I am a complete novice at streaming videos and I don't have a clue as to how to do it. My iMac is connected to the internet via a Ubee DVW32CB modem and ethernet. It has a wifi option but I don't know how to use it. The manual has instructions for tweaking settings via an app, but the app is apparently unavailable.

The only service connected to the computer is internet via Spectrum (formerly Time Warner).

If I want to stream videos remotely to my Samsung TV (not a smart TV), what do I need and how do I do it? The TV has no cable connection (I ditched that several years ago when I found that TV shows were of no interest). The TV is connected to a DVD/VCR player that I use mostly for watching DVDs that are borrowed from the public library. I also have a collection of VHS tapes that I am loath to sacrifice.

That's an interesting question so I did some quick research. It seems you have to make your not smart TV smart. There are two ways to do this: 1.) use a streaming stick or set-top box, like Roku, ChromeCast or Apple TV; 2.) connect your computer to the TV with an HDMI cable.

One article went on to say "If your TV doesn’t have an HDMI-in port, it probably came in with the Ark and it’s time to get a new one." A little judgmental, but… .

The sticks and boxes will provide instructions on set-up and streaming.

I use an AppleTV which makes my "dumb" TV act like a smart TV. That will enable your MacOS or iOS devices able to stream to your TV or even better the AppleTV can connect directly to your WiFi network and play anything on your Apple account without the use of a computer, tablet, or phone. Be sure and get the Apple TV with the big memory. Apps can eat up storage fast.

Thanks for the replies. Connecting my TV via ethernet is not possible (it's in another room on the other side of the house). If my understanding is correct, I need the following:

1. Something to plug into my modem (via ethernet?) that will generate a WiFi signal.
2. Something similar to Apple TV (I'm considering Roku after reading reviews at Consumer Reports) that connects to my TV via HDMI.

Am I correct?

Do you have a cell phone picking up a wi-fi signal in your house? Does your modem generate a wi-fi signal? First you have to have a router/modem that broadcasts a wi-fi signal.

If the television is far from the signal, then you can install a variety of wi-fi extenders (I use a powerline extender that used the home wiring network to take the signal from the modem to a plug near the television where the extender is plugged in.

Then a Roku, Chromecast (I use an Amazon Fire Stick with Amazon Prime) plugged into an HDMI socket on the TV. I think whatever stick you choose has to pick up around 10Mb/sec to work without buffering.

Is this sudden interest Covid-19-inspired by any chance?

I think that my modem generates a WiFi signal. I signed into the modem site and it says Network Access Allowed. Does this mean WiFi? Sorry if this question is too simplistic. I'm a complete novice at this. I have no idea if the TV is too far from the modem to receive a signal. My best guess is that it's about 40-50 feet and the signal has to pass through some walls.

And yes, the sudden interest is inspired by Covid 19. I have been thinking about it for awhile anyway.

How is your iMac connected to the modem? Ethernet cable?

Try switching on the iMac's wi-fi and see what shows up in the System Preferences/Network dialogue. If you turn on Wi-Fi, you might find your modem in the list of available networks. Or, on the back of the modem, there might be login details?

The iMac is connected to the modem via ethernet. I switched WiFi on as you suggested and the drop-down menu of networks includes several called My Spectrum (Spectrum is my ISP). I arbitrarily chose one and got a dialog box asking for a password, which I copied from the modem but did not enter.

As mentioned before, I logged into the URL for the modem and it says that "Network Access" is "Allowed". Currently, there is no network selected. Being a complete novice, I don't know what to do at this point. I have not purchased anything (Apple TV, Roku, etc.) so there is nothing to connect to.

Advice?

Well, if I were you, the first thing I'd do is unplug the ethernet cable from your iMac. Then, switch in wi-fi via the network preference pane. Try to connect your iMac to the internet via the modem's wi-fi signal. You'll have to enter a user name and password. These should be on the back of the modem. Hit return. If you can access the internet via a browser on your iMac, you're half way home.

You can check your download speed via an online checker, like Speedtest.net

If you're getting around 10 Mbps or better, buy a HDMI stick for your television, Chromecast, Amazon Fire Stick, Roku... you will be able to log on to your modem using the same password as you did for your iMac.

If it won't get a signal or buffers too much to be watchable, you'll have to consider an wi-fi signal extender: powerline or mesh. Lots of reading to do!

Good luck.

Thanks, I'll give it a go. My download speed is 235 Mbps, so speed is not a limiting factor.

In normal times I would suggest you contact your ISP and get a router/modem that offers WiFi capability but of course these are not normal times and you can't just dropping to their store to pick up the new. device. That said a power line adapter like freelance suggested is probably your easiest way to go. How you get the device of our choice is the next challenge when Amazon is quoting April 21 delivery for most adapters.

Fortunately, I'm in no hurry and I'm not even sure if I want to stream. This is still in the thinking stage.

I took a quick look around Amazon, and it looks like they're hedging their bets on many items by specifying extended delivery windows in anticipation of the possibility rather than because they're current reality.

In the UK, Amazon is filling their warehouse shelves with necessary items for quick delivery, rather than all the electronic stuff I usually buy. Except you still can't get a pack of Paracetamol.

Because of this thread, I looked at Fire Sticks. I can get one of those on April 21.

April 21 seems to be Amazon's current hedge date.

As I said, though, I don't think it has anything to do with current reality, rather it's a function of the possibilities inherent in the situation, both for Amazon and its "fulfillment" suppliers.