Watch tv from my computer?

[sarge1572]

OK, I have a desktop computer that I want to run wireless internet to watch Netflix on my TV. This is what I have:

AMD Athlon 64X2 dual core processor 4200+, 2.19GHz, 960 MB ram, MS Windows XP service pack 3.

My ISP is Verizon DSL, 785 something or other (the slowest DSL service offered by Verizon).

Do I have the "stuff" to do what I want? If I do, what "add ons" do I need? I was thinking a wireless router and a Roku Player http://shop.roku.com/Roku-Digital-Vi...ptions-W5.aspx Everytime I search for the information different information is offered and different equipment is recommended.

If I DON"T, what am I missing?

I've been to Fry's and their "tech" set me up with stuff that won't work for me (I contacted the manufacturer to make sure, and it won't work (PC2TV)
I've been to a couple of other "tech" places and I'm more confused than when I started.

If I get a different version from here I'm not entirely sure what course of action I'll take, but it won't be pretty!!!

Phew!!

Waiting with bated breath.

Jeff

[AS45-70]

I was doing netflicks also, all i needed was a HDMI cable to go from my Vid card to the TV. I also use my PC's DVD and watch it on my TV. I dont see the need to by a DVD player when i have one in my PC. BTW i dumped netflicks, lousy selection. I pretty much watched everything they had i was interested in 2 weeks.

[Milsurps]

My ISP is Verizon DSL, 785 something or other (the slowest DSL service offered by Verizon).

If I DON"T, what am I missing?
Jeff

On the STUFF part your OK. What you lack is speed. 768k DSL won't cut it. I have 3M DSL with Verizon and it just barely cuts it with Netflix. Think More speed.

HTH

[locktime]

More speed.

And if you have a Wii, get the disc from Netflix and watch through the Wii. Works great. Or so the kids say.

[Ricky-Ray]

More speed.

And if you have a Wii, get the disc from Netflix and watch through the Wii. Works great. Or so the kids say.

x2 Although the disc for me is for the PS3. If you have the Xbox360 the netflix software is already built in so you don't need the disc.

[slobson]

I was doing netflicks also, all i needed was a HDMI cable to go from my Vid card to the TV. I also use my PC's DVD and watch it on my TV. I dont see the need to by a DVD player when i have one in my PC. BTW i dumped netflicks, lousy selection. I pretty much watched everything they had i was interested in 2 weeks.

yes for the HDMI

x2 Although the disc for me is for the PS3. If you have the Xbox360 the netflix software is already built in so you don't need the disc.

but more yes for the PS3. Both do it, but the PS3 will be less of a pain in the butt to hook up and get the display options right

[todd2968]

can u just use a wi/fi media player

http://www.buy.com/prod/viewsonic-nextv-vmp75-1080p-network-media-player-stream-netflix/q/loc/111/215764450.html

[sarge1572]

OK. More speed. Got it. NOW, considering I do that (which I will if I can get the REST of it) will ANY wireless router work? And if it won't, what kind do I need?????

AND, once I have THAT part, what kind of wireless receiver? I was looking at the Roku box.

todd asks if I can use a wi/fi media player. Todd, if I knew THAT I wouldn't have all of THESE questions. Sorry. Along with more speed, I obviously need MORE HELP!! HEEEELLLLPPPPP

Thanks
Jeff

[todd2968]

No problem, Im just figuring this out also.
A friend of mine has linked this box with his home wifi network allowing him to connect all the computers together wirelessly and either streaming from internet or videos stored on his harddrive. I cannot attest to the speed or clarity but it does say 1080p.

[CalBear]

If you're looking to stream stuff like netflix and not really anything in your own media library, then you're probably fine with a G or N wireless router + Roku HD. With a PS3 or 360 you can stream content from your PC through a media server program like tversity.

[sarge1572]

WOO HOO!! That's what I wanted to hear!! Plain and simple.

Thanks CalBear!!! YOU DA MAN!!!!!

YE haaaawwwwww

I'm buying that stuff tomorrow. If I can remember I'll let you all know if it worked, it's the remembering that's hard.

Thanks
Jeff

[JDay]

With a PS3 or 360 you can stream content from your PC through a media server program like tversity.

You only need Media Player in order to do this. Just add all your content to your library and configure media sharing.

[todd2968]

roku cost like $300 a media player around $100 or less

[CalBear]

You only need Media Player in order to do this. Just add all your content to your library and configure media sharing.

Are you referring to Windows Media Player? Ya, you can with WMP, but I've typically just used tversity or ps3 media server -- both are free, and I've had good experiences with them.

roku cost like $300 a media player around $100 or less

Eh, I don't know man. Roku HD is 70 bucks these days on Amazon. Someone looking to get a device that will stream netflix and some other online TV content is going to be hard pressed to find a cheaper and easier option.

The only drawback of Roku is its inability to stream content from your own media library. A network media player may be worth getting if you want that ability. There seem to be a few good options out there. I'd be sure to get something with a very large format support (particularly x264 MKV). I sometimes use PS3, but I will say this is not a good media streaming device, overall. It does not support some key formats like x264 -- the steps to play these popular formats are a pain in the ***. This device seems to support many formats, and has decent reviews:

http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-Network-ready-Player-WDBAAN0000NBK-NESN/dp/B002KKFP9Y/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1283798518&sr=1-1

I'm just skeptical because I feel like that market has never become too big or polished. With the low price of home theater PC setups these days, I think a lot of people are just hooking a HTPC up to their TV. That setup ensures the widest compatibility and reduces networking hiccups.

[sarge1572]

OK, JUST when I was ready to pull the trigger NetFlix sends me info on "WDTVlive PLUS". While perusing their site I found this router that uses the wiring inside the house?????? Has ANYbody tried this?

http://store.westerndigital.com/store/wdus/en_US/DisplayAccesoryProductDetailsPage/ThemeID.1300400/productID.206168600/parid.13092400/catid.13742300/categoryID.43496300

Somebody tell me, quick. If I'm going to get something I have to do it before my kids find out I have any $$$$$$$$!!

Thanks
Jeff