Alternative to cable? (Google TV?)

Is there any product out there that would let me set up an entertainment area in my guest room without adding cable? I have a PC monitor, but I lack anything to hook into it that replicates the experience one gets from cable. I was exploring Google tv, but it sounds like it blocks a lot of media sites, AND it seems to require a cable box.

Is there any product out there that would let me set up an entertainment area in my guest room without adding cable? I have a PC monitor, but I lack anything to hook into it that replicates the experience one gets from cable. I was exploring Google tv, but it sounds like it blocks a lot of media sites, AND it seems to require a cable box.

donalbane

Is there any product out there that would let me set up an entertainment area in my guest room without adding cable? I have a PC monitor, but I lack anything to hook into it that replicates the experience one gets from cable. I was exploring Google tv, but it sounds like it blocks a lot of media sites, AND it seems to require a cable box.

donalbane

So I'm guessing you don't have cable, or you don't want to add another room?

OK sorry... I do have cable (and a netflix subscription to boot), but I don't want to get a 2nd box. I also don't want a PC to be part of the equation... to much power consumption, and too clunky to operate for this purpose. What I want is something that guests can easily use that won't cost a fortune. I looked at google TV, but it seems to require a cable box. I've had some experience with the Roku streaming boxes, but was wondering if there were superior alternatives. donalbane

I saw this last time I was at Wal-Mart:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/FAST-TRACK-Roku-XD-Streaming-Video-Player/16437938

It looked interesting and may work for you - it may also be the one mentioned in an above post.

Edit:
Not that I want to sound like an advertisement but the more I looked into the Roku brand streaming media player the more it seemed to offer.
Here's a link to their website where you can buy direct: http://shop.roku.com/
TC - if you end up getting one, make sure you get a model 2 version (Roku 2 HD, XD or XS) - priced around $59, $79 and $99 respectively.
The $99 model Roku 2 XS offers a usb port for media playback, an ethernet port for wired networks, along with a free copy of Angry Birds and an enhanced remote (with motion sense). There's HDMI, a micro-SD slot, ethernet jack, optical audio and all 3 come with a 3.5mm propietary A/V cable for SD tv's.

Along with streaming from the internet you can go to http://www.ro-connect.com for a pc program that lets you stream your own files from a PC to the box - similar to how the PS3 and Xbox 360 can. This would save using a usb drive.