Posted on by Terry White

Your mission, should you choose to accept it…

Although I consider myself pretty tech and gadget savvy, I can’t know about every gadget out there. Many of the readers of this blog have helped me over the years by suggesting products that were in some cases better than the ones I’ve reviewed or complimentary to them. So I decided to really put your knowledge (geekiness) to the test. I’m looking for a solution to a problem and need your help!

 

Wireless broadcasting from my DVR to another HDTV

OK, here’s what I’m looking for: I have a 27″ Toshiba HDTV out in my recreation area that is suspended from the ceiling. It has a built in DVD player and CableCARD so that I can pick up all my digital Comcast channels including HD content. I went out of my way to find this particular set because it was the most self contained HDTV I could find. My goal was to have as few cables/boxes connected to it as possible. Having a built-in DVD player on the side, meant not having to connect an external one. Having a built-in CableCARD slot meant that I could pick up all my Comcast channels without the need for a box from Comcast.  The only box I have connected to it is an Apple TV ,which is great for seeing my movies (ripped DVD collection), music videos, renting movies and iTunes purchased content. I’m just missing ONE thing! There are times that I’ve recorded shows on my TiVo HD that I would LOVE to watch out there. However, I don’t want to connect a big box (DVR). I love the fact that this set is basically boxless. I allowed the Apple TV because it mounts neatly on the wall (thanks to the tvTray). So what I would love is a wireless solution that would stream video from my TiVo HD to this set. 

I’ve looked at the new Slingcatcher, which would be ideal here except that it doesn’t stream HD (which I could live without) AND requires and Ethernet connection or yet another box to be wireless. I’ve also looked at the Belkin Flywire, but I’m not willing to give up my first born to pay for it (they must be totally kidding with that price right? C’mon, seriously?). So what am I missing out there?

 

Requirements:

The ability to stream video from either my TiVo HD or Comcast DVR wirelessly to another HDTV.

Willing to have ONE SMALL box attached if need be.

Can’t cost more than the HDTV, Apple TV and all the furniture in the room (are you listening Belkin?).

Icing on the cake (actually this is almost a must) would be that I would be able to use a remote to control the TiVo HD from the other room.

 

So let’s see how good you really are?! What say you tech community? This post will self destruct in 5..4..3..2……..

9 Replies to “Your mission, should you choose to accept it…”

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

    Don’t know too much about this product, but someone sent it to me for one of my misc. projects. It appears to be a little bit of overkill as far as a media storage device goes, but it also appears as though it will transmit an HDMI feed wirelessly. It also seems to be somewhat of an AppleTV for PC. Even though I looked at the pricetag on the Belkin and gagged, I’m sure you get what you pay for. (eventhough it maybe an arm and a leg!) Belkin is known for their reliablilty in this industry. Also, If you do decide to sell your first-born for the Belkin, you can probably buy multiple receivers for it. (at the low, low price of [insert very large number here] dollars)

  2. I’d suggest replacing the AppleTV with a MacMini :).
    Has WiFi and could technically stream whatever you want, at least I think. Add Boxee to the mix, and you’ve got ABC, Hulu, Joost, local movies, local tv shows and so on on your TV.

    1. OMG! You might be right! If it were a Mac mini instead of the Apple TV, I’d be able to run the sling player app!!! I’ll have to give it some thought to a wireless/mouse keyboard option, but you’re definitely on to something here! Thanks so much!

  3. Terry, adding onto the previous comment about a wireless mouse/keyboard combo with a mac mini, you could use “Air Mouse” for the iphone with it to control everything from where ever you are in the room, wirelessly. The new version even has application specific keyboards that pop up when using a certain program, i.e. media remote when using itunes. If you haven’t checked out this app, do it, it is awesome for the iphone!

  4. I think the Mac Mini idea is fantastic… Many minds definitley think better than one…

    Hey if you decide to go with that option, can I have you AppleTV? HAHA Just Kidding….

    Best Wishes,
    Carlo M

  5. I’m not that techy either and would love to see the final solution. Terry, once you decide on what is the best solution for you, please post what combo hardware/software you use, so that we can try to make our own.

    Good luck,
    George A

  7. Have you considered using the TiVo USB Network Adapter + Popcorn 3 to pop your TiVo stuff on your Apple TV?
    ~Kedar

    1. Hi Kedar,
      I already use Toast 10 to convert stuff from my TiVo HD to the Apple TV. It’s a very SLOW process (takes hours) and doesn’t lend itself to wanting to watch something “NOW!”
      Thanks for the idea though!
      T

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