Streaming from PC to TV via Wi-Fi options please

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › Streaming from PC to TV via Wi-Fi options please

dickytim

2514 posts

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#128845 26-Aug-2013 08:13

I have finally convinced my better half that she needed an new TV. On the weekend we picked up a Sony 32inch from The Warehouse.

the first thing she wanted was stream from my PC to the TV.

I told her that I would get her a WD TV but looking around it looks like there are now heaps more options out there.

What is the best option for streaming to the TV from my PC?

Not looking to spend a fortune but option needs to be fairly easy to use, and wireless.

Sorry if this is in the wrong section.

sonyxperiageek

2955 posts

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Trusted

#884440 26-Aug-2013 08:53

Chromecast!

Sony

Lenovo

Shop now for Lenovo laptops and other devices (affiliate link).

alvin

207 posts

Master Geek

#884442 26-Aug-2013 09:00

try serviio http://www.serviio.org/

dickytim

2514 posts

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#884443 26-Aug-2013 09:03

sorry, I might not have been clear, I am looking for hardware option.

Has anyone had experience with the WD TV Live?

NonprayingMantis

6434 posts

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#884448 26-Aug-2013 09:10

yes, I have one.

I also have tried Plex on the Ouya, PS3 with both serviio and PS3 media server, Airplayit on my ipad using airplay to my apple TV, as well as streaming direct from my NAS.

WD Live Tv has been the most stable and been able to consistently play all media files.

Inphinity

2780 posts

Uber Geek

#884450 26-Aug-2013 09:12

I have a WD TV Live Hub and it's awesome. Can't complain at all. if you wanted a cheaper option, many of the Android TV stick devices are great too, although there's a wide variation in performance and level of out-of-the-box configuration with those, though you can get them for a lot cheaper than the WD.

wellygary

8218 posts

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#884455 26-Aug-2013 09:23

Another option to look at is to use the built in DLNA that the Sony is likely to have and a HDD with a built in DLNA server ,(WD MyBook Live etc) , you will need a wifi dongle to make this work but it will save you having to have your PC on to stream to the TV..

dickytim

2514 posts

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#884458 26-Aug-2013 09:30

Sweet, the WD TV Live is only $200 new from DSE or $120-150 from Trade me, I don't think that is excessive.

Thanks for the advice all.

Inphinity

2780 posts

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#884461 26-Aug-2013 09:37

wellygary: Another option to look at is to use the built in DLNA that the Sony is likely to have and a HDD with a built in DLNA server ,(WD MyBook Live etc) , you will need a wifi dongle to make this work but it will save you having to have your PC on to stream to the TV..

If the PC (or NAS or whatever you store your media on) being on is not desired, you can go for the WD TV Live Hub - this adds a 1TB internal drive over the WD TV Live. It's about $100 more.

mclean

581 posts

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#884482 26-Aug-2013 10:05

Inphinity: If the PC (or NAS or whatever you store your media on) being on is not desired, you can go for the WD TV Live Hub - this adds a 1TB internal drive over the WD TV Live. It's about $100 more.

Or with the WD TV Live you can simply plug in a USB powered external HDD.

But you still can only stream from a local shared drive or server. The WD TV has no browser of any sort so you can't stream from an internet URL, either directly or through the PC's browser. You are limited to sites for which the WD TV provides apps. Having said that, the WD TV Live YouTube app is not bad - much better than the one on the TV. If you subscribe to YouTube channels on your PC then YouTube on the WD TV Live is pretty neat.

trig42

5796 posts

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ID Verified

#884521 26-Aug-2013 10:32

Has she got Apple product already? (like an iPhone).

The AppleTV is a pretty good little unit, and you can get Plex running on it (using PlexConnect). I had replaced my WDTV Live with an AppleTV and I preferred its UI and speed (Then I got a Samsung Smart TV which can run Plex itself and it's even better).

dickytim

2514 posts

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#884529 26-Aug-2013 10:41

We have an Ipad, Iphones etc and I use Airplayit on the Ipad and the PC currently.

I didn't think that Apple TV worked like that? At some point I may grade to it if it can do the job.

I got a WD TV live with Wi-Fi built in from trade me for $130, so if I don't like it no big loss.

trig42

5796 posts

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#884538 26-Aug-2013 10:52

True, pretty good for a WiFi WDTV, AppleTV is $160 new.

Plex works by changing the DNS in your AppleTV to point to your PC, which is running PlexConnect and Plex Server. You use it by going into the 'Trailers' App on the AppleTV - seamless. No Jailbreak required.

jcddcjjcd

63 posts

Master Geek

#884712 26-Aug-2013 14:32

The Western Digital WDTV Live v2 Multimedia Player is very good. I tried several and found this the best.

WyleECoyoteNZ

1048 posts

Uber Geek

#884774 26-Aug-2013 15:29

I've just recently got a AC Ryan Play!on HD 3D. Hardware itself is around $260.00 then you decide on what size HDD you want to put into it. Specs and details below from a couple of sites

PB wellington

http://www.pbwellington.co.nz/p.aspx?11538

PB Tech
http://www.pbtech.co.nz/index.php?z=p&p=DVAACR7390&name=AC-Ryan-Playon-HD3-3D-(BEST-SELLING-NO.1)-Wireless

It did support YouTube XL until youtube themselves killed it off, however, a Firefox Youtube downloader plugin solves that issue easily

JimmyH

2886 posts

Uber Geek

#885465 27-Aug-2013 18:55

Another vote for WD Live.

I have two. They work very well.

Get a NAS box as well (a single bay WD MyBook Live can be had for circa $200) and store all the media on that. They will do DLNA streaming etc. Then you don't even have to have the PC on to stream.