I downloaded the PlayOn media server two days ago and have been playing around with their fully functional demo. I have to say it simply works as advertised and took no more than 2 minutes to set up. In a matter of minutes I was streaming Hulu and Netflix shows right to my TV via my iMac and it works GREAT!
It works so well as a matter of fact that I purchased a lifetime license for the software. If you are interested in grabbing your own copy hurry because they are offering a special discount… The normal price is $39.99 but if you buy it before this Sunday you can get it for only $19.99! That really is a sweet deal. If you want to quickly try before you buy you can download the demo and give it a good test drive.
Hulu users especially know that they make it very difficult to watch network TV shows on an actual TV as they try to keep you limited to watching in your PC’s or Mac’s browser or the Hulu desktop client. I’d much rather watch shows on a 50″ Plasma and I’m sure you would as well… With PlayOn this is no longer a problem and I’ve yet to find an easier solution.
PC users can just install the software/set up your account logins for Hulu, Netflix, etc. and you are done. Mac users like myself have to take a few extra steps but it is extremely simple to set up. Here is a link that will guide OS X users through the basic setup/install (some of the screen shots are a bit outdated but you will still be able to follow the set up very easily).
What you will need to run the PlayOn media server:
- PC running Windows OS
- Mac (OS X) running windows via Virtualization software such as Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion, or even apple’s boot camp.
- 512 MB RAM
- 100MB of available hard drive space for the install
- A networked PS3, Xbox 360, Wii or DLNA compliant device
I tested PlayOn on an HP Desktop PC / 24″ iMac 2.8Ghz extreme and a macbook. The PC was running Win XP pro and I tested XP pro and Win 7 on my iMac and macbook. It worked seamlessly on all three setups with no snags at all. Depending on the speed of your ISP you may need to tweak your streaming settings (or you can just choose auto).
The bottom line is I’ve played around with various media servers on my Mac and this by far is the simplest and easiest to set up solution I’ve found. It was a good deal at $39.99 but it truly is a steal at $19.99! Give it a go and enjoy all the perks of streaming to your actual TV 
To me that is the question… How does the iPad bridge that gap between my iPhone and and my Macbook? To me it doesn’t make that leap, at least not with the version one product. Do I want one? Sure, it would be a great little toy to have and millions of people will find a use for it or it will bridge that gap for them.
So please don’t take this post the wrong way, I love apple and their products. I was just really hoping this would be more of an actual netbook competitor and not a slick looking toy.