Question for tech heads

vanity | 08/06/2013 | chuckles

[ShadowAce]

[Raycpa]

Chromecast is reported to play whatever you have on your browser.

[ShadowAce]

I run a Roku box with Plex installed. I can view just about any type of video file on my laptop from my TV that way.

It's pretty cool.

[oh8eleven]

Is there a set top box that would allow me to access my network and internet with surfing ability?
I'm thinking a Smart DVD player would do it.

[Mr. K]

if you have USB ports just get a plug-in wifi network adapter for $20

[Wills_Dad]

I have a Boxee box (now pseudo-supported) that provides access to my network attached storage as well as browsing and application support.

[chuckles]

I’m not sure I understand. The set top box will already access wifi. Does a USB wifi adapter get me in a private network? Google TV has Chrome on it so I could get out to the net, but getting back to the networked computers seems hard from a box.

[Sans-Culotte]

I run a Roku box with Plex installed. I can view just about any type of video file on my laptop from my TV that way.

What is Plex? How does it work with a Roku?

[TomGuy]

PLEX is a software server. I use it to ‘stream’ videos on my desktop computer and NAS drive to my TV.

http://www.plexapp.com/

I also have ROKU to stream Netflix, etc.

I also have the WD TV Live which is a box that operates similar to PLEX to connect to the NAS drive.

I don’t know of any method/software that would allow you to serf the web in the manner you describe.

[Responsibility2nd]

Google Chromecast for $35 - google.com‎

www.google.com/chromecast‎

Enjoy online video & anything from the web on your TV. Order today!‎

 

Watch our YouTube video - Order now on Google Play

 

[Hardraade]

Many media players are able to see both your network and any loose harddrives in it, as well as drives plugged straight in.

[ShadowAce]

Plex is an app you install on both the Roku and on your laptop/desktop at home. It serves up media files to the Roku which then displays them on your TV.

[chuckles]

I’m still looking at the other suggestions, but so far the Plex seems to fit the bill. Others may be cheaper though.

[JFoobar]

Your TV should be able to network mount a NFS/Windows File Share. Store your movies, music, and data there, and mount the server via your laptop and tv. Most modern Wireless routers have a USB port that can be shared as a fileshare. You can use that, or simply have a low powered computer that’s always on attached as the server.

[Charles Martel]

Plex does seem to have the momentum right now as a media server. There's another one called PlayOn that you might check out, also available on the Roku through a "private channel".

Be sure to check out the minimum system requirements for running media server software. A multi-core CPU is pretty much a requirement.

[UB355]

I added a Sony Blue Ray Player BDP-S390. I selected this model because it works with Amazon Prime. I can view and play most any media on my PC thru the Blue Ray Player thru my home network.

[JRandomFreeper]

Your TV should be able to network mount a NFS/Windows File Share.

That comment really hit me. Back when I was a kid, I used to repair neighborhood TVs. The black and white ones with tubes.

We've come a long way...

/johnny

[deadmenvote]

ping for later read

[Mr. K]

I think I misunderstood the question - sorry

If your laptop display is connected to the TV i dont understand why you are limitted to netflix