Luddite Question - Flash Drive to TV?

[VladtheImpaler]

I'm about 15 years out-of-date on things, and am wondering if technology is at the point now where I can plug a flash drive (containing, season 6 of the Sopranos, for argument's sake...) into a TV and watch the content? Or do I still need to burn DVD's or plug my laptop into my TV?

[Bobblehead]

No, you can't just plug a drive into your TV.

There are a bunch of appliances that will stream stuff to your TV (or recent consoles like the PS3 or XBox360). Examples would be something like this or Apple TV. Those would probably be a better investment if you do this sort of thing regularly; there are more of these being released with more features all the time. Just make sure that the file you are trying to watch is in a format the appliance can read.

Otherwise, DVDs or plug in your laptop.

[mykalberta]

You can plug USB drives into newer TVs.

Of the ones I have seen they are used for picture slide shows. A TV would have to have a built in codec to view the video so I doubt you could watch Sopranos on it currently, maybe in the future although I can see DMCA issues with TV's that allow that.

[cKy]

WDTV. You can plug in a USB drive with just about any video format and it'll play it. They go for about $120 at the usual stores.

[GoinAllTheWay]

Found this little number while trying to figure out how to stream videos from my server in the basement to a TV on the top floor without having to run cable.

http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=438

Solid little device but not sure if it's available in Canada.

[mykalberta]

Originally Posted by GoinAllTheWay

Found this little number while trying to figure out how to stream videos from my server in the basement to a TV on the top floor without having to run cable.

http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=438

Solid little device but not sure if it's available in Canada.

Xbox360+wireless adapter+wireless router+Windows Media PC/3rd party software

[keratosis]

I've seen DVD players with USB jacks that you can plug a Flash drive into
and watch video.
http://www.onlybestrated.com/oppo-dv...dio-p-150.html
http://accessories.dell.com/sna/prod...79&lid=1183568

[Vulcan]

I guess Samsung TVs with Info link can play flash drives. I believe other brands high end models can do this too. Post #16.

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=102200

[GoinAllTheWay]

Originally Posted by mykalberta

Xbox360+wireless adapter+wireless router+Windows Media PC/3rd party software

Or a laptop with an HDMI port. Good short term solution but would really like to find that device in my first post, it would be perfect.