Even that seems like it's much simpler now. The desktop player I use has Chromecast support. Haven't connected a PC to the TV in ages. I don't have an Apple TV, but I would imagine Airplay support isn't difficult to find either.

And it doesn't even require a desktop / laptop. It's possible to use your seedbox to torrent, then download it to your phone, and then cast it from your phone.

The one thing I do have to futz with are subtitles. It's usually easy, but fails every now and then.