TV/ Computer help needed

[Stonecove]

I'm trying to move into the 21st century and need some help. My wife wants to watch the computer on TV using a small tablet computer. (You tube, facebook, Glenn Beck, Netflicks etc.) I think I need a wireless router in order to use the tablet (which we have yet to decide on) In my location I only get 2.5GB speed on downloads while connected by wire to our desktop. Is that fast enough to run a wireless router?
If so how do I connect a tablet to the tv without wires?
Watching TV used to be easy, pull up the rabbit ears, turn it on and watch 1 of 3 channels-- life was good!
Anyway, I would appreciate your help!
Thanks,
Stonecove

 

[M&P Freak]

Instead of a tablet computer, you may want a "Roku" box. You will still need a wireless router, but this is the way to go for viewing streaming content. It basically attaches your TV to the internet. I have a Roku2 XD and love it. My download speed is slow (right around 3 megabit) and it works great, even with high definition content.

With one of these little boxes and a streaming only Netflix account ($7 per month) we can watch movies till our eyes bleed. More and more things to watch all the time.

Roku - Streaming Made Simple

 

[speedyquad]

what he said ^^^

i'll add this...since my laptop has and hdmi outand my ev has multiple hdmi in's, i just use them with the wireless router... and to answer your question...your speed should not slow down when going wireless, just about every wireless router is capable of speeds faster than most internet speeds...but sometimes there is still a lag...usually from your speed, not the routers. when this ahppens i just pause what i am watching, get a drink/go to the bathroom/etc to let the buffer get a head

 

[Stonecove]

Thanks for the reply, but I've looked at the Roku but as I understand it you can't view the internet, just movies. I want to be able to view facebook, You tube and surf the web. Maybe this is not possible. I don't know.
Stonecove

 

[gunfish]

I decided to use my HDtv as the computer monitor when I watch you tube. I bought a 10 foot HDMI cable and ran it from the laptop HDMI port to one of the tv HDMI inputs. To use the tv as a monitor I just use the tv remote to change the tv input from HDMI#1 (cable) to HDMI#3 (computer). I also bought a wireless mouse in case I want to operate the computer from the recliner. Hope this info is useful.

 

[M&P Freak]

To do that you will need a computer (not sure if a tablet is the best choice) connected to the TV and a TV friendly web browser.

Have a look at Kylo

They explain the computer to TV connection pretty well.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

2.5Mbps is a little on the slow side for Netflix. They recommend 3Mbps for SD movies and 5Mbps for HD. 2.5 will work but you'll have longer buffer times and probably have some interruptions during HD movies. If you want to get into streaming video entertainment don't struggle... get faster service 5-10Mbps or higher.

In addition to Netflix and stuff like that, you want to be able to surf the Internet on a tablet and go to Glen Beck's website for GBTV and then watch one of Glens vids on your big screen TV, right? If so... an iPad + $99 AppleTV will work for that. Anything you see on your iPad screen you can "mirror" to your TV. Below is one of Glen's GBTV vids being mirrored to my TV via AppleTV and my iPhone (iPad will do the same thing). AppleTV also has many other features including a gazillion radio channels.

You will need a wireless router and a TV with HDMI input.

There are other alternatives. Last year I saw a something at Best Buy called a Logitech Revue. It was a wireless keyboard and box called (Google TV). For $99 you got everything you needed to surf the web on your TV. Not sure how well it worked but it might be something to check out. You would still need a wireless router.

You may find that just propping up the tablet on the coffee table and watching it is just as good. I've done that plenty of times.



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

 

[LouisianaJoe]

I have Cox Cable here. They have an iPad app that lets me look at some TV programs on my iPad using the Cox Internet connection in my home.

Check your local provider to see if it exists there.

 

[Stonecove]

ChattanoogaPhil, Yea the iPad and Apple TV combination looks like it will be a good possibility. In fact my wife has an iphone so we can try it just by buying the wireless router and Apple TV!!!!!!!!!!!! Is 2.5gb ok for this setup?
Thanks to all for your assistance!
Stonecove

 

[gdnagle]

I'm trying to move into the 21st century and need some help. My wife wants to watch the computer on TV using a small tablet computer. (You tube, facebook, Glenn Beck, Netflicks etc.) I think I need a wireless router in order to use the tablet (which we have yet to decide on) In my location I only get 2.5GB speed on downloads while connected by wire to our desktop. Is that fast enough to run a wireless router?
If so how do I connect a tablet to the tv without wires?
Watching TV used to be easy, pull up the rabbit ears, turn it on and watch 1 of 3 channels-- life was good!
Anyway, I would appreciate your help!
Thanks,
Stonecove

Newer TV's, DVD players Game consoles etc have internet capibility built into them but you still need a wireless router.
If you have Direct TV you can access some of them from there with a wire or maybe the newer boxes have wireless

 

[Onomea]

Another iPad, iPhone, Apple TV advocate here.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Your iPhone will have to be a 4S or 5 for mirroring.

Will 2.5Mbps be fast enough? For some stuff sure, for HD content I think it might not cut it. If you enjoy streaming video I think you'll end up getting faster service. In any event, you really need to get a wireless router anyway. So many great gadgets today require a home network.

AppleTV is central for all my digital entertainment including photos, movies, music and radio. Probably the best $99 I ever spent on home entertainment.

 

[Pete99004]

If your in the market for a new tv - the Sony Bravia models come all set up for internet hook up either hard wired or wireless and include with the tv a usb wireless reciever. I'm sure other brands are equally set up.

I can access Sony Movie Channel, Netflix, Amazon, UTube, Hulu and about 75 others for video along with a number of audio internet sites and eight photo sites like Picasa to access my account to view my photos on the big screen. I believe I can also assign sites I want to visit, but haven't gotten into it that far yet. I also have access to my laptop if need be, both wired and wireless. Check out the Sony TVs for more information on what you can do if your interested. As far as a wireless router goes - the faster the better satisfaction you will have with the system. Keep in mind that some wireless routers can only send at about 54mbps max. - so even if your hooked up faster with your ISP, you can only go at that rate if you want it wireless.

Hope this helps.

Pete

 

[Stonecove]

Thanks guys for all your help. I might make it to the new century yet!!!!!!!
Stonecove