Streaming music and video from laptop to TV

Forums › Home Theatre (incl HTPC) › Streaming music and video from laptop to TV

aboylikedave

243 posts

Master Geek

# 83389 15-May-2011 22:06

Hi

Done lots of searching but getting confused. Can anyone offer advice on recommend devices to wirelessly stream from laptop to TV?

What's confusing me is I've seen people criticizing devices for not delivering certain online services, but if my laptop can get a service can't I stream it via these media boxes? If I can get BBC iplayer on my laptop can these media boxes simply display what's on my laptop on my TV? Likewise internet radio stations (e.g. BBC) - if I am listening to it on my laptop do these media players wirelessly enable me to play it through my TV or Hi FI?

Cheers

My EPL football websites: Get the results but hide the score of your team at HidetheScore.net. Compare league positions with wage bills at RealPremierLeague.net.

JimmyH

2648 posts

Uber Geek

# 469827 16-May-2011 19:31

WD TV Live with a wireless adapter, if the laptop is running Windows 7.

According to the manual the WD supports the "play to" functionality under MCE in Windows 7.

Dunnersfella

3670 posts

Uber Geek

# 469842 16-May-2011 20:10

If you're looking to replicate your computer on your TV, you're best off with cables.

However, streaming music or movies off your computer / phone is easy with an Apple TV and iOS compatible handset, via Airtunes.

gehenna

6044 posts

Uber Geek

Moderator

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

# 469847 16-May-2011 20:21

Grab a $150 Apple TV, jailbreak it, install XBMC and add all the plugins for streaming services (TVNZ on demand, etc).

The process is simple, and there's lots of instructions online.

With an ATV you can also stream your iTunes to it and with XBMC installed you can access any shared folders over your home network and display the media on the TV.

Easy peasy.

aboylikedave

243 posts

Master Geek

# 470075 17-May-2011 12:49

Thanks. Sounds good. Where are they $150? How would it work with a hidden IP to watch BBC IPlayer?

My EPL football websites: Get the results but hide the score of your team at HidetheScore.net. Compare league positions with wage bills at RealPremierLeague.net.

Dunnersfella

3670 posts

Uber Geek

# 470080 17-May-2011 12:54

Last time I checked they were $169?

aboylikedave

243 posts

Master Geek

# 470623 18-May-2011 16:38

$170 at Apple NZ, not bad at all.

Does anyone know if I will be able to stream Spotify to Apple TV with or without XBMC?

My EPL football websites: Get the results but hide the score of your team at HidetheScore.net. Compare league positions with wage bills at RealPremierLeague.net.

Dunnersfella

3670 posts

Uber Geek

# 470724 18-May-2011 19:27

Nope - I've never seen it at least.

aboylikedave

243 posts

Master Geek

# 500021 31-Jul-2011 16:04

gehenna: Grab a $150 Apple TV, jailbreak it, install XBMC and add all the plugins for streaming services (TVNZ on demand, etc).

The process is simple, and there's lots of instructions online.

With an ATV you can also stream your iTunes to it and with XBMC installed you can access any shared folders over your home network and display the media on the TV.

Easy peasy.

A few monhths on, I just wanted to come back and say, this has been bloody brilliant! I also have to say that just using the Apple bit to listen to podcasts via itunes has been good too.

My EPL football websites: Get the results but hide the score of your team at HidetheScore.net. Compare league positions with wage bills at RealPremierLeague.net.