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Topic: Internet to TV Hook Up

Topic: Internet to TV Hook Up

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71 BOBCAT
General User

Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 1,892

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Internet to TV Hook Up

Posted: 10/2/2015 2:51:41 PM

This question may have been poised before but with all the new technology there could be some updates.
I do not have a smart TV but do have a Sony flat screen with the HDMI plug that I have been using to send the internet signal to my laptop then plug the laptop into my TV so I can watch our games on TV.
So here is the question if you haven't already figured it out.
Is there a product on the market that I can plug into my TV's HDMI slot and receive the internet signal from my router without the need for another device?
I appreciate you all's help.

GO BOBCATS

shabamon
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Member Since: 11/17/2006
Location: Cincinnati
Post Count: 6,581

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RE: Internet to TV Hook Up

Posted: 10/2/2015 2:59:50 PM

I use a Roku, but I believe that plugs into a USB port on your TV. I love the Roku. I can access the WatchESPN app and play any WatchESPN events live on my TV. Plus, it's an interface for Netflix, Pandora, Amazon Prime, etc.

Wouldn't help as much in basketball season until we join our MAC brethren and get our technology updated for ESPN3. But it's great for football season. I should be able to access all of our games this year (minus the Minnesota game since it was on BTN).

Tyler
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Member Since: 7/7/2010
Location: Arizona
Post Count: 894

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RE: Internet to TV Hook Up

Posted: 10/2/2015 4:41:42 PM

I use an AppleTV and it works much the same as a Roku. I can stream WatchESPN/ESPN3 content, plus Netflix, Hulu, my MLB package and a number of other things. It has the added benefit of being able to wirelessly stream content from an iPhone, iPad or Mac computer. I use this feature during basketball season to watch the games on my TV.

Alan Swank
General User

Member Since: 12/11/2004
Location: Athens, OH
Post Count: 7,121

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RE: Internet to TV Hook Up

Posted: 10/2/2015 5:11:04 PM

Tyler wrote:

Either of you guys make service calls. I have the funniest feeling I'm only going about 15 mph on my smart tv.

PTgrad
General User

Member Since: 8/17/2011
Location: Carlisle/Dayton, OH
Post Count: 196

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RE: Internet to TV Hook Up

Posted: 10/2/2015 7:09:42 PM

I agree as above...in my opinion the ROKU is the way to go...I use the ROKU 3 and it hooks to TV through HDMI

Another thing you can use is Google's Chromecast...it goes through HDMI and you can send your phone's feed to it through your home Wifi...I havent used my chromecast in a while but I just looked at all of the supported apps and I swear Google has at least tripled them...WatchESPN is one of the originals.

OhioCatFan
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Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Athens, OH
Post Count: 14,409

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RE: Internet to TV Hook Up

Posted: 10/2/2015 10:17:10 PM

I use my AppleTV. It works great and has a built-in WatchESPN app, but the Catch22 can be that use the WatchESPN app for live programing you need to enter your Cable TV service provider credentials. If you've totally "cut the cable," you still have a problem. AppleTV is a very fine product, and I highly recommend it for overall quality.

The only BLSS Certified Hypocrite on BA

"It is better to be an optimist and be proven a fool than to be a pessimist and be proven right."

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sargentfan
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Member Since: 3/16/2005
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RE: Internet to TV Hook Up

Posted: 10/3/2015 6:59:52 AM

If you have a newer laptop with a hdmi output you could just not buy anything else and hook up your laptop straight to your tv.

71 BOBCAT
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Member Since: 12/20/2004
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RE: Internet to TV Hook Up

Posted: 10/3/2015 11:11:41 AM

Appreciate all the advice

Dietz80
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Member Since: 11/22/2006
Location: Raleigh, NC
Post Count: 28

Status: Offline

RE: Internet to TV Hook Up

Posted: 10/3/2015 11:24:08 AM

Roku is best. Chromecast is also an option.

A chrome box will work and it's much more versatile than a steaming player, but it's the most expensive option ($150).

You can always sit an old desktop PC behind your TV and connect via the VGA input. A light weight Linux OS works perfectly for turning old desktops into streaming devices. You'll want a wireless keyboard-mouse combo ($15).

Our wills and fates do so contrary run that our devices still are overthrown. Our thoughts are ours, their ends none of our own.

Deciduous Forest Cat
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Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Ohio
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RE: Internet to TV Hook Up

Posted: 10/3/2015 12:14:09 PM

sargentfan wrote:

If you have a newer laptop with a hdmi output you could just not buy anything else and hook up your laptop straight to your tv.

that's exactly what i was about to ask. I think I'll be attempting this today!

TWT
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Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Alexandria, VA
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RE: Internet to TV Hook Up

Posted: 10/3/2015 12:26:23 PM

71 BOBCAT wrote:

The smart TV's are charging an extra $150 or $200 dollars to have a built in Roku player. The issue with buying a smart TV is the interface will be outdated within 2 years time. Normally USB ports for power are what you would use for a wifi dongle like Roku. HDMI wifi dongles still require a USB connection for powering it except for one manufacture I found that is out of business.

http://gizmodo.com/5974073/this-100-dongle-lets-you-send-...

Most Memorable Bobcat Events Attended
2010 97-83 win over Georgetown in NCAA 1st round
2012 45-13 victory over ULM in the Independence Bowl
2015 34-3 drubbing of Miami @ Peden front of 25,086

TWT
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Location: Alexandria, VA
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RE: Internet to TV Hook Up

Posted: 10/3/2015 12:34:32 PM

OhioCatFan wrote:

Up until a couple of years ago I could stream ESPN3 without having a cable subscription to the channel. They keep the content up for a year so I could play the Penn State game 6 months later for friends. You're running into 2 problems today. One is many of the smart TV devices can't even support the ESPN app. Second you can't stream ESPN3 with out a subscription from your service provider for the sports pack. What I'm seeing is cable companies dialing back their base subscription packages to 20 channels so they can compete with internet TV and then you can pay the additional $10 dollars for the sports pack which isn't much to watch a game a week.

Most Memorable Bobcat Events Attended
2010 97-83 win over Georgetown in NCAA 1st round
2012 45-13 victory over ULM in the Independence Bowl
2015 34-3 drubbing of Miami @ Peden front of 25,086

L.C.
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Member Since: 8/31/2005
Location: United States
Post Count: 10,470

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RE: Internet to TV Hook Up

Posted: 10/3/2015 12:52:05 PM

There are also ISPs that pay for ESPN3, which mine does, so I can watch games like this one. If the game is on ESPN/ESPN2/ESPNU, the ISP doesn't cover it, and you need an actual cable subscription.

�We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.� ― Epictetus

TWT
General User

Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Alexandria, VA
Post Count: 5,112

Status: Offline

RE: Internet to TV Hook Up

Posted: 10/3/2015 1:17:37 PM

Dietz80 wrote:

Be careful with the wireless keyboards. I had to try about 10 of them to find one with effective range. Logitech K400r is the model I'm using and has a mouse pad. Blu Ray player is part of the entertainment equation. Many blu ray players have smart TV capability (dumb capability). I tried a top of the line Sony blu ray player with smart TV. The smart apps as expected worked great but the browser was slower than Netscape 2.0. I was very disappointed with the web browser from a higher end Sony unit. The second issue with it was I could only send the output of my audio from my blu ray to my TV and not my speakers without an S/PIDF converter box ($75). Instead I have a computer with a blu ray drive hooked up to my TV running PowerDVD software. I have full web browser capability on my TV with the computer and have an HDMI to VGA converter for the Blu Ray. This way I can run the audio through my computer for the blu ray player while at the same time running my speakers directly to the set top box. The computer case works with a remote and to start/stop movies I need to use it but otherwise I can use the Logitech K400r. I suppose you could buy a chromebook for $150 and a portable blu ray drive for $90 that plugs in through USB to the chromebook but you'll limit yourself for upgrades over going with a case with a blu ray player built in.

My recommendation is to keep the dumb TV and try a chrome book or another light weight OS alternative. The 4k TV's don't have 3D capability and limited smart TV capabilities built in. I've seen a 55 inch dumb TV advertised for $320 dollars but expect to 2x for smart, 3x for 4k and 4x for 3D at that size. One capability can go wrong and the whole unit is shot.

Last Edited: 10/3/2015 1:18:46 PM by TWT

Most Memorable Bobcat Events Attended
2010 97-83 win over Georgetown in NCAA 1st round
2012 45-13 victory over ULM in the Independence Bowl
2015 34-3 drubbing of Miami @ Peden front of 25,086

Dietz80
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Member Since: 11/22/2006
Location: Raleigh, NC
Post Count: 28

Status: Offline

RE: Internet to TV Hook Up

Posted: 10/3/2015 2:06:07 PM

I use the logitech K400r as well (target). My advice is to pick up an old desktop on craiglsist ($25-50). Install Zorin OS (free lightweight linux). Beyond ESPN3, it's great for pirate feeds for other sports. You don't really have to worry about spyware and viruses either.

Our wills and fates do so contrary run that our devices still are overthrown. Our thoughts are ours, their ends none of our own.

TWT
General User

Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Alexandria, VA
Post Count: 5,112

Status: Offline

RE: Internet to TV Hook Up

Posted: 10/3/2015 2:38:30 PM

Dietz80 wrote:

Are you going to have the HDMI outputs on some of those old desktop machines? What about the network cards and the graphics cards? You may be better trying to go with something low end that was new where you can get a service plan for it. You are spending that $50 dollars just for the desktop case and a power supply. With the Chromebook you aren't going to have to worry about the networking and you'll have a mid range graphics card. You buy it new for $200 dollars and decide to get something else in 5 years you could donate it if you have the receipt and get %35 percent back. The reason I think this way is I spent $900 on mine for the TV 5 years ago and with only 4GB RAM I couldn't imagine I could sell it for more than $150 but I could write it off for $400 dollars.

Most Memorable Bobcat Events Attended
2010 97-83 win over Georgetown in NCAA 1st round
2012 45-13 victory over ULM in the Independence Bowl
2015 34-3 drubbing of Miami @ Peden front of 25,086

Y-CityCatFan
General User

Member Since: 7/28/2005
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Post Count: 139

Status: Offline

RE: Internet to TV Hook Up

Posted: 10/3/2015 5:34:49 PM

Just used a ROKU Stick for the first time! Great purchase!!

anorris
General User

Member Since: 7/6/2010
Location: Bristol, CT
Post Count: 2,262

Status: Offline

RE: Internet to TV Hook Up

Posted: 10/4/2015 4:45:04 AM

I use AppleTV to great effect for this - Roku and Chromecast also great options, as is a laptop with HDMI. I've also used a laptop with a DVI to HDMI adapter (though sound had to pass separately on an aux audio cable, since DVI doesn't carry audio).

Curious to check the new AppleTV out when it rolls out.

Last Edited: 10/4/2015 4:45:36 AM by anorris

RPO R6V
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Member Since: 1/7/2005
Post Count: 206

Status: Offline

RE: Internet to TV Hook Up

Posted: 10/4/2015 10:10:18 PM

Roku and Chromecast and the like are fine for ESPN3, but when basketball season comes and you want to watch a game streaming on our alma mater's website or on the MAC website I think you'll end up wanting to connect a laptop computer to your TV.

Scott Woods
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Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: On the banks of the Ohio, OH
Post Count: 237

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RE: Internet to TV Hook Up

Posted: 10/5/2015 10:26:17 AM

I use Chromecast for basketball too. Just bring up Chrome on my PC and cast it to the Chromecast. Not as nice as using the WatchESPN app, but it works fine.

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So enter that daily thou mayest grow in knowledge wisdom and love. So depart that daily thou mayest better serve thy fellowmen thy country and thy God.

OhioStunter
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Member Since: 2/18/2005
Location: Chicago
Post Count: 2,516

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RE: Internet to TV Hook Up

Posted: 10/6/2015 4:36:39 PM

Maybe this is the Betamax of viewing technology since no one has mentioned it, but I've used the Amazon FireStick to stream the game from my ESPN app on my phone to the TV.

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