As it turns out the Panasonic BD-75 does work and supports NetFlix and
two other services I've never heard of. I was a bit surprised after
connecting to the network to see it tell me there was a firmware update
available. But it took me about 10 minutes of futzing around to figure
out how to do that given a very poor software interface and a confusing
control symbol that didn't match the symbol on the remote.
The NetFlix interface is not as well done as the TV set but it does work
after a fashion. This is a no cost option for me other than, perhaps, a
25 foot ethernet cable to reach the router. I suppose I could use a
Wi-Fi dongle as well but I think the distance and intervening objects
may prove to be a problem. It's no further than my computer but the
computer has a clear line of sight. But I suppose I can steal the
dongle from the computer long enough to give it a try.
I'm intrigued by the Chromecast and, at $35, it's a very good buy. But
I'd also be concerned about the Wi-Fi connection. The Chromecast has no
wired option but does have what I take to be an HDMI extension cable to
get the device out from behind the TV. Cheap enough to try and discard
if it doesn't work there.
Does anyone know how I could use the Chromecast to present a slideshow
from my computer. I assume I'd have to use the Chrome browser in some
way to do that?
Chuck Norcutt
On 12/8/2013 1:13 AM, Scott Gomez wrote:
> I'l second Siddiq's recommendation. Google Chromecast is easy and
> inexpensive. Plug it into an HDMI connector on the TV, and just send it
> what you like from a computer, tablet or phone. Works well at our house,
> and the TV it's plugged into is about the most distant thing from the
> wireless router.
>
> Recent details on compatible apps, here:
>
> http://www.ibtimes.com/google-chromecast-now-supports-hbo-go-top-5-apps-hdmi-dongle-1481164
>
>
> On Thu, Dec 5, 2013 at 1:58 PM, Siddiq Siddiqui-Ali <
> muhammad.siddiqui-ali@xxxxxxx> wrote:
>
>> On Dec 5, 2013, at 1:03 PM, Chuck Norcutt <chucknorcutt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> I've recently subscribed to NetFlix and Amazon streaming video services
>>> and loving it. I haven't watched an evening commercial on cable TV for
>>> months. I was able to do it because my main TV supports it directly. I
>>> just needed to string some Cat 5 cable from my router to the TV
>>> downstairs almost directly below it.
>>>
>>> But when I go to Florida I'll still have an HDTV set to use and a router
>>> not far away but the TV there has no built-in streaming capability.
>>> What external device do I need to buy to keep NetFlix and Amazon coming
>>> in? I think the Panasonic Blu-Ray player I have will do that in some
>>> fashion or other but that seems an odd way to receive video. I think a
>>> DVR will do the same (if it's the right one). I have no experience with
>>> DVRs but have been thinking about buying one (not renting from the cable
>>> co.) I guess Tivo is the brand to have. In fact I know of no others.
>>> So, what's the advice. What do I need and, if it's a DVR, can I
>>> transport it from one place to the other when I move back and forth.
>>> How important is the visual interface provided by the DVR or other
>>> device? I can't imagine that my Blu-Ray player is very smart in that
>>> area. But I have learned to do program selection on NetFlix and
>>> Amazon's websites. Trying to do it over the TV set is pretty awful.
>>>
>>> Thanks all,
>>> Chuck Norcutt (streaming video know-nothing)
>>
>> If your TV in Florida has an HDMI input, the Google Chromecast might be
>> the best thing (has Netflix, among others, not sure how Amazon video
>> works). Plus you can stream your laptop to it. 35$ well spent.
>>
>> Siddiq
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