Plugging in a computer to your TV hasn't been easy until very recently. Most computers do not have the hi-def outputs that TVs require. The only standard port y

Plugging in a computer to your TV hasn't been easy until very recently. Most computers do not have the hi-def outputs that TVs require. The only standard port you can use from a laptop is probably S-Video. Then there is the problem of appropriate resolution, refresh rates, zoom-levels, and audio quality. I've had many different computers connected to my TV for almost a decade now. The most annoying part has always been the input device (remote vs. keyboard/mouse vs. Boxee's iPhone app). I have a DVR. I hit "Guide" and instantly the guide shows up. If I have a computer hooked up playing VLC, it's not as simple. You can run MythTV, Windows Media Center, or a bunch of other apps but none of them work as smoothly and nicely as my Verizon FiOS DVR. I even bought a Panasonic ShowCenter ( http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,1911939,00.asp http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,1911939,00.asp ) and while it played nearly everything, it just didn't work well all the time. It crashed, caused audio-sync issues, and I had to keep reentering my wifi info everytime I restarted it. Right now my solution is to have a small hidden netbook connected to the TV. I VNC into the netbook using my laptop while I sit on the sofa and play it however I want. So far this has been my most favorite option.