The term "Convergence" is oft used in the IT industry and refers to the coming together of the worlds of PCs , TV, HiFi etc. It's generally reckoned, for example, that within just a few years, more people will surf the internet using non-computer devices than the traditional PC/browser model of today.
I plan to try this - but now, rather than in a year or two. To this end, I've just ordered the BT version of Netgem's iPlayer. This is actually a freeview Digital TV set-top box, but it does a great deal more than just providing TV.
It can also be connected to an existing home PC network - which I already have - which will allow me to view websites and read e-mail on our TV, as well as stream MP3 music for playback via our AV system.. all without leaving the comfort of our sofa! If I beef up my existing PC server - currently an old 350MHz Pentium II desktop machine, it should even be possible to play back digital video files such as our home movies.
The total cost of the kit required to do this is just under £80, so I can't lose. Everything's on order and should be delivered by the end of this week. Roll on the weekend!