Posted on 08/06/2013 8:52:20 AM PDT by chuckles
I have an old laptop connected to my TV to share my network and wifi. Is there a set top box that would allow me to access my network and internet with surfing ability? The boxes I see seem to be limited to Hulu and Netflix but not able to look at my hard drive in the other room. If I wanted music or films stored on the bed room puter, is that possible with a set top box? I wouldn't do away with my laptop unless I could get the same service as the laptop. Also, what if I found content to watch that wasn't on Netflix? Could I watch a local church service via a browser? I want to do away with my laptop without hamstringing what I already can do and I don't want to pay as much as a new Walmart Laptop.
Chromecast is reported to play whatever you have on your browser.
It's pretty cool.
if you have USB ports just get a plug-in wifi network adapter for $20
I have a Boxee box (now pseudo-supported) that provides access to my network attached storage as well as browsing and application support.
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.
What is Plex? How does it work with a Roku?
PLEX is a software server. I use it to ‘stream’ videos on my desktop computer and NAS drive to my TV.
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.
Many media players are able to see both your network and any loose harddrives in it, as well as drives plugged straight in.
I’m still looking at the other suggestions, but so far the Plex seems to fit the bill. Others may be cheaper though.
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.
Be sure to check out the minimum system requirements for running media server software. A multi-core CPU is pretty much a requirement.
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.
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
ping for later read
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
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