Originally Posted by DJGM:
“OP ... what sort of TV do you have ... a bog standard
traditional CRT, or modern flat panel LCD/Plasma?
”
Originally Posted by Bill_Pine:
“Got a 42" Panasonic Plasma.....
”
Originally Posted by masona2:
“Sorry,
But why would this be important?
”
Most modern LCD/Plasma TVs have a VGA input, so the OP could easily plug a secondary PC into
the TV (preferably a small form factor) install either VLC or XBMC, and play back pretty much any
video format you could possibly throw at it, rather than putting up with the various limitations of
multimedia STBs, especially proprietary and excessively restrictive junk like AppleTV.
Plus, full internet access via any standard preferred internet browser the OP chooses, including all
the popular video sites like YouTube and BBC iPlayer ... which is far better than a dumbed down
limited interface with a cherrypicked selection of services chosen by the TV manufacturer.
I recently bought a refurb'd HP Compaq DC770 (small form factor) PC especially for this purpose,
as the choice of internet video services and codec support on my Sony Bravia TV is very limited.
The HP PC is connected directly to my main PC upstairs (in a room directly above) via ethernet,
from which I can directly stream all my video stuff stored on its 1.5TB hard drive. The Bravia
always struggles to get an IP address even when it's directly connected via ethernet.
The HP DC770 SFF PC was only £80 (inc delivery) from Speedie Computers in Birmingham.
While it maybe somewhat larger than most multimedia STBs on the market ... it just works.