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SmilingInside · Jun 7, 2011, 11:23 AM

I'm looking to get rid of my cable bill. I looked at Roku, but it doesn't seem to do everything I'd like. I DO NOT have newer TV's, so I need something that I can use on older style TV's.

Is there something out there that allows me to use subscriptions like Netflix or Hulu Plus, AND stream from the internet in general? Like Youtube, etc? I have a high-speed connection, I have a desktop computer... how can I use that with my TV's? I've heard about Blu-Ray players that can do more and more, but I am inept when it comes to figuring this stuff out (what's compatible, what can do what and what I need to use it... etc... ), so I need advice!

What's my best bet?

FadedMaster · Jun 7, 2011, 02:53 PM

The fact that you have "older style" TVs (which I assume by this you mean CRT or "tube" TVs), is going to limit your selection greatly. Especially since what you are asking about is some of the newest home entertainment equipment out there.

Roku boxes, GoogleTV, Blu-ray Players, etc, almost all require the newer HDMI connection. You can find some Blu-ray players that will have the yellow, white, red (called composite) connections. However, if you are looking to stream from more than YouTube, you probably won't find much.

The Playstation 3 and XBox 360 allow you to stream Netflix, Hulu Plus, as well as a few others. Playstation 3 will soon also use Cinema Now. XBox 360 requires a subscription to XBox Live though.

Honestly, with the limitation that you have with your televisions, the best option is probably going to be a Blu-ray player. I would look at a Sony, as last I checked, they seemed to have the most options for video streaming. Just check to make sure it has composite connections.

SmilingInside · Jun 7, 2011, 03:08 PM

Does the new PS3 Slim only use HDMI connection?

FadedMaster · Jun 7, 2011, 03:25 PM

Originally Posted by SmilingInside

Does the new PS3 Slim only use HDMI connection?

No, you are given the option to use a composite connection.

SmilingInside · Jun 8, 2011, 07:25 AM

OK, I do have an original PS3 (I bought it when they first came out)... so what all can I do with it? I've used it to go online before but as I remember it, it's clunky. Also, it gets hot. I don't know if it only gets hot when playing games or discs or if it will get hot from just using it to stream (as I said, I don't do electronics!). Do you know? If so, what's a recommended cooler for it?

Can it be set up once and remember my settings for things like Hulu and Netflix or is it a laborsome process every time? What are the differences between a regualr PS3 and the new slim, besides that the slim doesn't play old games? Basically, the differences in performance and ease of use? Is the new slim less clunky to use online for surfing/streaming? Does the slim have overheating issues?

FadedMaster · Jun 8, 2011, 03:03 PM

First off, it is normal for it to get hot (almost all of these devices get pretty hot). There are coolers out there that you can get, but they tend to do more harm than good as they disrupt the designed airflow.

It can indeed be setup to remember your login information and it should not be a difficult process. As a matter of fact, there are apps that are built in (you might have to do a system update, which can be found in the main menu, all the way to the left, and then to the top). To link your Netflix or Hulu Plus accounts, all you should have to do is either open the app from the PS3, which will give you a code and Internet address. You log into your account from a computer and type in the code. The other possible way would be that the application will just simply ask for your username and password. You will not have to go through that process every time.

As far as I am aware, the new system is just physically different and that the software is exactly the same. Therefore it will navigate the Internet and carry the same list of apps.

I also have not heard of too many overheating issues with neither the fat PS3s nor the slim PS3s.

SmilingInside · Jun 8, 2011, 04:14 PM

Thanks for your help! I know it probably seems stupid to a lot of people, but to me it's like Greek, so thanks! I need a real person to explain stuff, I can't efficiently just read websites and figure this out.

FadedMaster · Jun 10, 2011, 06:53 PM

It's no problem. I'm glad I could be of help. I used to work in electronic sales, so I'm used to people needing a little extra help understanding electronics. It's no different with me and cars. Haha.