Internet TV. What do you call the wireless distribution box thingy?

[BadgerDave]

I have a Netflix account and solid wireless service. One of our TVs has a built in wireless connection and we can stream movies. I'd like to do the same with an older TV that has no wireless connection.

What do I need to look for? What's the Hamer of whatever it is?

Thanks!

[mathman]

Is the older tv hd or not. What type of connections? hdmi, component, composite, RF?

Depending on the connections you have lots of options.

Many blue ray disk dvd players have wireless connections and play netflix.

Apple TV will stream netflix as well as hulu and more. It can also stream from your iTunes on your computer if you use itunes.

There are quite a few smaller internet players like roku and others.

Netflix has a section on their website that lists all the options for streaming netflix.

https://signup.netflix.com/Watch

[Punkavenger]

We have Roku going to an older Phillips HDTV (2005?) Works great!

[Bloozguy]

+1 on the Roku. Ours works great. They make several different boxes depending upon the connections to your TV.

[aknapp]

Some TV models have a "wireless dongle" available that you plug into a USB port.

[BadgerDave]

The TV is about three years old Panasonic HD flatscreen. Unfortunately, it only has two HDMI inputs and one of them is broken. Ideally, I'd like to find a BluRay player that has a built in WiFi and run it into the component video inputs. Otherwise, I'll need to run the internet connection through those old school red, white and yellow RCA cables.

[MCChris]

The TV is about three years old Panasonic HD flatscreen. Unfortunately, it only has two HDMI inputs and one of them is broken. Ideally, I'd like to find a BluRay player that has a built in WiFi and run it into the component video inputs. Otherwise, I'll need to run the internet connection through those old school red, white and yellow RCA cables.

I got a $59 Dynex Blu-Ray player from Best Buy for the mancave and it is terrific for streaming content. Better than the stream-only Sony unit I bought for upstairs for $10 more.

[mathman]

Usually the blue ray players have more connection to the tv options, plus the can play dvd's.

[murkat]

Roku

[Pieman]

We have been using a roku (cheao and mid-level models) for a couple years. I also have hooked up an ether net line (25 and 50 footers are cheap on ebay) bettween the wifi router and the roku, hoping that helps improve the throughput.. I live in a 100+ year old house and can route wires through the radiator holes on the floor.

My son got a PS3 and we use that, too, except, for me at least, it is harder to use the gane controller to navigate Netflix etc.

And, if you hate the cable and dish companies, do what I did: install an old fashioned tv antenna on the chimney and hook that up to the back of your flatscreens with a piece of coax. I am amazed how good the reception is. Much better than a lot of cable companies (like BrightHouse) that my relatives are enslaved to..They just don't think that you can get HD for free. When the weather is good in the summer, from the shores of Lake Erie I can pull in Detroit and Canada (iincluding French-speaking stations. There are even websites to help you point the antenna. Not unusual to re-scan for and find I've pulled in 60-90 "channels".

America, cut the cable. 200 channels? Who needs it.

I also have a SqueezeBox internet receiver that via wifi pulls in internet radio. Okay, so it's not stereo but it is pretty cool listening to a local radio station or a national broadcast from across the globe. And I can carry it to the kitchen or deck. Sure beats trying to dial in BBC or Radio Free Europe broadcasts on shortwave as I did as a kid. To me this is a great way to break up the homogeniety of American radio. Between a roku box, a Squeeze box and some cabling yo can cut your costs and increase variety immensely.

[Thundernotes]

I think the Apple TV is limited to HDMI out only. I hear Roku is good.

[cynic]

Apple TV also lacks Amazon streaming (for now).

Roku seems to offer more content, and a greater ability to add or customize what you can access. If you use a DVD player you'll be limited to what they have/add to their firmware, which isn't their first priority.

[BadgerDave]

Thanks for all of the great ideas.

I decided to go with a Panasonic Blu-ray player with an internal wi-fi receiver. While I was browsing on Amazon, I found a 3 into 1 HDMI splitterfor under $10. I added that to the cart based on favorable reviews. Hopefully, I'll be able to run both the satellite and DVD units to the TV using the splitter and a single HDMI cable. If the stars align, the splitter will auto-detect the dvd player when I switch it on and eliminate the hassle of changing the input select on the TV.

Or, it could not work at all.

[MCChris]

While I was browsing on Amazon, I found a 3 into 1 HDMI splitterfor under $10.

You flew blind on that purchase without consulting JohnnyB? Mr. Vegas, baby. Aggressive gambler.

[BadgerDave]

I did look for a myrtlewood version, but, alas, the uber-spendy splitters haven't migrated from the AudioAdvisor catalog. Let the chips fall.

[JohnnyB]

I did look for a myrtlewood version, but, alas, the uber-spendy splitters haven't migrated from the AudioAdvisor catalog. Let the chips fall.

You just unleashed the fookin' fury!

[specialk]

I decided to go with a Panasonic Blu-ray player with an internal wi-fi receiver.

Good choice. Panasonic is very good about getting firmware updates out to its products.