Cheapest possible way to stream movies to WDTV Live

[bryho]

I am looking to set up very basic, VERY cheap networked storage to stream movies to a WD TV Live HD for my parents (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...&cm_re=wd_media_player-_-22-136-472-_-Product). I would also like to use it seamlessly as a network share in windows without the proprietary software that some cheap NAS's seem to require.

If anyone has any suggestions at all, I would really appreciate it. I've done a bit of research but I can't find anything that fits the bill quite yet.

Thanks,
Bryan

 

[beginner_]

Stream what and wired/wireless?

I also have the wd tv live and use the netgear wndr3700 router as "NAS". You can attach an usb harddrive to it and supports media server.

A nice feature of the wndr3700 is that you can setup a 5 ghz wireless seperate network for streaming only. That's what I have. 1080p mkv's stream easly without stutter.
price: around 120$.

BUT:
The issue is the wd-tv live itself. It sometimes loses the network connection and this can be pretty annoying. The best way to avoid this is to turn on the wd tv like 15 min prior to main usage. Then it seems to work better. I've heard this also happens with wired network. (just browse the wd forums...)
normally the issue occurs just once after about 3-10 min in the movie. Afterwards it's fine.
- write speed from windows to the drive is ultra slow. i normally connect it to my pc to transfer files if they are needed shortly.

For 100% trouble free with wd tv live-> connect hdd directly...