when you install them on Win10 you may well find that although Win10 does support Blu4.2, the drivers don't.

Had a similar problem at Christmas on my triple boot laptop. Win7 could find but wouldn't connect to a VOCA sound-bar, so we could watch my DVD of The Great Escape, but only had crappy PC sound. If I booted into Win10 I could get the VOCA to connect and play sounds, but there is no native Media Player so couldn't watch the film. This year I'm taking the phono leads!

No, the product , the associated packaging and the supplier all claimed the dongle was compatible with Windows 7/8 and 10.  The software provided also claimed the same,

In short the product did not do what it was claimed it would do on my Windows 10 system, and now has been returned. ;)
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 13 June 2019, 10:45:07
...........and I should have added many thanks LC0112G for the advice, but I am now just about at my limit over this stupid thing!! ;D ;D :y

In fact, as I have already mentioned, I am seriously looking at upgrading my PC so it has Bluetooth built in. ;)
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: TheBoy on 13 June 2019, 10:55:02
I am seriously looking at upgrading my PC so it has Bluetooth built in. ;)
Which might not necessarily resolve the problem....
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 13 June 2019, 10:58:37
I am seriously looking at upgrading my PC so it has Bluetooth built in. ;)
Which might not necessarily resolve the problem....

Maybe, but I would then know I have an up to date, fully loaded, PC that is not prehistoric in your techie terms (that is now just over 5 years old!!). ;D ;D ;)
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: ronnyd on 13 June 2019, 13:06:17
Bet your equipment (ahem) is nowhere as ancient as mine (ahem again) Lizzie. I still have to shovel coal into it. :D But, at least the Linux that my brother in law loaded for me is working  ok. Some of the topics on tech and computers  on here are double dutch, gobledegook and hieroglyphics  to me. :-[
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: STEMO on 13 June 2019, 13:26:18
I haven't used a PC for about three years now. iPad does for me.
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: ronnyd on 13 June 2019, 13:34:19
My eldest gave me his old Ipad, Bloody thing kept losing t.internet connection so i gave it to my youngest, and he promptly broke it. ;D
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 13 June 2019, 14:06:32
I haven't used a PC for about three years now. iPad does for me.

I have both, but the iPad is so lacking in power to compute anything that is too big for it's pitiful capacity, memory, and makes it impossible to really go on Google and bring up any web page that has pictures, adverts, and numerous lists of anything without freezing as it tries so hard to cope.  That is why I  still love my PC, as a laptop would be of no use to me as I would never take it out of the house! ::) ::) :D :D ;)
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: STEMO on 13 June 2019, 14:43:34
I haven't used a PC for about three years now. iPad does for me.

I have both, but the iPad is so lacking in power to compute anything that is too big for it's pitiful capacity, memory, and makes it impossible to really go on Google and bring up any web page that has pictures, adverts, and numerous lists of anything without freezing as it tries so hard to cope.  That is why I  still love my PC, as a laptop would be of no use to me as I would never take it out of the house! ::) ::) :D :D ;)
Try buying a decent iPad  ;D
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 13 June 2019, 15:11:34
I haven't used a PC for about three years now. iPad does for me.

I have both, but the iPad is so lacking in power to compute anything that is too big for it's pitiful capacity, memory, and makes it impossible to really go on Google and bring up any web page that has pictures, adverts, and numerous lists of anything without freezing as it tries so hard to cope.  That is why I  still love my PC, as a laptop would be of no use to me as I would never take it out of the house! ::) ::) :D :D ;)
Try buying a decent iPad  ;D

I have been led to believe that even new iPads suffer from a lack of memory, and the flaw that you cannot 'bolt on' extra capacity. ???
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: TheBoy on 15 June 2019, 12:43:09
I am seriously looking at upgrading my PC so it has Bluetooth built in. ;)
Which might not necessarily resolve the problem....

Maybe, but I would then know I have an up to date, fully loaded, PC that is not prehistoric in your techie terms (that is now just over 5 years old!!). ;D ;D ;)
Well, as I've said before, my usual laptop and main desktop were both purchased in 2007, so 12yrs old.  You don't need latest and greatest for general use.
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: TheBoy on 15 June 2019, 12:45:05
I haven't used a PC for about three years now. iPad does for me.

I have both, but the iPad is so lacking in power to compute anything that is too big for it's pitiful capacity, memory, and makes it impossible to really go on Google and bring up any web page that has pictures, adverts, and numerous lists of anything without freezing as it tries so hard to cope.  That is why I  still love my PC, as a laptop would be of no use to me as I would never take it out of the house! ::) ::) :D :D ;)
Try buying a decent iPad  ;D

I have been led to believe that even new iPads suffer from a lack of memory, and the flaw that you cannot 'bolt on' extra capacity. ???
They are not upgradable, but plenty good enough if you want a tablet.

So sounds like yours is either old, or knackered
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: STEMO on 15 June 2019, 13:03:28
And, of course, dependent on your Wi-fi speed and quality.
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 15 June 2019, 19:47:06
I am seriously looking at upgrading my PC so it has Bluetooth built in. ;)
Which might not necessarily resolve the problem....

Maybe, but I would then know I have an up to date, fully loaded, PC that is not prehistoric in your techie terms (that is now just over 5 years old!!). ;D ;D ;)
Well, as I've said before, my usual laptop and main desktop were both purchased in 2007, so 12yrs old.  You don't need latest and greatest for general use.

I am gobsmacked TB!! I assumed, obviously wrongly, that you as a full professional techie would slag off any computer so old, which even to a novice like me, is, well, prehistoric! And you have one! :o :o :o

We live and learn 8) 8) Thanks TB you have just saved me hundreds of pounds  :-* :-* :y
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 15 June 2019, 19:53:53
And, of course, dependent on your Wi-fi speed and quality.

Ah, that is interesting. My BT fibre optic, well to the green box in the street, meets all the speed checks I have done and for me in practical terms is usually as fast as I need, and is supersonic compared to how fast my iPad loads!

So, could it be the internet speed to the iPad that stops it from working well with big internet sites, or, as said, my iPad (yes, it is years old!) basically past it?

Time for a new iPad perhaps, as it looks as though I am keeping my (still non-Bluetooth) Desktop PC! :D

Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: STEMO on 15 June 2019, 20:06:42
And, of course, dependent on your Wi-fi speed and quality.

Ah, that is interesting. My BT fibre optic, well to the green box in the street, meets all the speed checks I have done and for me in practical terms is usually as fast as I need, and is supersonic compared to how fast my iPad loads!

So, could it be the internet speed to the iPad that stops it from working well with big internet sites, or, as said, my iPad (yes, it is years old!) basically past it?

Time for a new iPad perhaps, as it looks as though I am keeping my (still non-Bluetooth) Desktop PC! :D
I've got a newish 10" iPad, which is very fast, and a two year old mini, which is really slow. Go figure.
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 15 June 2019, 20:12:23
And, of course, dependent on your Wi-fi speed and quality.

Ah, that is interesting. My BT fibre optic, well to the green box in the street, meets all the speed checks I have done and for me in practical terms is usually as fast as I need, and is supersonic compared to how fast my iPad loads!

So, could it be the internet speed to the iPad that stops it from working well with big internet sites, or, as said, my iPad (yes, it is years old!) basically past it?

Time for a new iPad perhaps, as it looks as though I am keeping my (still non-Bluetooth) Desktop PC! :D
I've got a newish 10" iPad, which is very fast, and a two year old mini, which is really slow. Go figure.

Thanks Steve :y
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Andy H on 15 June 2019, 20:43:38
Silly question - does the soundbar support a bluetooth connection from more than one device at once?

Have you tried disconnecting from the ipad ?
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 16 June 2019, 00:27:20
Silly question - does the soundbar support a bluetooth connection from more than one device at once?

Have you tried disconnecting from the ipad ?

Yes Andy. Not only was my PC paired and recognised with the Panosonic soundbar, but so is my iPad.

The problems started after months of using a Bluetooth dongle from Curry's PC World, enjoying iTunes being streamed through, and it just ceasing to function.  Hence why I bought a replacement - then another - then another without joy! :'( :'( ;)
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: TheBoy on 16 June 2019, 10:32:47
And, of course, dependent on your Wi-fi speed and quality.

Ah, that is interesting. My BT fibre optic, well to the green box in the street, meets all the speed checks I have done and for me in practical terms is usually as fast as I need, and is supersonic compared to how fast my iPad loads!

So, could it be the internet speed to the iPad that stops it from working well with big internet sites, or, as said, my iPad (yes, it is years old!) basically past it?

Time for a new iPad perhaps, as it looks as though I am keeping my (still non-Bluetooth) Desktop PC! :D
Try you iPad on a speedtest site in various areas of the house.  If its old, the only 2.4GHz Wifi might be g standard (54MBps), which translates in reality to about 20-23Mbps best case.  If it supports 5Ghz, that frequency doesn't penetrate walls too well, so might only reach the better speeds when close to the router.

My gayPad is an Air <something>, about 4yrs old, and perfectly fine once booted.  The pace of mobile development, plus the fact that mobile OS was built without thinking about security in any way, means the hardware quickly goes out of date, and is impossible to upgrade components to faster, newer options.  That's the same for Android and iOS devices.  Windows tablets - which I would not recommend unless you really need one - fair better due to the maturity of Windows.
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 17 June 2019, 13:45:10
And, of course, dependent on your Wi-fi speed and quality.

Ah, that is interesting. My BT fibre optic, well to the green box in the street, meets all the speed checks I have done and for me in practical terms is usually as fast as I need, and is supersonic compared to how fast my iPad loads!

So, could it be the internet speed to the iPad that stops it from working well with big internet sites, or, as said, my iPad (yes, it is years old!) basically past it?

Time for a new iPad perhaps, as it looks as though I am keeping my (still non-Bluetooth) Desktop PC! :D
Try you iPad on a speedtest site in various areas of the house.  If its old, the only 2.4GHz Wifi might be g standard (54MBps), which translates in reality to about 20-23Mbps best case.  If it supports 5Ghz, that frequency doesn't penetrate walls too well, so might only reach the better speeds when close to the router.

My gayPad is an Air <something>, about 4yrs old, and perfectly fine once booted.  The pace of mobile development, plus the fact that mobile OS was built without thinking about security in any way, means the hardware quickly goes out of date, and is impossible to upgrade components to faster, newer options.  That's the same for Android and iOS devices.  Windows tablets - which I would not recommend unless you really need one - fair better due to the maturity of Windows.

What iPad would you recommend in 2019 that gives what you would expect and demand please TB? ??? ???

With what you and STEMO is saying it strikes me that I need a new, and now I'm not bothering to change my PC I'm thinking why not! :D :D ;)

PS I am trying to use the BT speedtest on the iPad but for some reason it won't let me!! >:(
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: STEMO on 17 June 2019, 15:31:26
From my iPad:

(https://i.ibb.co/hLHGFhR/F7556614-C01-F-4265-8-A57-1-EC8-B4-DA1-ABA.png) (https://ibb.co/sbQT9kv)
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 17 June 2019, 16:03:20
Thanks Steve, that looks good :y

At the moment, for some reason, the MyBT on my iPad is not letting me to do anything to check!

I'll keep on trying ;)
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: TheBoy on 17 June 2019, 17:36:49
A PC doesn't have built in obsolescent, and MS support all OS's for at least 10yrs from launch.  Mobile devices do.
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 17 June 2019, 17:48:46
A PC doesn't have built in obsolescent, and MS support all OS's for at least 10yrs from launch.  Mobile devices do.

Understood :y :y
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: STEMO on 17 June 2019, 18:00:07
A PC doesn't have built in obsolescent, and MS support all OS's for at least 10yrs from launch.  Mobile devices do.
A tablet doesn't have windows updates, though.  ;D
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 17 June 2019, 18:03:11
A PC doesn't have built in obsolescent, and MS support all OS's for at least 10yrs from launch.  Mobile devices do.
A tablet doesn't have windows updates, though.  ;D

Now I am really going to show my ignorance........my iPad does not have Windows on it, but can you buy a iPad or tablet with it such as Windows 10 so it can talk to my PC? ??? ??? ??? ???

Many thanks ;)
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 17 June 2019, 18:19:29
A PC doesn't have built in obsolescent, and MS support all OS's for at least 10yrs from launch.  Mobile devices do.
A tablet doesn't have windows updates, though.  ;D

Now I am really going to show my ignorance........my iPad does not have Windows on it, but can you buy a iPad or tablet with it such as Windows 10 so it can talk to my PC? ??? ??? ??? ???

Many thanks ;)
You can, but it would be easier to buy an Apple desktop to talk to the iPad
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: dave the builder on 17 June 2019, 18:31:30
or buy a decent windowa PC and android tablet and avoid over-priced fruit named products
store all music ,films and files on a NAS drive
sell all the fruit named products
cider and apple sauce for the sunday roast pork leg is all you need
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: TheBoy on 17 June 2019, 18:53:38
A PC doesn't have built in obsolescent, and MS support all OS's for at least 10yrs from launch.  Mobile devices do.
A tablet doesn't have windows updates, though.  ;D
No, it has Apple updates or Android updates instead. And those stupid Mac things have their form of updates as well.

All operating systems need updates, be it Windoze or anything else.
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: STEMO on 17 June 2019, 19:01:03
I've never had a problem with updates on my iPad but, if I'm honest, I really don't try to do anything complicated with it. Browsing, online banking, managing my energy account, BT, the odd flutter.........stuff like that. I'm sure it will do much more than I ask of it.
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: TheBoy on 17 June 2019, 19:01:54
A PC doesn't have built in obsolescent, and MS support all OS's for at least 10yrs from launch.  Mobile devices do.
A tablet doesn't have windows updates, though.  ;D

Now I am really going to show my ignorance........my iPad does not have Windows on it, but can you buy a iPad or tablet with it such as Windows 10 so it can talk to my PC? ??? ??? ??? ???

Many thanks ;)
Yes, but as said earlier, unless you *really need* a Windows tablet, I cannot recommend getting one.  I have a few, because I have valid needs for such devices.

For a general purpose web/email tablet, the iPad is hard to beat in performance, reliability, build quality and price...   ...a £59 Tesco Hudl Android tablet is a piece of shit.  All decent tablets, irrespective of what they run, start at around £400ish.  Each OS manufacturer, be it crApple, Google or Microsoft will try to trap you in to their upsells, such a iCloud/Google Drive/OneDrive etc, and try to make it inconvenient to use other storage or apps...   ...so if you need that level of integration, that may sway you.  But Windows (desktop) is so open, its generally trivial to integrate at that end.
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: TheBoy on 17 June 2019, 19:05:18
I've never had a problem with updates on my iPad but, if I'm honest, I really don't try to do anything complicated with it. Browsing, online banking, managing my energy account, BT, the odd flutter.........stuff like that. I'm sure it will do much more than I ask of it.
It still does updates (or at least should - if you have disabled it, add yourself to the list ;)).  Its generally a bot more intrusive than Windows, because its unusable for longer (Windows Update tries to do more in the background).
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: STEMO on 17 June 2019, 19:06:43
I've never had a problem with updates on my iPad but, if I'm honest, I really don't try to do anything complicated with it. Browsing, online banking, managing my energy account, BT, the odd flutter.........stuff like that. I'm sure it will do much more than I ask of it.
It still does updates (or at least should - if you have disabled it, add yourself to the list ;)).  Its generally a bot more intrusive than Windows, because its unusable for longer (Windows Update tries to do more in the background).
20-25 minutes. It downloads in the background and I can install when I choose. But you know that already.
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: STEMO on 17 June 2019, 19:10:19
Sometimes I do something on the iPad accidentally. I end up with a split screen or the screen I'm on floats off into the top corner. These things must be really useful for some people, but I haven't got a fickin clue........ ;D
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: STEMO on 17 June 2019, 19:14:25
Wifey never updates hers, so I do it. Hers is a 12 or 13 inch one, big unwieldy thing. Anyway, when I open it, she has about 40 apps open and about a dozen tabs in safari. Before I update it, I "tidy things up". She goes fickin mental........"WHERES ALL ME TABS GONE" ????!!!  ;D
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: TheBoy on 17 June 2019, 19:26:01
Sometimes I do something on the iPad accidentally. I end up with a split screen or the screen I'm on floats off into the top corner. These things must be really useful for some people, but I haven't got a fickin clue........ ;D
Press the home button twice in quick succession?
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: TheBoy on 17 June 2019, 19:27:29
Wifey never updates hers, so I do it. Hers is a 12 or 13 inch one, big unwieldy thing. Anyway, when I open it, she has about 40 apps open and about a dozen tabs in safari. Before I update it, I "tidy things up". She goes fickin mental........"WHERES ALL ME TABS GONE" ????!!!  ;D
My gayPad gets turned on about once a year, so every time it needs a million updates to apps and the iOS ;D
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 17 June 2019, 20:21:20
Quote from: TheBoy link=topic=145063.msg1906908#mhhnsg1906908 date=1560789409
A PC doesn't have built in obsolescent, and MS support all OS's for at least 10yrs from launch.  Mobile devices do.
A tablet doesn't have windows updates, though.  ;D

Now I am really going to show my ignorance........my iPad does not have Windows on it, but can you buy a iPad or tablet with it such as Windows 10 so it can talk to my PC? ??? ??? ??? ???

Many thanks ;)
You can, but it would be easier to buy an Apple desktop to talk to the iPad

Thanks DG :y :y
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 17 June 2019, 20:26:09
or buy a decent windowa PC and android tablet and avoid over-priced fruit named products
store all music ,films and files on a NAS drive
sell all the fruit named products
cider and apple sauce for the sunday roast pork leg is all you need

 ;D ;D ;D ;D Now cooking a Sunday roast is easy enough for me, and I love eating and cooking with fruit Dave. But all this tech stuff,,with so many opinions 'out there' about this and that operating system and devices is making me feel giddy! :o :o  :D
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 17 June 2019, 20:30:21
I've never had a problem with updates on my iPad but, if I'm honest, I really don't try to do anything complicated with it. Browsing, online banking, managing my energy account, BT, the odd flutter.........stuff like that. I'm sure it will do much more than I ask of it.

Really Steve! :o :o :o :o

Now that is why I have my PC as I keep it all protected so that my personal information is not as vulnerable as if I used my iPad for all the serious business.  That is what I think anyway.........!!! ::) ::) :D ;)
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: STEMO on 17 June 2019, 20:32:53
I've never had a problem with updates on my iPad but, if I'm honest, I really don't try to do anything complicated with it. Browsing, online banking, managing my energy account, BT, the odd flutter.........stuff like that. I'm sure it will do much more than I ask of it.

Really Steve! :o :o :o :o

Now that is why I have my PC as I keep it all protected so that my personal information is not as vulnerable as if I used my iPad for all the serious business.  That is what I think anyway.........!!! ::) ::) :D ;)
Banking apps are safe, stupid people are not safe. So, unless you are stupid, you can bank on your iPad, as I have done for years.
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 17 June 2019, 20:37:19
I've never had a problem with updates on my iPad but, if I'm honest, I really don't try to do anything complicated with it. Browsing, online banking, managing my energy account, BT, the odd flutter.........stuff like that. I'm sure it will do much more than I ask of it.

Really Steve! :o :o :o :o

Now that is why I have my PC as I keep it all protected so that my personal information is not as vulnerable as if I used my iPad for all the serious business.  That is what I think anyway.........!!! ::) ::) :D ;)
Banking apps are safe, stupid people are not safe. So, unless you are stupid, you can bank on your iPad, as I have done for years.

Right :y

Perhaps I just feel that the iPad by it's nature is mobile and more vulnerable than the trusted, with belt and braces security loaded, but I am very old fashioned.  ;D ;D ;D ;)
Title: Re: Bluetooth Wireless Dongle
Post by: Auto Addict on 15 August 2019, 18:11:13
I've just bought one of these.

So far it pairs with:-

Laptop with Bluetooth.

Laptop without Bluetooth, gives Bluetooth capability.

Pairs with an Anker portable speaker.

Pairs with a Galaxy tablet.

Pairs with a Samsung phone.

Gives Bluetooth capability to a Bose soundbar.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01BC0D4N6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1