TV & Home Theatre

[#1]

Hello - this is my first post.  I just bought a new Toshiba laptop, but realized that it doesn't have HDMI output.  It does, however, have the latest 802.11 wifi connectivity.  I was planning to connect my new laptop to my TV so I could watch downloads from netflix, my videos, and such on my TV.  Without an HDMI output, can I still do this?  Can I do this via the wireless connection if I get a wireless router like D-link? 

Your assistance is much appreciated, as this is all new to me!    Thanks.

[#2]

If your laptop has a VGA output, there are VGA->HDMI adapters out there, although you wont be taking advantage of full 1080 quality.  Expect it to be more 720 than 1080.

[#3]

See if your laptop has any outputs at all. VGA / composite / component.

Check your TV and see if you have VGA in, from my experience, lots of LCD TV's have a VGA in, and for sound, you can use the headphone jack from your laptop to plug into the TV (usually right next to the VGA in). It's NOT PERFECT, but does work. If not, then you are stranded to using the laptops speakers for sound.

If your laptop doesn't have ANY video outputs, then unfortunately, you are out of luck.

No you can't use the WIFI to send audio/video to your TV. Unless you have a Smart TV, or a TV that is on your network. I belive Samsung, Sony and other TV makers have built in WIFI TV's now. However, you don't need to have a laptop to get the audio/video since the TV itself is the computer. They have Apps for netflix and the likes.

Only other option is to get a media streamer. relatively low cost devices that can access your files, or internet to stream music and movies.  ie Boxee Box, WD live, Apple TV, slingbox, etc etc.

[#4]

How new is it? If it's within the return window, take it back and exchange it! Obviously an HDMI port was an (intended) selling point for you, and I'm guessing you assumed a new laptop would have one? HDMI is by far the easiest way to connect a laptop to an hdtv, so it's probably less hassle to exchange your new laptop than to troubleshoot another way to connect

[#5]

Netflix in Canada is a ripoff. You can't get first run movies or TV shows, so take it back and get a laptop with HDMI. Be prepared for huge wideband use though.