trying to Update my Internet out of the Stone-Age

[Mark DiSilvestro]

After 12 years using a WebTV Classic internet-box, which dispays through my TV, and several ill-fated experiments with used computers, this year my brother gave me a wireless-enabled, internet-capable Kindlefire. Though I don't download books, It's been great being able to quickly link to various sites and download videos. But the touch-screen keyboard and 7-inch screen are a pain. So I'm looking for some internet device that can replace my WebTV and perform like my kindlefire.
I'm considering this $200 Sony WiFi internet box I saw at HH Gregg. The supplied remote has only an absurdly tiny keyboard, but one of the sales-persons told me this unit could be fitted with a wireless keyboard.
Like my WebTV, it uses my TV as the monitor. But it only has an HDMI output. that's no problem connecting to my "40 LCD TV, but it won't connect to the AV input-jacks on my DVD or VHS recorders without some kind of converter or adapter cable.
So does anyone here know if such a device exists. The sales person at HH Gregg did find a $7 adapter cable on Amazon.com that looked like what I might need, but he wasn't sure. I'm wondering if the HDMI output is a digital signal that won't be compatible with the AV inputs on the recorders, by using just a simple adapter-cable. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks.

Happy Motoring, Mark

[tbomachines]

It does exist. You're going from digital to analog though, converters can get expensive and are a little box typically. Not on a computer at the moment so I can't provide a link sorry! They do exist though!

[spdrun]

Look for an HDMI-to-composite convertor box -- it will basically do what you're looking for. Should be about $50.

Why not just buy a cheap laptop, netbook, or small formfactor Atom PC for your browsing needs? You shouldn't need to spend more than $400.

[Mark DiSilvestro]

Originally Posted by spdrun

Look for an HDMI-to-composite convertor box -- it will basically do what you're looking for. Should be about $50.

Why not just buy a cheap laptop, netbook, or small formfactor Atom PC for your browsing needs? You shouldn't need to spend more than $400.

Because I've become used to (and my aging eyes are more comfortable) enjoying the internet with my wireless keyboard, from the comfort of my couch, on a 30 to 40 inch screen, while being able to switch from internet to Tv almost instantly.

Compared to perching on a chair, hunched over my desk, pecking at an over-sensitive touch-pad while squinting at my Kindlefire's 7 -inch screen.

The keyboard on a 10 inch netbook or 15 inch laptop would be an improvement over the Kindlefire, but no comparison to how I currently see the internet on my big LCD TV.

By the way, lately the netbooks seem to have dissappeared from many stores - replaced by tablets!

People have been promising us these seamless internet-tv-entertainment systems for years. But it appears some of the technology actually has become more compartmentalized and incompatible.

The Sony box comes closest to what I'd want, and it's on sale his week for $170. But unlike my WebTV, it won't connect to a video recorder.
If a converter is availible for around $50,that's doable. But not too much higher, as I'll already need to invest in a $40 wireless keyboard.

Happy Motoring, Mark

[spdrun]

Point being you can buy a real laptop (not netbook) for under $400 WITH an HDMI port to connect to the teevee. Best of all worlds, as opposed to using a crippled device.

[cullennewsom]

Just get a cheap PC with HDMI out and a wireless keyboard.

[cmbdiesel]

Originally Posted by cullennewsom

Just get a cheap PC with HDMI out and a wireless keyboard.

X2 Cheap, easy and eerily familiar....

[cullennewsom]

Originally Posted by cmbdiesel

X2 Cheap, easy and eerily familiar....

Yeah, lol.

I guess if OP misses the Web TV he could get a Raspberry PI.