I was making a DS for you but all the solutions were just ok. Screenly was the only Pi specific solution, http://www.screenlyapp.com
All the rest were front end players requiring you to have a server to feed it.
I was looking at Rise Vision as well but would need more than the Pi.
The new B+ is really great with the lower power requirements and 4 USB ports. With a NOOBs(OS) card they are only $40. NOOBs makes setting up the Pi Super Easy. I really like BerryBoot V2 and use it with a USB Memory Stick and a 128mb MicroSD card.
Kinda hard to meet in the lounge to drop it off to you, heheh