Roku vs connecting PC to TV

[macroman]

Does anyone here have experience with connecting a PC directly to the TV to use as a monitor? All the content that I'm looking for curently could come from a PC.

What's needed to connect the PC to a TV and how does that compare with the ROKU experience?

[KennyJ]

Depends.

I used to connect my laptop to my TV, but didn't have enough inputs, so it was a pain in the butt. I had to switch out something else. On top of that, my laptop wasn't dedicated to TV watching, so I had to power it up each time to, say, watch Hulu. That and I didn't have a wireless keyboard or mouse, so I had to get up anytime I wanted to pause, etc.

Now, if you had a dedicated pc (eg HTPC) and were using Windows Media Center, Boxee, or Playon and had a remote, it would probably be quite useable, but unless you have an extra box lying around, it would probably cost a 2-3 hundred to build a decent one.

[Brad I.]

What is needed depends on your tv and computer. We currently use both a Roku and a HTPC with Boxee, our tv has a PC input. Even though More content is available on the pc, the Roku gets far more use. It's just so simple that the whole family uses it. The PC is great but much more involved, wouldn't even bother with it without a wireless keyboard. I would say wait a few more weeks and see what new content Roku rolls out.

[QuantumIguana]

I'd consider both. Technically you don't need any special equipment. I have a PC connected via VGA. I have a wireless keyboard and mouse. The Roku is much more convenient to use, is small and quiet. The PC is awkward, large and has a noisy fan.

[Burkhardi]

I'd consider both. Technically you don't need any special equipment. I have a PC connected via VGA. I have a wireless keyboard and mouse. The Roku is much more convenient to use, is small and quiet. The PC is awkward, large and has a noisy fan.

And don't forget the WAF...

[neon8]

I have both setups. My Roku is connected HDMI and my PC is also connected HDMI to 60 inch Sony. I use the Roku for Netflix and Amazon and use the PC for content only available on internet- like HULU, youtube, blinkx, mediafly. If any of theses were available on roku would use them.

[Thanny]

If you're talking about streaming Netflix, the Roku supports HD content, while Netflix has (for unfathomable reasons) not implemented HD content for computers.