Turn an old plasma TV into a 'Smart TV' - any Help greatly appreciated

WrightAnvil on 13/10/2013 - 08:55

We have a relatively old Samsung Plasma TV and I would love to somehow turn it into a 'Smart' TV', ideally so it can connect to the home wireless network and stream movies directly from the HDD of a computer to the TV.

The TV only has an HDMI input - no USB, no RJ45 inputs. We weren't planning on using the TV as a computer monitor nor to play games. As mentioned the aim is to stream movies stored on a computer's HDD and watch these.

The other day I saw Kogan was selling an Agora Smart TV dongle and was wondering if this was the best option? Or would you recommend a better approach.

Thank you. in advance, for any suggestions.

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • ethereal88 on 13/10/2013 - 09:50
    +1

    WD Live. Built in wireless + Ethernet, hook it up to your network, duct tape it to your TV and voila! all done. Just note, it does not play DTA MA audio, those fancy HD codecs. DTS and AC-3 plus the other lossy ones are fine. I'd also shift all the files and movies on a server/NAS for easy backup/management.

  • frondono on 13/10/2013 - 11:26

    http://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale/wholesale-rk3188-android…

    i have one of the mk908 paired with a logitech k400r an i am very happy

    • frondono on 13/10/2013 - 11:28

      but there are ones with better wifi and more inputs and outputs

  • scrimshaw on 13/10/2013 - 12:23

    The G-Box Midnight MX2 has pretty good reviews on Amazon.

    If you're on a budget, look for the MK808 ($47) or MK808B wuth bluetooth or the Imito MX2

    You can buy these from either BangGood, Focal Price, Deal Extreme etc.

  • cdeep0 on 13/10/2013 - 14:27

    KOGAN one you have in mind is THE one - I have and I love it!!!!

  • WrightAnvil on 13/10/2013 - 16:04
    +1

    I would like to thank all who have taken time to respond to my enquiry, much appreciated. Plenty to research and think about. Cheers …..

  • dn4hc on 13/10/2013 - 22:59
    +2

    Raspberry pi with Openelec $50-$80 all together

    • drewbie on 14/10/2013 - 09:23

      I read recently that there were some major performance improvements to the RPi version of XMBC. Presumably those will be incorporated into Openelec soon, in which case that's definitely the way to go.

  • k3nnis on 14/10/2013 - 09:46

    Hi,

    I'm using a HTPC at the moment with XBMC and via my HDMI video card it can stream HD audio codecs to my amp, i.e. DTS-HDMA and Dolby True HD.

    I was wondering what media players out there currently can do the same? i.e. pass through HD audio? I think the popcorn hour does it ? Not sure which model and are there any others?

    It would help me save some space :)

    Thanks,
    K.

  • Austin316 on 16/10/2013 - 10:29

    Popcornhour has good reviews too.

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