Media Options?

[oldskooladdict]

See thread somewhere below this about my proposed new TVs... now with a a nice new shiny LCD on the case I want to get some media on the go from my PC.

Currently I just burn things to DVD or use a Sumvision media HDD - connect it to my PC via a 10m usb cable and transfer files, however, this seems to make a noise on the TV which gets pretty un-watchable so I don't use it now! (Both are not really the most convenient or quick options)

My media is stored on 2 external HDDs attached to my desktop, which runs Vista Home Premium.

I want to be able to view all my media on the TV - by media I only mean pictures or video (music I deal with on vinyl lol). However, I want to be able to view virtually any format - without converting - so wmv, mp4, avi, mpg, mov etc.

This desktop is in another room - currently reachable by a 10m usb cable at a stretch to give you an idea.

I also have a Vista Home Premium laptop.

I was going to use the laptop and connect to the TV, however, the laptop only has VGA - so - can I connect that to a TV with HDMI or Scart inputs?!

If I can't use the laptop what other options do I have? - Bearing in mind the desire to view virtually any format and not transfer files from the external HDDs.

As a slight aside, but also important - the new TV comes with freeview built in - How can I record from the TV to the laptop? - What else would I require?

Apologies if that was a bit of a ramble but I'm a tad confused and trying to see what my options are!!

[Time Bandit]

Sounds like a PVR might be useful for you. You can archive recordings to HDD/DVD via your PC or laptop. Uploading existing files in other formats to a PVR for watching on the telly however is not straight forward.

If you want to do all these things with one box then you probably need to build/buy a HTPC which means spending more money.