You don't have to watch downloaded video only on your computer screen: hook up your computer to a television to watch video on your hard drive with the big-screen effect.
All you need to do so is a TV out port on your computer and the right cable. Check out the back of your PC or the sides of your laptop for an S-Video port, pictured on the right. (If you don't have one, video cards with S-Video ports are available for under $100.) Then, check your TV's inputs. Many TVs have S-Video ports in so you'll need an S-Video to S-Video cable. If not, an S-Video to RCA cable will work. Connect the computer to the television while the computer's off and the TV's on. Then turn on the computer to give your machine the chance to detect it has an external display available.
Computer video experts: any more tips on watching computer video on a TV screen? Let us know in the comments or via email to tips at lifehacker.com.
How to connect your computer to a television [Packard Bell]
Connecting to a TV Display [Microsoft]