old skool - internet on tv

[ohillary]

Would like to browse the full Internet (not just "pushed" media like Netflix, Hulu, etc) on my TV*. I'm running cat6 to the TV room; it already has coax from my antenna (works better than cable for me, thank u). I'd like to keep the form factor small, but all these lil' devices (Roku, Boxee, etc) seem to offer only their brand of streaming media, without being able to browse web. The new Logitech Revue seems to allow full Internet access but requires an HDMI input from a set-top box (no coax input from my trusty antenna). I guess I could re-purpose a 2 year old PC to handle it but would run into compliance issues with the Aesthetics Department (wife 😉. Is there a small Roku-like device that allows Internet browsing thru TV?

thanks in advance for your considered reply,
ohillary

*Yes, I realize that this makes me old

 

[bobdole369]

Logitech Revue does not require an HDMI *input*. It has an HDMI *output* to the display device. It's HDMI *input* is able to be modified and placed in a "PIP" style screen and overlayed. You would use HDMI input from such things as a cable or satellite (or television in the case of MythTV or similar HTPC). However since you don't have that - you just wouldn't use that feature. You would switch between your HDMI input on your display device (TV set) (for the Logitech Revue) and the coax input using the remote for your TV set.

Essentially the Logitech Revue does exactly what you want.

Would like to browse the full Internet (not just "pushed" media like Netflix, Hulu, etc) on my TV*. I'm running cat6 to the TV room; it already has coax from my antenna (works better than cable for me, thank u). I'd like to keep the form factor small, but all these lil' devices (Roku, Boxee, etc) seem to offer only their brand of streaming media, without being able to browse web. The new Logitech Revue seems to allow full Internet access but requires an HDMI input from a set-top box (no coax input from my trusty antenna). I guess I could re-purpose a 2 year old PC to handle it but would run into compliance issues with the Aesthetics Department (wife 😉. Is there a small Roku-like device that allows Internet browsing thru TV?

thanks in advance for your considered reply,
ohillary

*Yes, I realize that this makes me old

 

[sivart]

Don't rule out the HTPC at this point if you really want it. I have a Dell Studio 540s that blends in nicely with my other equipment.

It is the small one seen in the photos here
http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/23/dell-rolls-out-studio-desktop-studio-slim/

I use it to do full internet surfing and use Windows 7 Media Center to record HDTV. No problems with it at all since the end of 2008. It is a quad core with 4GB of RAM and a single HDTV tuner.