Starting point: Videos on laptop. Where do you get them? DVDs or Internet download?
If Internet, consider a smart TV for services such Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc. More providers are offering streaming services: CBS, HBO, STARZ, Showtime, etc. You can also stream from your laptop to a smart TV via a PLEX (or similar) app.
Of course, that would depend on your Internet source. More mobile companies say they allow free streaming. I do not know of the conditions or restrictions. To stream, typically you need a 4 Mbps or faster Internet.
Technology has finally reached a point where computers and TVs can actually communicate with each other.
There are too many ‘ifs’ without knowing more about your situation and equipment.
I get 99% of everything on youtube. Most of it is free. Every time I pay to see a flick I end up feeling like I’ve squandered the money.
I’m really just looking for a huge computer monitor but they aren’t marketed in the range of 40-80” so I have to go with a tv. It would be connected to one of my laptops.