I use an old laptop in just this fashion. It is wireless to the router in the bedroom office, connected directly to the tv (not hdtv) via s-video cable and audio out to my home stereo. Super cheap and easy. There are any number of pc-hdtv converters if you need one, (most tvs have s-vid connection) and info about this as well. I am running XP, no need for anything more complicated; just a standard internet connection, or whatever you need for your Hulu/Joost/Netflix, etc..Just remember, simpler is better most of the time…