Help me out, guys! I would like to modernize my home media by streaming video from my PC directly to my TV. I would also like to be able to stream Netflix and YouTube. Ideally, I want to do this over my WiFi network, but I will run an Ethernet to my router if I really have to.

Right now I watch video by connecting my laptop as needed, but I would now like to setup a dedicated, no-fuss solution. These days, I thought a streaming setup would be easy and inexpensive, but I haven't figured it out yet.

So far I've tried:

• Xbox 360 >> worked OK, but a couple of fatal flaws: 1) Cannot stream Netflix without paying $60/yr for a Gold account, 2) the Xbox is just too loud!
• WD TV Live >> pretty happy with this. Streamed multiple video formats and had a free Netflix app. BUT, I found it would sometimes stutter and randomly skip ahead. It also dropped network connection too often. Online search showed these types of problems are pretty common with the device, so I returned it because I do not want something that needs babysitting.

How are you all doing this?

My PC is running Windows 7
I am not trying to watch BluRay or other super hi-fi video; just basic .avi and .mp4
I am looking for an inexpensive solution (say, up to $150)

Run an hdmi cable from your pc to your tv... then add on a wireless mouse and keyboard to leave with your tv (logitech makes a mini wireless keyboard with a trackpad)

Outside of that, a Wii can be had for under $50 from a pawn shop. Free netflix (outside of the actual Netflix sub fee) and kinda-internet.

Quote from: Badot on March 14, 2014, 06:57:51 PM
Run an hdmi cable from your pc to your tv... then add on a wireless mouse and keyboard to leave with your tv (logitech makes a mini wireless keyboard with a trackpad)

Outside of that, a Wii can be had for under $50 from a pawn shop. Free netflix (outside of the actual Netflix sub fee) and kinda-internet.

agreed on this.

Quote from: Badot on March 14, 2014, 06:57:51 PM
Run an hdmi cable from your pc to your tv... then add on a wireless mouse and keyboard to leave with your tv (logitech makes a mini wireless keyboard with a trackpad)

Outside of that, a Wii can be had for under $50 from a pawn shop. Free netflix (outside of the actual Netflix sub fee) and kinda-internet.

Good ideas - thanks!

The HDMI option is good, but there are a couple of problems in my case: 1) my amplifier is too old and does not have HDMI inputs, 2) the run would be about 100', and it seems like this length is not recommended for HDMI cable

The Wii sounds interesting. I gather it is very quiet, but it seems like direct network access is a bit of a hassle. Am I wrong? I read a couple of sites, and it sounds like you need to jump through some hoops to make it work (install third party software, etc.). But maybe this information is outdated and the setup is easier now?

I understand some Blu-ray disc players can access a local network directly, as well as having built in support for Netflix / YouTube. Is this an option that anyone is familiar with?

Thanks again for the ideas 

My wii is pretty quiet. It hooks right up to my wireless without a problem if that's what you're asking. The web browser is opera based and a little proprietary, especially since you have a wiimote and not a keyboard but youtube does work fine.
If you're hacking one and installing the homebrew channel with custom software it can be done by someone competent/good with google in about 30 minutes. I'd suggest starting with the letterbomb 'app'.

HDMI boosters can be had for around $30 iirc. Adapters can be bought for just about any connection type you want too.

theres this googlechrometv thing about idk $35?  hdmi to tv and I guess some type of dongle to the pc, the amp, can you patch from the tv to the amp?

Google chromecast.

/thread

I use a first gen Apple TV jail broken and running XBMC works great for streaming from my PC I had problems running hd video over wirless but with a cable works fine.  I have also heard of guys running a raspberrie pi to do the same thing not sure what software they are using but works well apparently but google is your friend.

We don't have cable, so I rely on internet streaming everday for everything from news to movies... I have a Vizio smart TV that connects to WiFi, and has a bunch of apps like Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Video, etc... I use that in the living room

In the Man Cave, I have a regular LED hooked up to my XboxOne, which covers everything.
In the Guest Room, I have a blue-ray player that's WiFi enabled and includes almost all the same apps as my smart TV... So even though we don't have cable, everyone has access to the same type of entertainment in multiple areas of the house.  Of all the devices, I prefer the Xbox One for streaming because it is far easier to navigate - but the other devices still get it done... I don't have any issues with streaming on any of them as far as connection goes.

My fiancés parents also do not have cable, and they use a Roku box - though, I don't know much about that one. 
  Her dad wouldn't have bought though, if it weren't cheap and easy 

- Bboy

Quote from: john on March 17, 2014, 11:07:17 PM
Google chromecast.

/thread

that's it. and its cheap too. being hdmi on the tv side it would link to tv. and I think another part on the pc side. I want one of those things. 35 isn't bad at worst buy

Thanks for the ideas everyone Lots of new options to consider here.

Quote from: beRto on March 19, 2014, 04:55:28 PM
Thanks for the ideas everyone Lots of new options to consider here.

IIRC youre in Canada. so might be more there, get someone to send over from the us?, ( the chromecast ) that one would be ideal in your case methinks