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
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.
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.
ping for later read
$35 for the PI, $20 for a wireless USB stick, and around $50 for power supplies, wireless keyboard, USB hub, etc. and it's a very nice media player.
I got a Samsung blu ray player that does everything you’re asking for. Got it at bj’s for $90.
I have the WD (Western Digital) Tv Live Media Player, yes; this little box can be connected via wireless to your computer, then play any media you have on your computer drive through your tv set.
While the Roku was specifically designed to stream Netflix; it really only plays Mp3 audio files, and Mp4 video files with AAC audio well. Sure, it has the ability to play Mkv video files with AC3 audio, but in my own experience, it doesn’t to these things well at all, where the WD tv live media player can play ANY format thrown at it, and does this very well.
The WD tv live media player can access your computer wirelessly without adding PLAY ON, or any other channel. Here’s a very easy to understand video showing how to access media that is residing on a computer’s hard drive (using Windows 7) wirelessly through the WD tv live media player =
http://youtu.be/KSvrepOa_T4
The WD tv live media player can play media in ANY FORMAT through wirelessly accessing a computer’s hard drive, or using a USB port (via an external hard drive, or a flash drive).. while I also have a Roku, in my experience,the WD box outshines the Roku in every way..
I’ve read that certain broadcast channels can be accessed through the Roku via Play On, or some other channel. Some Roku channels may also provide a Web Browser so the internet can be accessed through your tv set. The WD tv live media player does not have that ability, as of yet.