Here is a setup that is great IMO
Things you need
- TV
- Sony internet player (aka google box) -
See it here - Generally hovers around the $180 price point.
- Internet connection / home network (Wifi preferred).
- Several apps (<$15-20 total, one time fee)
- Optional subscriptions to other services
- HDMI cable
So, basically, the TV and Sony player can do it all. I have an xbox also hooked up that I like to use for Netflix / Centre Ice / At Bat (more on that later).
Anyways, the Sony Internet player (SIP), connects to your wifi and connects to your tv via HDMI cable. This unit connects to the google play store, and offers a tonne of apps (the above pasted review notes you have to wade through a lot of them). But, what works for me is setting that up and downloading the following apps
ViMu: An app for streaming content from your also-connected PC's / laptops / etc)
1channel: a great app for streaming television & movies, fails on things like news programs and 60 minutes, but basically connects you to all the sources that projectfree.tv and those other streaming sites use. Quality varies from standard cable to HD.
Navi-x: User generated streaming movies, many in HD quality (main reason I use it). Also offers current-run stuff (Wolvering and Pacific Rim would be there for sure), but shaky-cam quality.
Now on the the subscription stuff.
Netflix: Must have, you know what it is. Like $8 a month
Unblock-us (or another similar service): Quick change on your router settings for DNS #'s (easy follow instructions available), and you're suddenly getting USA quality Netflix, web browsing, sports broadcast (more on that in a minute). Basically whenever you've seen "This video can't be played in your country", it's gone. About $8 a month
Sports package of your choice: The big four sports all have a subscription based service that very likely can be downloaded on this unit (I tend towards the xbox m'self). They range in price depending on the time in the season you order it, and what you get. I assume they go for about $150 - $200 / season. Now normally, this eliminates your local games for broadcast rights reasons (no leaf / canadiens / senators games), but with the unblockus thing? All games, regardless available.
I'm sure there must be apps out there to stream sports, but I haven't spent the time trying to find them. However, this unit also comes with Google Chrome, which as you should know is one of the better web browsers. This can go to sites like firstrowsports.com and stream as well.
Mark