Wi-Fi connected TV player

[PhoenixKsE]

I was searching for something that could connect to my household wi-fi network and stream video and music from my computer to my TV (since I was tired of using my computer to watch all my movies and TV shows), and I came across a player called Roku. It's a little box that you connect to your TV and it guides you through connecting to your wi-fi. Once it is set up, it is able to connect to your Hulu, Netflix, and basically any other similar video streaming sites (except youtube, strangely enough). It can also be set up to stream media from your computer through a little program that basically turns your computer into a media server.

On top of all that, there are a bunch of free 'channels' you can add to it, some with long lists of free movies, some with TV shows, and some with web videos. There are cooking channels, workout channels, and many more to browse through.

It costs something like 50-60 bucks, and for everything that it is capable of I think that's a steal. I bought it from Walmart, in case anyone was wondering. It's just something I would definitely recommend if you are like me and don't have the money for cable/satellite TV, or an expensive DVD/Blu-Ray player.

For more info: www.roku.com/

[mcguirk2]

That looks interesting Phoenix. Let me know how it works for you. Especially, streaming HD video over your wireless network. That used to be a little spotty. I accomplished a similar thing using my xbox 360. I use my pc as a media server and I purchased this software to stream video to my TV through the xbox.

www.playon.tv/

[tazimafied]

I went the simple route and just used an HDMI cable. Works great!

[PhoenixKsE]

Yes, there are better ways of accomplishing the task guys, but mine was about being a cheaper way of accomplishing the task.

If I had an Xbox 360 or a PS3 or an HDTV I would certainly have it set up to stream that way, but since I don't have any of those things, and since I still have an old regular style TV, I found a great way to get functionality out of it.

[mcguirk2]

I wasn't telling you I had a "better way" of accomplishing what you were trying to do, I was just sharing with you what I came up with when faced with the same issue. I am genuinely curious how the Roku works for you.

[PhoenixKsE]

I wasn't mad or anything. It's really hard to convey tone with text. It is working out nicely. The only issue I have with it is that I haven't figured out how to get a queue set up, so videos play back to back. I know there's a way, I just haven't looked into it very hard.