Budget way to access internet on TV?

[mrudman]

I'm trying to figure out if there's a budget way of accessing the internet on my TV. Specifically, my daughters want to be able to access the Kahoot webpage, so that they can play it using a bigger screen than our computer. Is there a contraption I can buy that lets you look at webpages using your TV?
I'm pretty illiterate when it comes to things like this.

Just in case it helps, i do have a flat screen HD TV with an Xbox and Roku hooked up to it... and subscribe to Netflix and Amazon Prime.

Thanks!

 

[worm761]

Google's Chromecast works great. Costs $35 for the stick. Then you download the free Chromecast button for Google's Chrome. Just go to whatever site you want to play/watch and hit the cast button. That's how we do "music night" in our house. We cast YouTube videos to the TV and play/watch music videos. DD5 loves it.

 

[mrudman]

Google's Chromecast works great. Costs $35 for the stick. Then you download the free Chromecast button for Google's Chrome. Just go to whatever site you want to play/watch and hit the cast button. That's how we do "music night" in our house. We cast YouTube videos to the TV and play/watch music videos. DD5 loves it.

Thanks, . But does this access any website or just ones with apps? The website my daughters use does not have an app for it.

 

[mrudman]

I just looked it up, and reviews are saying it's just like the Roku, which I have. Is there a way to access the Internet through the Roku then?

 

[Mr. Ironly]

If your computer is close to the tv and you have an HDMI port, on your computer, or a PC port on your TV, you can hook them up directly that way.

 

[worm761]

Thanks, . But does this access any website or just ones with apps? The website my daughters use does not have an app for it.

Chromecast will access any website you can get to on Chrome. Like if I really wanted to, I could read the Dis on my TV. Or Facebook, or Pinterest, or CBS.com or whatever.

 

[chartle]

I have a Chromecast and saying you can access any website is not totally correct. The chromecast doesn't have a built in web browser. For some smart phones and Tablets you can cast whats on the phone or tablet. You can also cast from the Chrome Browser on a computer also connected to the network. For both ways if you are watching video you need a fast device or you get lag. I tried watched Community on Yahoo Screen and it was almost impossible.

But as others have posted best way is to hook up a computer. A laptop would be the best if your desktop is not close. All TVs and laptops should have HDMI ports and/or "blue" 15 pin VGA (old analog) ports.

 

[simonsayz]

mrudman - I got the AppleTV, Roku, & Amazon TV Stick. If you already have broadband, then get a Roku or AppleTV. HBO Now is $14.99/month if you are into that. Amazon Prime I use Roku or Amazon TVstick, I watch Hulu on my AppleTV and any other videos I downloaded or ripped.

If you want to be able to browse the Internet on your TV, I would suggest one of those very small low-end desktop that comes with Wireless Keyboard & Mouse.

 

[mrudman]

Thanks everyone for all the info! So it looks as if hooking a laptop up to it is going to be the best/most simple way. I have a Chromebook that has USB and HDMI ports, and my TV also has available USB and HDMI ports that are open. So what cable should I buy to hook the computer up to the TV so that it will display on the TV what is showing on the chromebook? Should I go USB to USB, HDMI to HDMI, or USB to HDMI? (Told you I was tech illiterate, lol). Thanks!

 

[xlxo]

You can also get one of those mini PC's and have it hooked up to the back of the TV.

• http://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-vi...lver/6215037.p?id=1219201612121&skuId=6215037

 

[ibob52]

So what cable should I buy to hook the computer up to the TV so that it will display on the TV what is showing on the chromebook? Should I go USB to USB, HDMI to HDMI, or USB to HDMI? (Told you I was tech illiterate, lol). Thanks!

You want a HDMI cable.

 

[mrudman]

You want a HDMI cable.

So it will be HDMI on both ends?

 

[ibob52]

So it will be HDMI on both ends?

HDMI cable (on both ends)

And you Do Not need to Buy a expensive version of a HDMI cable.

(OK = Best Buy ~ Target ~ Walmart ~ etc)

 

[mrudman]

HDMI cable (on both ends)

And you Do Not need to Buy a expensive HDMI cable (OK = Best Buy ~ Target ~ Walmart ~ etc)

Thank you!!