Best way to set up a non-wifi TV for streaming movies?

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e9999

e9999

Gotta get out there...
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So, we have a recent high-quality 1080p Sony TV -but one that does not have wifi capability- that we'll keep for a while. All sorts of connectors in the back.
I have plenty of computers and hardware and wifi and bluetooth stuff. Have DVD players already, but not wifi either.

What is the best way to set up the TV to be able to watch HD movies downloaded/streamed from Netflix etc?

I know I can get a Blueray player with built-in wifi for somewhere like $100-150, but I don't really need the extra BR player part. Is there a good dedicated wifi streaming player that plugs straight into the TV somehow and would allow me to stream movies? Seen a few online for about $100 -Rokus etc- but no idea about the pros and cons of the devices and/or approach.
Or should I just get a computer set up with a hard video cable to the TV, use the computer as the streaming device and the TV as its monitor?
Or a better way still?
TIA
 
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Got an Xbox? I think Playstation does that as well. You can stream from the computer to the xbox to the tv. Or even right from netflix off the xbox. The Wii will do it as well, although I think the resolution is poor.
 
no, no game gizmos at all.
Have an iPad though, but that will only give out 720p I think.
The TV has HDMIs inputs so connecting to a computer should be easy enough.
Just tested my wifi. I get about 3 - 5 Mbps through wifi (811g) per the Cnet test.
 
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I just use a cable from my laptop. Not really ideal, but its cheap and one less thing sitting around. I have my laptop set to just turn off the monitor when I close it.
 
is there a way to custom program the streaming players like Rokus and the wifi Blue-Ray players? as in any web address is possible or are they stuck on a few preprogrammed providers like Netflix?
 
so it looks like basically one could pay about $100 for the privilege of not having the laptop sitting next to the TV with a cable when watching a movie, and possibly being limited to a few preprogrammed sites (that true?). Not that compelling.

I did some tests and it looks like with 5 Mbps from Cnet, I can stream youtube 1080 HD downloads smoothly.

I'm thinking that with the big increase in streaming interest among the public the IPs will likely increase their rates even more or do away with unlimited use before too long...
With most of us desperately addicted to the Internet, we are completely at the mercy of the IPs. "aaaargh... gotta save $$ for internet, food be damned...."



I saw an interesting gizmo being sold at Costco: Belkin Screencast. It's a box you connect to the TV and that relies on Intel WiDi. Basically, the laptop broadcasts display info wirelessly and the box captures that to have the TV do a mirror image of the display. Catch is that Intel WiDi is available only for a small number of computers so far from what I read.


added: seems like generic speedtest measurements are pretty much meaningless unless one could use the actual Netflix etc servers. Can that be done?
 
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I have Apple TV on a similar set up. It's pretty awesome, and you can link it to your iTunes on your computer(s) and also to your iPad. Yes, you cannot go to any website you please, but you can go to both Netflix and rent movies through iTunes for 30 days at a time for anywhere from $3-5. I can also play music from my iTunes through my TV (which has a much better sound than my laptop speakers...) and view pictures that are on my laptop through it (good for showing visiting family photos of family). It has Youtube, radio stations, and several other apps that I've never even clicked on. Not bad at all for the price
 
e9999 said:
no, no game gizmos at all.
Have an iPad though, but that will only give out 720p I think.
The TV has HDMIs inputs so connecting to a computer should be easy enough.
Just tested my wifi. I get about 3 - 5 Mbps through wifi (811g) per the Cnet test.
Click to expand...

why not a PS3? then you'd have BRD, Netflix, Hulu, etc and rather than adding to your device stack it would replace a device (DVD player).
 
OregonLC said:
why not a PS3? then you'd have BRD, Netflix, Hulu, etc and rather than adding to your device stack it would replace a device (DVD player).
Click to expand...

He has a great point. Plus not only does it play DVD's, but blu ray also
 
1loudLX said:
sounds like you want a computer hooked up to your TV.
Click to expand...

In the year 1982-3 I had a commadore 64 hooked up to the TV because I couldnt afford a monitor:lol: with tape drive:crybaby:
 
prado t said:
In the year 1982-3 I had a commadore 64 hooked up to the TV because I couldnt afford a monitor:lol: with tape drive:crybaby:
Click to expand...

lucky you. my parents got me an Atari 1200XL hooked up to a TV. but did have a 5-1/4" drive.
 
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