When it comes to streaming Internet downloads like movies, Hulu and Youtube to a flat screen TV there are numerous paths.
On the one hand you've got the Apple TV - with slick interface, remote, networkability, Internet access for downloadable movies and TV shows (and not the illegal variety). One other hand, unless you're prepared to get under the hood, all the best bits of the Web, like Hulu, for example, remain out of reach.
The Home Theatre PC route undoubtedly gives you the most freedom - with full browser-based access to streaming TV from the ABC, SBS, shows like Underbelly from Channel Nine, DVD, Hulu (if you know how), and you can install apps like Boxee. Then there's the added benefit of PVR functionality with services like IceTV.
Nettop PCs could be a contender - they're small, there's no building you have to do, and the price is usually cheap. But lack of HDMI or graphics grunt has limited their appeal. Still, there's hope, in the form of boxes like Viewsonic's VOT nettop range.
The newly announced (overseas) range includes the VOT132 - a pint-size box that judging by the pics, you can even strap to the back of a screen. The box isn't hugely powerful, with dual core Atom 330 onboard, 2GB RAM, and 250GB. But there is WiFi, and HDMI.
Key though, is Nvidia's Ion chipset, which promises 1080p HD video playback and 7.1 audio.
Something it won't do is play discs. For that, Viewsonic has higher spec Core 2 Duo units, including the DVD-equipped VOT530, for which the price is being reported as US$821.
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