Topic: What's the cheapest option to stream Netflix and Hulu to my TV?

[vudu]

My DVD player died today.      I now have an excuse to buy a new toy!   

Since a lot of devices do more than just play discs, I'm looking for the cheapest option that will allow me to stream Netflix movies and Hulu to my TV.  A Blu-Ray player (instead of just a DVD player) would be nice, but to be honest I don't care that much about video quality so if I can get a DVD player that does all these things and save $100 I'm all for it.  And while price is a consideration, I am willing to spend a little more for a substantially better product.

Any help?

[ThePerm]

a new video card and either an hdmi cable, or a vga cable. I have a spare computer with a vga cable, but unfortunately this spare computer is sloow.

[stevey]

a wii?

[BlackNMild2k1]

Roku player - $79
http://www.roku.com/netflixplayer/default.aspx?utm_source=NFLX&utm_medium=NRD%2B&utm_campaign=HT

Not sure if it plays Hulu even though it plays a bunch of other stuff.


But I think you should just put down the extra $50 and get a capable BRD player.

[vudu]

But I think you should just put down the extra $50 and get a capable BRD player.

Well, I suppose that's my question--which player?  Each one seems to differ in what Internet services it provides.  I don't give a **** about YouTube, Picasa or Amazon on Demand.  But I do want NetFlix and Hulu along with either a DVD player or BRD player.

[ShyGuy]

If they would update the flash player on the PS3 that would be your best option, but hulu doesn't work right now.

Maybe a zotac htpc with a external blu ray player?
http://www.zotac.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=100033&lang=en

[vudu]

Isn't there just a regular stand-alone BRD player that plays both Netflix and Hulu?  Why's everything gotta be so complicated?

[ShyGuy]

Okay, if you have access to a semi recent Windows PC, I think Playon and a Bluray drive install may be the best fit for you http://www.playon.tv/

[vudu]

I don't.  And I don't want a cable strung across my living room. 

[ShyGuy]

hmm HULU is (stupidly) the tough thing here. I think a cheap HomeTheater PC is your only option

[Plugabugz]

A gigantic VGA cable.

Oh wait too late.

[vudu]

hmm HULU is (stupidly) the tough thing here.

Yeah, that's what I'm finding. 

Anyone know if there's a chance that Hulu-support will be added to any players in the foreseeable future?  I know these things usually can be updated (for example, my Panasonic TV recently had Pandora support added) but I'd hate to blindly pick one brand only to find out that another gets support added in a few months.

[ShyGuy]

The networks really don't want Hulu on your TV and they own Hulu, so it will probably be a few years.

The most future proof thing is to a have an existing DLNA device and send the content from a PC wirelessly.

The system requirements of Playon.tv aren't that steep for your PC and the software is cheaper than a physical box. no wires would need to be ran.

Watch this video: http://www.everyjoe.com/thegadgetblog/watch-hulu-on-your-wii/

[gbuell]

Hulu has been super slow to show up on any non-computer devices, there is a ton of friction going on. Boxee has gotten Hulu access but they keep getting blocked. I'd say forget Hulu for now and go for a Roku box (unless you really want a Bluray player). EDIT: I keep forgetting that every modern game console now can stream Netflix. Surely if you're on this site you have at least one of them, so get that set up.

[gbuell]

Oh yeah, Playon sounds like a good option too, but haven't been able to use it, as I have a Mac.